David Roy's Blog, page 4
November 24, 2022
Black Friday
Black Friday. Why is it called that? The name seems to denote some grim event, rather than an uplifting opportunity to spend your cash on near duplicates of the things you already own.
With that in mind, Hobart Books is taking part with a range of selected eBooks at never to be repeated prices, massive reductions, all stock must go and that sort of thing.
https://www.hobartbooks.com/
We're in publishing for the love of literature and not from any kind of base motives surrounding personal gain or anything so vulgar... Nevertheless, if you were able to buy something that would enable us to publish more books and make the world a better place.
As a special bonus to our loyal customers, you will find many of our books still at their original prices!
Happy shopping!
With that in mind, Hobart Books is taking part with a range of selected eBooks at never to be repeated prices, massive reductions, all stock must go and that sort of thing.
https://www.hobartbooks.com/
We're in publishing for the love of literature and not from any kind of base motives surrounding personal gain or anything so vulgar... Nevertheless, if you were able to buy something that would enable us to publish more books and make the world a better place.
As a special bonus to our loyal customers, you will find many of our books still at their original prices!
Happy shopping!
November 11, 2022
Holocaust
It's November 11 as I write this - Remembrance Day in UK. Well, this post is slightly off topic if you want to put it that way but I'm going to talk about a Holocaust Memoir we published - I Want You to be Free.
https://www.hobartbooks.com/product-p...
I think it has been overlooked, especially in the midst of so many books relating to Auschwitz and so on but this book is really something quite different and all the more worthy for that as it deals with survivors after the end of WW2 and how life was still tough for them. It's an astonishing book.
https://www.hobartbooks.com/product-p...
I think it has been overlooked, especially in the midst of so many books relating to Auschwitz and so on but this book is really something quite different and all the more worthy for that as it deals with survivors after the end of WW2 and how life was still tough for them. It's an astonishing book.
November 3, 2022
Post
I haven't written anything on here for a while because no one reads it anyway. So, why am I bothering today?
I've been doing a lot of marketing for Judy Upton's book, Sniff Them Out, Brownlow. Brownlow, if you don't know, is a pet detection dog and Judy, if you don't know, is a playwright turned author. I am glad she sought us out. Her writing is superb and if ever a book deserved its own television adaptation it is Brownlow.
New for Hobart Books, is Gary Cockaday's erotic thriller, Full Circle, which could hardly be more different although equally well written. Full Circle is the story of a spoilt young man who makes the most of every bad opportunity. Ultimately, it's a tale of redemption and none the worse for that. In other words, it has a happy ending where there didn't seem to be much scope for it.
Two brilliant books, then. Am I going to mention Christmas? After all, it is November.
Of course not.
I've been doing a lot of marketing for Judy Upton's book, Sniff Them Out, Brownlow. Brownlow, if you don't know, is a pet detection dog and Judy, if you don't know, is a playwright turned author. I am glad she sought us out. Her writing is superb and if ever a book deserved its own television adaptation it is Brownlow.
New for Hobart Books, is Gary Cockaday's erotic thriller, Full Circle, which could hardly be more different although equally well written. Full Circle is the story of a spoilt young man who makes the most of every bad opportunity. Ultimately, it's a tale of redemption and none the worse for that. In other words, it has a happy ending where there didn't seem to be much scope for it.
Two brilliant books, then. Am I going to mention Christmas? After all, it is November.
Of course not.
October 11, 2022
Christmas
If you are in business, you start preparing for Christmas early, even if you're selling sofas, which have now become synonymous with the great event.
This Christmas, naturally enough, we have even more books on sale than last year. The year before that, we had none!
So, although it is only October, I am thinking about making Christmas a massive sales success.
https://www.hobartbooks.com/
Take a look and see if there is something for that special person in your life.
This Christmas, naturally enough, we have even more books on sale than last year. The year before that, we had none!
So, although it is only October, I am thinking about making Christmas a massive sales success.
https://www.hobartbooks.com/
Take a look and see if there is something for that special person in your life.
