Robin Goodfellow's Blog, page 32
February 14, 2018
Book Review for Fidget Spinners Destroyed My Family by George Billions
Fidget Spinners Destroyed My Family, by George Billions, is a horror novella detailing the crumbling remnants of a family whose lives were overtaken by fidget spinners.
Karen’s husband, Kevin, decides to give their children fidget spinners for Christmas. At first, the toy seemed harmless enough, and even allowed Kevin and their daughter, Emma, to bond over them. However, soon, their son John gets into trouble, such as becoming involved in illegal drug dealing and masturbating in church. Things deteriorate even further when Karen suspects her husband of cheating on his with a coworker. As her fear gradually starts to consume her, she still refuses to see what is happening around her. Slowly but surely, the family erodes, until the only thing that’s left are traces of memories, where the one constant in their lives are fidget spinners.
To be honest, I didn’t find this as amusing as it probably should have been. The fidget spinners were just a way to see how weak Karen’s family was in the face of adversity. The most glaring detail was how blatantly obvious there was something wrong with Karen, but her utter refusal to see anything beyond her suspicions. She was overtaken by her paranoia, and when she couldn’t take it anymore, she tried projecting her fear onto the fidget spinners. It’d gotten so out of hand that her husband had killed himself trying to construct one. It was particularly heartbreaking to see Emma clinging to her favorite toy, which served as a reminder of the normal life she should have had.
One thing I enjoyed most about the book was how the parents weren’t acting like adults. It was as if with the introduction of the fidget spinners, they began to regress. They started suspecting everyone around them, loved ones and strangers alike, to the point where they allowed their pettiness to tear them apart. It was sad to see, but even at the end of the book they still couldn’t pull themselves together, if only to save their family. They drifted further and further from their normal lives, like an hourglass wasting time away.
On a somewhat humorous note, the anecdote was a bit funny. It had a twisted way of making me giggle, however hard it was to believe. Still, the fidget spinners carried a heavy connotation to them, with the numerous insecurities that Karen and Kevin had. Because of this, I would rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars, and would recommend it to fans of The Die-Fi Experiment by M.R. Tapia, and Drip: A Gothic Bromance by Andrew Montlack.
February 13, 2018
Encouragements
For those of you who have struggled with loving anything, with feeling anything, with wondering just where your place is in the world, remember that you are loved. Despite everything that’s happened, the struggles and difficulties, the tears you’ve shed, and the loneliness you’ve felt, you’re you, and the world loves you for it.
After all, as Marilyn Monroe once said, “Keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life’s a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.”
Book Review for The Skin Room by Morgan Fleetwood
The Skin Room, by Morgan Fleetwood, is a dark narrative about a man who recalls memories of blood, decadence, and murder, all within the guise of a nightmarish confession.
The book is separated into three parts. The first part, Failure, is about Alex Melville, a translator who tries to kidnap a woman named Valentina and use her for a ritual. He has a sister named Sonia, whom he believes is being abused by her boyfriend, and a father that forgets the goriest of details. The second part, Fugitive, shows Alex on the run in the aftermath of Valentina’s murder. He races to find his sister, whom he believes could help him. The third part, Female, finally allows Alex to fall deeper and deeper into his depravity. He meets the Inspector while dressed in Sonia’s clothes and going by the alias Sandra, a he tries to uncover the truth behind Sonia’s disappearance.
I loved reading about Alex. I enjoyed every dark twist in his thoughts as he slipped further into his madness, until all that’s left was the monster beneath, a horrific creature lurking in the back of his mind. With every part I finished, I couldn’t help but flinch. It was as if he was peeling back layers of his insanity, lulling me further into his chasm of depravity. Though he was caught by the Inspector in the end, he still doesn’t relinquish that disturbing atmosphere. It was made all the apparent when he felt that he had something to do with Sonia’s death. Throughout the story, he never attempted to reconcile himself with what he’s done. He doesn’t mention anything about morality, never thought about convincing himself that he was doing the right thing. It wasn’t anything I’ve read before; it was like I was reading a hollow being I can neither call a monster or human.
