Java Davis's Blog, page 30
March 12, 2015
Flash Giveaway: Audiobook of Depression Carpenter
BookRhythm is sponsoring a 2-day flash giveaway of my audiobook Depression Carpenter. The Facebook entry page is: https://www.facebook.com/events/16678.... Be ready to post a Throwback Thursday photo as part of the contest.
Justin D. Torres did an amazing job narrating the audiobook, and that’s according to Audiofile Magazine.
March 8, 2015
Book Review: I Don't Believe God Wrote the Bible
http://theroadtripwriter.com/book-rev...
Book Review: I Don’t Believe God Wrote the Bible, Gerald Freeman (3 coffee beans)
I Don’t Believe God Wrote the Bible is “Gerry” Freeman’s second memoir, but it stands alone.
It’s difficult to review this book for several reasons. The book is well-written, well-organized and its few grammar glitches may be “across-the-pond” stylistic issues. It’s what I could call “a good read,” a book that people can read straight through without boredom. If, as a reader, you style yourself a hippie, or look back nostalgically on your hippie days, this book will definitely be for you.
If you are a hard-working taxpayer, store owner, or a grown-up capitalist, this book may make you very, very angry. Gerry and his travel friend Jan were making their way around Europe by hitch-hiking, stealing, and begging, and yet they had they means to drink wine and get high every single day. Gerry was collecting unemployment for a long time, and had nothing but contempt for the taxpayers who were footing his bill. He expressed the tiniest bit of regret for doing so much stealing. Gerry’s saving grace to me was toward the end, when he managed to get and keep a job. But the book includes a number of anti-establishment tirades, things that I haven’t heard since the 1970s.
The relationship between Gerry and Jan was complicated. They were not destined to be together, and Jan left him to go home for an abortion. From then on, the subject of the pregnancy was an elephant in the room, always there, never discussed. Besides, Gerry was in love with her mother.
Many people along the way were very kind to Gerry and Jan. It was elevating to read about those instances of real generosity. Those people made me want to be a better person.
What does the book title have to do with a journey of self-discovery? One of Gerry’s missions was to find another man’s cast-off spirit guide, named Raphael.
Gerald Freeman himself asked me to read and review this book. He was thoughtful, solicitous, and careful to ask for an honest review. It’s hard for me to wrap my head around the fact that these two Gerrys are the same person. As a fellow survivor, I truly wish him well.
March 3, 2015
Chapter 4
I wanted to let you all know that I started a new book about three weeks ago — no hints as to what it’s about. Today, I started Chapter 4. What surprised me today was when I realized that I have started to really care about these fictional characters that are coming out of my head.
Three weeks ago, I also started knitting a sweater. The sweater is going much faster. The instant gratification is difficult to put aside.
February 27, 2015
Definition: Peripatetic
Websters defines “peripatetic” this way:
a : of, relating to, or given to walking
b : moving or traveling from place to place : itinerant
I thought we should learn, or revisit, a wonderful word that is falling into disuse. Has anyone else led a peripatetic life? I can’t remember all my former addresses; there are have been so many.
Thank you all for joining me on this virtual, peripatetic road trip.
February 24, 2015
BookRhythm Author Stroll 4 Questions
http://theroadtripwriter.com/bookrhyt...
BookRhythm’s Author Stroll – 4 Questions
BookRhythm wants readers to get to know authors better. Part of this author stroll is answering four questions that BookRhythm has posed:
Which one of your characters was the hardest to write?
In Depression Carpenter, the hardest character was Chin. It was hard making him both likable and irresponsible, but I think I found that balance. He can cheerfully abandon two families, but can be so thoughtful of others. Mercurial.
What did they like to do to keep you on your toes and how did you deal with this?
I never know how my books will end. I’m as anxious as anyone to find out what happens.
What do you do in your spare time?
I’m retired, so you can say that my whole life is made up of moments of spare time. Growing up, I was an only child, so I have lots of singular pursuits: knitting, sewing, reading, writing, cooking, baking, and sitting in a coffee shop watching the world roll by.
Who is your favorite author and why?
Thinking about this question, a panorama of authors passes through: Shakespeare, Kyd, Pirsig, Piercy, Kingston, Castillione, and a couple of current indie authors, MacKinnon (Tethered) and Shannon Hill (the Crazy, VA, series). I like fantastic insight into people, a wry sense of humor, and what we used to call “turn of phrase,” the ability to write memorable prose without sounding clichéd.
Good luck to all the contestants!
February 19, 2015
BookRhythm’s Kindle Giveaway and Author Stroll
I am participating in this month’s BookRhythm’s February Kindle Giveaway and Author Stroll, plus an extra flash giveaway. The Kindle will include the ebook of Cowgirl, among other fine titles, and the flash giveaway will be the large print paperback edition of Cowgirl. Good luck to all the contestants.
Here is the Amazon blurb of Cowgirl:
Cowgirl: Turn-of-the-Century Jewish Girl with Attitude!!
Coming of Age; Western; Humor
In California at the turn of the century, teenager Risa and her baby brother left their insulated Jewish town, choosing East to walk toward a new, free life. She runs from an arranged marriage, and brother Yani was tossed out for an illicit gay affair. Together, they endured physical hardships and new challenges to fight for their new lives in the emerging Nevada frontier. The hardwon successes are tempered with tragedies, but both ultimately find their places in the sun.
February 17, 2015
Book Review: A Couple’s Cross-Country Road Trip Journal, Sylvia Harris (3 coffee beans)
Officially, this book is by Lorenzo and Sylvia Harris, but it’s a compilation of notes to loved ones from Sylvia Harris. It’s a very typical road trip monologue about stops and meals, things that, for the most part, only interest family and friends. What really sets this one apart is Sylvia’s enthusiasm and zest for life. There’s not a mean or selfish comment, which I found incredibly refreshing.
February 15, 2015
BookRhythm’s February Giveaways!
I have signed up to participate in this month’s giveaways from BookRhythm. Here is the Facebook link for entering any of their events. There will be a flash giveaway event soon featuring a large print paperback edition of my book Cowgirl. Win it for yourself or for someone you know who reads large print books.