September 30, 2022
More Brownlow
Haven't posted for a while. Has anyone noticed? I doubt it. Brownlow, Britain's top fictional pet detection dog, now has his own Twitter account.
https://twitter.com/Brownlowpd65
Here he shares details of current and interesting cases along with original artwork from his creator, Judy Upton.
So, if your fictional pet goes missing, who you gonna call?
https://twitter.com/Brownlowpd65
Here he shares details of current and interesting cases along with original artwork from his creator, Judy Upton.
So, if your fictional pet goes missing, who you gonna call?
September 16, 2022
Brownlow
The death of The Queen really shocked me, and I have got a bit behind with my posts as a result.
The latest book from Hobart is 'Sniff Them Out, Brownlow' by Judy Upton. Brownlow is a big, shaggy pet detection dog.
Do you like mysteries? This is for you. Do you like dogs? This is for you. Do you like mysteries solved by dogs? Definitely for you.
Brownlow now has his own accounts on Twitter and Instagram. On these I am keen to stress that he is a fictional pet detective, lest we get messages asking for his help.
I have to say it has been great fun putting his accounts together.
The latest book from Hobart is 'Sniff Them Out, Brownlow' by Judy Upton. Brownlow is a big, shaggy pet detection dog.
Do you like mysteries? This is for you. Do you like dogs? This is for you. Do you like mysteries solved by dogs? Definitely for you.
Brownlow now has his own accounts on Twitter and Instagram. On these I am keen to stress that he is a fictional pet detective, lest we get messages asking for his help.
I have to say it has been great fun putting his accounts together.
August 31, 2022
The Avenger's Apprentice
A mixed review here - 4.0 out of 5 stars Marmite...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 August 2022
I have a fondness for books that are written in the 30's - 50's era.....they have a different 'feel' and flow of dialogue....and on a certain level I found I had that feeling, in places, when reading this book. Similarly there are the lucky coincidences that help to rescue a situation....sometimes quite simply so.....a pleasant enough read. There are moments of sardonic humour, which brings in the 'modern' feel to the writing which I can appreciate (us Brit's just 'get' that type of humour!), and there are moments of pathos. Afrer reading I found it difficult to place myself firmly in the (A) like / (B) not like / (C) unsure category....I guess it must be (C) unsure, but I will read Book 3 whenever it is printed....and for whatever good my nonsensical ramble has done, other than 'how many stars did it get', as if that's actually important.....you either like the book or you don't.....really simple I would have thought....I do wonder though if writing one's opinion online is of any use. I haven't tried to write a book, so to pick at someone else's attempt does feel odd. Their book is in print and for them a lasting and physical 'something' that they achieved. Ach well, ramble on!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 August 2022
I have a fondness for books that are written in the 30's - 50's era.....they have a different 'feel' and flow of dialogue....and on a certain level I found I had that feeling, in places, when reading this book. Similarly there are the lucky coincidences that help to rescue a situation....sometimes quite simply so.....a pleasant enough read. There are moments of sardonic humour, which brings in the 'modern' feel to the writing which I can appreciate (us Brit's just 'get' that type of humour!), and there are moments of pathos. Afrer reading I found it difficult to place myself firmly in the (A) like / (B) not like / (C) unsure category....I guess it must be (C) unsure, but I will read Book 3 whenever it is printed....and for whatever good my nonsensical ramble has done, other than 'how many stars did it get', as if that's actually important.....you either like the book or you don't.....really simple I would have thought....I do wonder though if writing one's opinion online is of any use. I haven't tried to write a book, so to pick at someone else's attempt does feel odd. Their book is in print and for them a lasting and physical 'something' that they achieved. Ach well, ramble on!
August 30, 2022
I Want You To Be Free
Review - I Want You to Be Free by S. Nadja Zajdman is a non-fiction book about the author's mother, Renata Skotnicka-Zajdman, a Jewish woman who grew up in Poland during WWII.
The first section reads like a historical fiction novel, but it is truly a non-fiction survivor story. Renata was about 10 years old when her world as she knew it completely fell apart. From the Warsaw Ghetto, to behind German borders and back and forth again, Renata survived almost completely alone. This section is completely gripping and almost impossible to put down.