I can’t help but compare this book to Stephen King’s nightmarish work, Carrie. The titular protagonist wanted to belong, but when she was humiliated, she slaughtered her classmates with her powers. However, in Fleetwood’s book, Alex makes no attempt to try to belong; he acts as if he does, but there was nothing else normal about him. Whereas Carrie was about an innocent girl who was dragged down a road to Hell, Alex acted as though he paved the way to begin with, taking everyone down with him, neither seeing nor caring who gets pulled in. If the two were together, I have no doubt that Alex will try to lure Carrie into his den, and in the same way as he did with Valentina.
Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 4.1 out of 5 stars. Alex’s insanity and sadistic nature reflected back at me the depths of human depravity, which bordered the edge of Hell. I also loved the way it reminded me Carrie, and how such a sweet innocent girl will no doubt wallow in despair at the complexities of Alex’s mind. Because of this, I would recommend this book to fans of The Mask of Sanity by Jacob Appel and Xenon Phobia by Sterling Emmal.
Book Review for Ghosts and Shadows by H. Max Hiller
Ghosts and Shadows, by H. Max Hiller, is a mystery about the arrogance of cultivating lambs to the slaughter, as well as the consequences of what happens when one lamb goes astray.
Cooter “Cadillac” Hooter is called to investigate a string of mysterious fires that have baffled police. After realizing that the fires are connected to a string of alleged gang activity, Cadillac is then called to meet the Deputy of Homeland Security. When he is warned to leave things alone, Cadillac ignores these orders and becomes embroiled in a scandalous nightmare where a monstrous bloodbath slowly begins to unfold before him. It’s a race against time as Cadillac endeavors to uncover the mystery behind these killings, and unveil the corruption that lies behind the facade of America’s finest.
I loved how Hiller incorporated historic events into the story, and showed just how complicated these conflicts are. From the combined efforts against the “War on Terror” and the “War on Drugs”, to the difficulties New Orleans was going through after Hurricane Katrina, it’s a wonderful amalgam of inevitabilities that allowed Hiller to masterfully tie this story together. I especially enjoyed reading about how Cadillac operated within this world. His instincts and protectiveness of his loved ones clearly take precedence despite his past, and while I can’t call him a traditional hero or detective, he nevertheless illustrates that in his eyes, justice always prevails. He seems to thrive where most other people have given up, and has gone where even other soldiers dare not tread.
But however noble these characteristics may be, Cadillac does show that sometimes, it’s better to just leave things alone. While the public may want to have access to this sort of information, the problem is the questions thereafter. Do we want to know the atrocities our soldiers have committed for the sake of our freedoms? Should we risk persecuting our heroes for the sake of learning the truth? Are we better off just not knowing? After all, I believe that the cruelest thing you can do is lie to someone. Then of course, I am just one person trying to live a simple life, so for the moment, my thoughts shouldn’t matter, at least in this regard.
One of the more prominent themes I’ve noticed in the book is how far someone is willing to go to have what they desire. Kinkaid was willing to kill, if only to bring an end to the cartels. Richard Franklin was going down a destructive chasm of mischief and madness, though whether to show off or care for his grandmother is debatable. Even Cadillac seemed to wonder about himself at times, putting himself in danger that may or may not benefit anyone. Hiller succeeds in trying to establish the murky boundaries between good and evil, and it’s this aspect of the story I thoroughly enjoyed.
Overall, I would give this book a 4.4 out of 5 stars. Hiller excels in crafting a dark mystery filled with corruption and forebodance. The fires, the bodies, and the lies play a part in shaping the horrifying justice we all “adore” today. Thus, I would recommend this book to fans of Flash Blood by Joseph Hirsch and Gastric Bypass by Paul Lesko.