The second section reads like a memoir and tells Renata's story of making a new life for herself in Quebec, Canada. After barely surviving the Holocaust she now is only a young adult who must learn to live in new country on the opposite side of an ocean. Though it is written by her daughter, it feels as though Renata is narrating this section.
In the last section we see both Nadja and Renata sharing Renata's story with the world. Renata travels and writes a personal memoir, both with the goal of educating about the Holocaust. Najda's role is supporting her mother and helping her tell her story so that it could last well beyond Renata's life.
Together these three parts come together to create one cohesive book that tells an important story to both enjoy and learn from. The writing style is really clean, easy to follow and informative.
Check out my full review here:
https://teachreadinspire.wixsite.com/...
I would highly recommend this book and am so thankful to @bigdaveroy and @hobartbooks for giving me the chance to read and review it!
The first section reads like a historical fiction novel, but it is truly a non-fiction survivor story. Renata was about 10 years old when her world as she knew it completely fell apart. From the Warsaw Ghetto, to behind German borders and back and forth again, Renata survived almost completely alone. This section is completely gripping and almost impossible to put down.
The second section reads like a memoir and tells Renata's story of making a new life for herself in Quebec, Canada. After barely surviving the Holocaust she now is only a young adult who must learn to live in new country on the opposite side of an ocean. Though it is written by her daughter, it feels as though Renata is narrating this section.
In the last section we see both Nadja and Renata sharing Renata's story with the world. Renata travels and writes a personal memoir, both with the goal of educating about the Holocaust. Najda's role is supporting her mother and helping her tell her story so that it could last well beyond Renata's life.
Together these three parts come together to create one cohesive book that tells an important story to both enjoy and learn from. The writing style is really clean, easy to follow and informative.
Check out my full review here:
https://teachreadinspire.wixsite.com/...
I would highly recommend this book and am so thankful to @bigdaveroy and @hobartbooks for giving me the chance to read and review it!
August 18, 2022
Absent Victim
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a well thought out thriller with elements of mystery and crime I absolutely thought the premise of the book was crazy so I was definitely intrigued and curious about this read and I’m so glad I signed by to the tour hosted by Zooloosbooktours so huge thanks.
Stephanie is a strong character with her personality making you feel sorry for her but also hating her at the same time. I found myself putting myself in the shoes of her. Would I have done what she done? Would I have turned to a private investigator? So many questions added up into the mystery pieces that I couldn’t help myself wondering. I knew it wasn’t possible but the no names situation made me wonder if the murder was of another important character built in the main depths of this book.
It’s always brilliant reading an authors work who has layered in 2020 and the covid 19 pandemic. I think this is a way of truly allowing the reader to connect with things that they went through and overcome although I’m sure a lot of people didn’t commit murder. I loved how the police were almost the bad guys in this. It was interesting with the perspective the author gives you too I found this different considering given Stephanie’s massive involvement.
I really enjoyed this. It’s a unique intake on a PI perspective and i thought it was brilliantly executed and creative. Highly recommend this one. It’s one you can read in a few hours too if you like a book you can read without pausing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a well thought out thriller with elements of mystery and crime I absolutely thought the premise of the book was crazy so I was definitely intrigued and curious about this read and I’m so glad I signed by to the tour hosted by Zooloosbooktours so huge thanks.
Stephanie is a strong character with her personality making you feel sorry for her but also hating her at the same time. I found myself putting myself in the shoes of her. Would I have done what she done? Would I have turned to a private investigator? So many questions added up into the mystery pieces that I couldn’t help myself wondering. I knew it wasn’t possible but the no names situation made me wonder if the murder was of another important character built in the main depths of this book.
It’s always brilliant reading an authors work who has layered in 2020 and the covid 19 pandemic. I think this is a way of truly allowing the reader to connect with things that they went through and overcome although I’m sure a lot of people didn’t commit murder. I loved how the police were almost the bad guys in this. It was interesting with the perspective the author gives you too I found this different considering given Stephanie’s massive involvement.
I really enjoyed this. It’s a unique intake on a PI perspective and i thought it was brilliantly executed and creative. Highly recommend this one. It’s one you can read in a few hours too if you like a book you can read without pausing.
August 17, 2022
Review for Absent Victim
A very different book I have to say, but entertaining and totally unique. Wealthy divorcee Stephanie Kuler hires a private detective (the narrator whose name is never mentioned) to investigate a murder which she claims to have committed. However, there is no victim to name, no body, and no date when it took place, or where.
Sometimes it is a brilliant murder mystery, while at other times it is a way for the author to put forward his own, sometimes controversial, views:
‘The news was full of stories of protest, the rhetoric of BLM given over to a struggle with anyone whose views might differ. It was peaceful protestors versus right-wing thugs, The press and television media had created the story they wanted and now it was just a case of ensuring the protagonists acted it out for them.’
He says how Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela never resorted to these tactics. Then he mentions Brexit, but I never really got whether he was pro or anti. I got the impression maybe pro, but he didn’t seem like a Brexiteer.
There are also lots of references to the Troubles in Northern Ireland where the book is set. Once again the narrator can be very politically incorrect, particularly in his view of the types of people who do, or believe, certain things.
But the main thread running through the whole book is that of the pandemic. It is set during the first year of lockdown, pre-vaccinations and even pre-masks. And Boris and co on TV every night giving us instructions on what we must do to stay safe. Little did we know who would be the worst rule-breakers later on. Everyone is social-distancing, in theory, though there are plenty who don’t.
Then there is Billy, also ex-army like our narrator and his ‘Billy-isms’, his strange way of speaking. Zombies (a bit of a Billy obsession) are ‘a fig roll‘ of his imagination, he says Gongle instead of Google and that he was waiting for some fish to come home to roost. There are also the names he uses for everyday objects such as the interweb machine (computer), corporate transport module (bus), linked corporate transport module (train) or individual transport module, ITM for short (car). Sometimes I have to admit, I didn’t get the relevance.
I loved the narrator’s comedy take on things. It was just like the banter I have with my younger son, my one daughter-in-law and a colleague at work. Others often don’t get it. In the book only Stephanie’s friend Georgina is totally on his wavelength and I really enjoyed their interactions.
A highly recommended, interesting read.
Sometimes it is a brilliant murder mystery, while at other times it is a way for the author to put forward his own, sometimes controversial, views:
‘The news was full of stories of protest, the rhetoric of BLM given over to a struggle with anyone whose views might differ. It was peaceful protestors versus right-wing thugs, The press and television media had created the story they wanted and now it was just a case of ensuring the protagonists acted it out for them.’
He says how Martin Luther King and Nelson Mandela never resorted to these tactics. Then he mentions Brexit, but I never really got whether he was pro or anti. I got the impression maybe pro, but he didn’t seem like a Brexiteer.
There are also lots of references to the Troubles in Northern Ireland where the book is set. Once again the narrator can be very politically incorrect, particularly in his view of the types of people who do, or believe, certain things.
But the main thread running through the whole book is that of the pandemic. It is set during the first year of lockdown, pre-vaccinations and even pre-masks. And Boris and co on TV every night giving us instructions on what we must do to stay safe. Little did we know who would be the worst rule-breakers later on. Everyone is social-distancing, in theory, though there are plenty who don’t.
Then there is Billy, also ex-army like our narrator and his ‘Billy-isms’, his strange way of speaking. Zombies (a bit of a Billy obsession) are ‘a fig roll‘ of his imagination, he says Gongle instead of Google and that he was waiting for some fish to come home to roost. There are also the names he uses for everyday objects such as the interweb machine (computer), corporate transport module (bus), linked corporate transport module (train) or individual transport module, ITM for short (car). Sometimes I have to admit, I didn’t get the relevance.
I loved the narrator’s comedy take on things. It was just like the banter I have with my younger son, my one daughter-in-law and a colleague at work. Others often don’t get it. In the book only Stephanie’s friend Georgina is totally on his wavelength and I really enjoyed their interactions.
A highly recommended, interesting read.