February 12, 2018
5 Health Benefits for Basil
Basil has had a long, humbling history with humanity. From its anti-depressant properties, to its soothing appearance, basil has been a beloved herb in many households. Not only that, but its fragile appearance makes it all the more lovable, as does its resilience. I even remember a time when my family put basil leaves in soups; in fact, because we had so much basil growing out in our backyard, we had to eat basil leaves everyday.
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So just what are these benefits? Why are people so enamored with this herb?
1. It fights against depression
One of basil’s most beloved attributes is the fact that it fights against depression. Whenever you have a pot of basil sitting on a windowsill, especially during those dark, winter days, that little pot reassures you that spring is coming. What’s more, according to the book, Herbal Treatment of Children: Western and Ayurvedic Perspectives, basil works on the nervous system by reducing stress, a common occurrence in depression. There have been many studies backing this herb, to the point where tablets are sold in pharmaceutical stores.
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2. It has anti-inflammatory properties
Basil has anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the amount of cellular stress in our body. Basil contains a component called eugenol, which helps block . Because of this compound, basil can provide some relief for people suffering from diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and can also soothe irritable bowel conditions and promote good digestive tract health.
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3. It promotes your overall health
Basil provides many health benefits that can improve your overall well-being. Basil contains many nutrients that aid in cardiovascular health, and carries different vitamins and minerals that can help limit the damage that free radicals due to your body. Basil is also good for your skin, and because of its anti-microbial properties, can help fight harmful bacteria residing on it. Basil has also been shown to have anti-cancer properties, going as far as to protect its users from “melanoma, skin tumors, osteosarcoma and leukemia.”
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4. It helps reduce stress
Because of its success with depression, it’s no surprise that basil has also been shown to help reduce stress. Cortisol is a hormone that is often related to stress, and too much of it can lead to adverse effects in our body, such as heart disease and cholesterol problems, alongside other health problems. Although the exact way basil does this is not yet understood, research shows that basil does reduce cortisol levels in our body in a way that isn’t harmful.
It has also worked to help people adapt in stressful situations, and can assist people in becoming more and more resilient to stress factors. This, in turn, allows you to think more clearly and effectively.
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5. It’s conveniently delicious
Basil is easy to add to your diet. Whether it be soups, pastas, or salads, basil gives you a quirky way to liven up your dishes. Not only this, but basil grows everywhere, as long as the weather and vegetation is good. In fact, I remember that whenever my family moved from house to house, we would always find a few basil plants growing here and there.
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Conclusion
Basil confers many different benefits, some physical, others mental, and even still, some culinary-related. Basil is a beloved herb that has been known to help people with their overall health and improve their mood. Basil is a wonderful, resilient herb that can allow people to not only have a good outlook on life, but can also be enjoyed with loved ones.
Book Review for The Mask of Sanity by Jacob Appel
The Mask of Sanity, by Jacob Appel, is a psychological thriller about living beneath the cracks of society, all the while wearing a dissonant smile within a sea of corpses.
On accident, Jeremy Balint found out that his wife was having an affair with his colleague. After leaving the corpse of a dead dog he ran over in said colleague’s garden, as well as some sort of pondering, he decides to kill his former friend, not only because of the affair, but because he could. He begins to plan every detail of the murder, from becoming embroiled an affair himself, to marking his murderous career as “The Emerald Choker”, Jeremy shows that the deepest parts of the human psyche can be disturbing, and that the real monsters are hidden behind the masks of friends and family.
I have to admire Jeremy for his thoroughness in covering up his crime (aside from allowing DNA evidence to linger on a victim). There was also no hesitation on his part, and comes up with justifications that make sense to him and only him. To be honest, I don’t recognize him as a sociopath; he does have some regard for his wife and children, however slim the moments were. And he does show a tiny bit of remorse, as fleeting as is. It makes the ending all the more haunting.
We all try to believe there is some good in us, that there is always a reasonable for the way things are. For some people however, that just isn’t the case. They only subscribe to ideas of goodness and inner worth because they are expected to. Society weaves a complex web that is hard to get rid of, and with that comes ethics that everyone is expected to follow. Killers such as Jack the Ripper and Ted Bundy have managed to successfully follow these rules, all the while carrying out their murderous activities.
Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 4.5 out of 5 stars. Jeremy is intriguing as a character, not just because of his antisocial tendencies, but also because I got to see just how difficult it is to weave to separate yourself from normalcy. The ending was eerie, because it meant that even if he does achieve bliss, some part of him knows it won’t last forever. I loved it, and would recommend this book to those who enjoy The Scarlet Letter and Crime and Punishment.
Book review for Clemenceau’s Daughter by Rocky Porch Moore
Clemenceau’s Daughters by Rocky Porch Moore is an eerie, Southern Gothic novel that details the blood-soaked legacy behind cracks of innocence.
The book is separated into three parts. The first part introduces Debbie, a young girl with a strange ability that has led to the death of both her babysitter and her beloved grandfather. The second part reveals the frightening history of why that ability attracts so much tragedy, and demonstrates just what happens when hatred goes unchecked. The third part finally describes the results of such a past, with Debbie losing yet another loved one.
I loved the parallels Moore has drawn between the mothers in the book. Both Maisie and Carolyn did whatever they could to secure their daughter’s happiness; Maisie in ensuring Clemenceau’s fortune and reputation, Carolyn in keeping Debbie safe. But despite their efforts, that bittersweet ending still tied their stories together. From one secret to another, the determination of the mothers to try to secure their daughter’s future was a consistent idea in the book, which made the prologue all the more terrifying.
I also enjoyed the symbolism. The ominous mountain, the foreboding deaths, and even the tree at the beginning of the book; with each different symbol comes yet another warning about the dangers lurking nearby. Even the colors and details were haunting; the pink walls and wide-eyed dolls in Debbie’s room, supposedly every girl’s dream room, something she can relish in the follies of her youth. But even so, the horrors of that legacy still tore that room down and shoved her into the open, with a large target painted on her back.
Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 4.7 out of 5 stars. The Southern Gothic feel forced me into a dreamlike daze, as Moore lulled me into a false sense of security through the eyes of a child. Coupled with the shattered innocence that hid the sinister shadows beneath, Moore showed the age-old lesson of what happens when hatred goes unchecked. I would thus recommend this book to readers who loved The Magnolia League series and Beautiful Creatures.
February 10, 2018
Book review for Feathers, Shades, Shadows and a Few Raindrops, by Mandar Naik
Feathers, Shades, Shadows and a Few Raindrops, by Mandar Naik, is a poetry collection that deals with being human, whether the experiences be good or bad, joyful or sorrowful.
The collection is separated into four different parts. The first part, Feathers, talks about dreams, and the nostalgic differences between childhood and adulthood. The second part, Shades, deals with the harsh realities of emotions, and how we handle our most primitive instincts. The third part, Shadow, illustrates the painful lesson of learning from life’s hardships, all the while reflecting on the fragility of our beliefs. The final part, And a Few Raindrops, demonstrates the sorrow that we’ve come across, and how we react to it. Naik paints a beautiful picture of humanity, alongside our emotions and our beliefs, that make up our entire world.
One of my favorite poems comes from the first part, called Woven Dreams. It shows the differences between the past and the present, all the while wishing for what once was. The poem carried on a bittersweet tone that made me reminisce on my own past, and how simple everything seemed. The poems in this collection reflect the same emotional caress woven into the words. There were some words that seemed a bit extraneous to me, and I did find a couple of poems particularly repetitive. Nevertheless, the poetry was wonderful.
I enjoyed this collection. Naik showed the foundations that make up humanity, as well as the world around us. From portraying the differences between past and present, to dreams and reality, the words weave an almost magical atmosphere the reader will truly enjoy. As such, I will give this book a rating of a 4.4 out of 5.0 stars, and would recommend it to those who enjoy Written Constellations, by Hanzel Writes, and My Ladybird Story, by Magus Tor.
Healing Through Writing
As you can see from the various blog posts here, I enjoy reading books. I love looking at the different writing styles, and when I continue reading, I can’t help but write a bit myself. I even have a few short stories here and there. But as I kept going, I realized that there was more to the art of writing than what meets the eye.
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For centuries, writing has commanded a certain respect in the artistic world. Great figures like Shakespeare, Emily Dickinson, and Maya Angelou have used writing to capture the essence of human expression, bringing us together despite our differences. Even now, writing has a special place in our hearts, and has touched people, whether they do it or not.
And it’s hard not to see why. It can be used to create imaginative worlds, to learn something, or to even escape from stress. But there’s so much more to writing, isn’t there? After all, if there wasn’t, we wouldn’t be sitting here, simply just churning our words on a page.
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1. It helps you communicate better
As Stephen King once said, when you want to write well, you need to read. A lot. It allows you to understand not just your own words, but other people’s as well, so much so that there leaves little room for misunderstanding. You learn to communicate your emotions, and can help you share your experiences with other people. This, in turn, leads you to understand other people’s perspectives, and offers you a way to connect with others.
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2. It relieve stress
Writing can help you create worlds that may not have been otherwise possible. When we fully immerse ourselves in our thoughts, we tend to forget ourselves, and concentrate on our crafts. We start to express ourselves in ways that may not have been acceptable anywhere else, simply because we know that no one else is watching us. It’s this freedom that writing offers that allows us to relive our stresses. We leave our worries at the door from the moment we pick up our pens, pencils, crayons, or anything else we use to write.
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3. It improves your emotional well-being
By relieving stress and teaching us how to communicate better, we are able to improve our overall emotional well-being. By simply writing down how you feel, how your characters feel, or even a situation you’re in, you can improve your attitude tremendously. Writing also helps us handle hard times. By allowing us to write down our emotions, we’re able better handle these situations, and deal with our emotions and difficulties accordingly. Finally, writing can help us understand other aspects of our lives that we may take for granted, and thus, allows us to be more thankful for the things we do have.
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4. It helps you build up mental clarity
Because writing involves understanding the words you’re writing, organizing your thoughts, and finding new ways to coney your ideas, it’s no wonder that writing has been shown to help people build up their cognitive abilities. When you’re writing, you’re constantly learning about the world around you, taking on new perspectives that are different from yours, and coming up with new phrases that can make you message more impactful. It’s the reason why so many authors and writers are quick-witted, critical, and overall good at what they do. Writing forces you to evaluate yourself, and to push yourself to be better.
Despite the (undeserved) stigma that writers often have to go through, there are still genuine reasons why people write. Whether it be for financial stability, or pure enjoyment, writing has a therapeutic aspect to it that allows people to immerse themselves in the words they’ve written.
-Featured Image by Free-Photos from pixabay
February 9, 2018
Book Review for Footsteps in the Dark by Carlo Armenise
Footsteps in the Dark, by Carlo Armenise, is a collection of short stories that deal with the twisted notions of justice, all the while mocking remorseless individuals who decide to remove themselves from society’s ethics.
Each of these stories have an overall theme of lawfulness and perceived order. Whether it be killing a rapist that’d already destroyed the lives of three people, or brutally slaughtering a bigot, each story caresses the morbid and macabre with bloody endings and haunting last words. The punishments Armenise indulges in illustrates a solid boundary between good and evil, with absolutely no room for compromise.
Armenise also utilizes a common theme in the mystery genre, interestingly enough, and that is that whomever breaks societal traditions is viewed as abnormal, and therefore, should effectively be punished. Normally, whatever values we have, we must comply with and change accordingly. If we do not, we will be outed. While the consequences might not be as disastrous as getting mauled or suffering from the effects of a potion, the results are just the same. It’s why people will go to great lengths to hide their differences, however harmless they may be. This idea is something that Armenise executes beautifully.
Overall, I would give this book a rating of a 4 out of 5 stars. I enjoyed how the characters flirted with the thin veil of morality, as well as how Armenise reflects upon people’s perceptions today. Thus, I would recommend this collection to fans of the Saw film series and Stephen King’s Carrie.
