Billy McCoy's Blog: Billy McCoy, page 7
January 6, 2014
Strange Fruit giveaway enter to win
Strange FruitClick below for chance to win a copy of Strange Fruit!
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December 7, 2013
Second Chance Sister Review
Second Chance Sister contains two short stories dealing with the flaws of two very different people.
Ashley is a young woman who was provided opportunities her parents didn't have. but due to her mother's shielding her from several truths she is a little naive and idealistic. She breaks off her engagement to one man for another, and it turns out the man she married is selfish, greedy, and uncaring for her feelings. What's worse, Ashley feels trapped because she spurned her mother to marry him.
The second story is about a man named Peyton, who is a far less sympathetic character than Ashley. He reminded me of Ashley's husband in a few ways. He meets several women through dating sites who are all strange or damaged in some way. Peyton is unable to figure out why he keeps getting involved with such people, and at the end of the story a surprising character reveals the source of his problems.
Prevalent themes include various human shortcomings, and the cyclical nature of repeating mistakes (within one's life or across generations). The writing was generally good; stylistically it didn't amaze me but it was engaging enough. A lot of the character's nature is shown to us through their actions rather than just talked about. It's a quick read, and shouldn't take more than an afternoon to read through for slower readers. It's not very subtle; you'll be able to get the message without much reflection. The straightforwardness of the message might be a good thing to some people. If you like literature with a focus on relationships, Second Chance Sister might be a good fit for you.Second Chance Sister
Ashley is a young woman who was provided opportunities her parents didn't have. but due to her mother's shielding her from several truths she is a little naive and idealistic. She breaks off her engagement to one man for another, and it turns out the man she married is selfish, greedy, and uncaring for her feelings. What's worse, Ashley feels trapped because she spurned her mother to marry him.
The second story is about a man named Peyton, who is a far less sympathetic character than Ashley. He reminded me of Ashley's husband in a few ways. He meets several women through dating sites who are all strange or damaged in some way. Peyton is unable to figure out why he keeps getting involved with such people, and at the end of the story a surprising character reveals the source of his problems.
Prevalent themes include various human shortcomings, and the cyclical nature of repeating mistakes (within one's life or across generations). The writing was generally good; stylistically it didn't amaze me but it was engaging enough. A lot of the character's nature is shown to us through their actions rather than just talked about. It's a quick read, and shouldn't take more than an afternoon to read through for slower readers. It's not very subtle; you'll be able to get the message without much reflection. The straightforwardness of the message might be a good thing to some people. If you like literature with a focus on relationships, Second Chance Sister might be a good fit for you.Second Chance Sister
Second Chance Sister Review
Second Chance Sister contains two short stories dealing with the flaws of two very different people.
Ashley is a young woman who was provided opportunities her parents didn't have. but due to her mother's shielding her from several truths she is a little naive and idealistic. She breaks off her engagement to one man for another, and it turns out the man she married is selfish, greedy, and uncaring for her feelings. What's worse, Ashley feels trapped because she spurned her mother to marry him.
The second story is about a man named Peyton, who is a far less sympathetic character than Ashley. He reminded me of Ashley's husband in a few ways. He meets several women through dating sites who are all strange or damaged in some way. Peyton is unable to figure out why he keeps getting involved with such people, and at the end of the story a surprising character reveals the source of his problems.
Prevalent themes include various human shortcomings, and the cyclical nature of repeating mistakes (within one's life or across generations). The writing was generally good; stylistically it didn't amaze me but it was engaging enough. A lot of the character's nature is shown to us through their actions rather than just talked about. It's a quick read, and shouldn't take more than an afternoon to read through for slower readers. It's not very subtle; you'll be able to get the message without much reflection. The straightforwardness of the message might be a good thing to some people. If you like literature with a focus on relationships, Second Chance Sister might be a good fit for you.Second Chance Sister
Ashley is a young woman who was provided opportunities her parents didn't have. but due to her mother's shielding her from several truths she is a little naive and idealistic. She breaks off her engagement to one man for another, and it turns out the man she married is selfish, greedy, and uncaring for her feelings. What's worse, Ashley feels trapped because she spurned her mother to marry him.
The second story is about a man named Peyton, who is a far less sympathetic character than Ashley. He reminded me of Ashley's husband in a few ways. He meets several women through dating sites who are all strange or damaged in some way. Peyton is unable to figure out why he keeps getting involved with such people, and at the end of the story a surprising character reveals the source of his problems.
Prevalent themes include various human shortcomings, and the cyclical nature of repeating mistakes (within one's life or across generations). The writing was generally good; stylistically it didn't amaze me but it was engaging enough. A lot of the character's nature is shown to us through their actions rather than just talked about. It's a quick read, and shouldn't take more than an afternoon to read through for slower readers. It's not very subtle; you'll be able to get the message without much reflection. The straightforwardness of the message might be a good thing to some people. If you like literature with a focus on relationships, Second Chance Sister might be a good fit for you.Second Chance Sister
December 6, 2013
Second Chance Sister Giveaway
Second Sister Giveaway! Click below to enter giveaway of Second Chance Sister.Second Chance Sister
November 23, 2013
A Review of Second Chance Sister, a novel by Billy Mccoy
4 stars
Second Chance Sister by Billy McCoy contains two stories in a novel length book. The stories are unrelated, but provide an interesting juxtaposition of viewpoints between the main characters.
In the first story, Ashley Edmunds grew up with the ideal home life. As the author eloquently describes it, “Life in their household shielded Ashley and enveloped her in a kind of white washed utopia.” Unfortunately, her mother’s desire to protect her ends up making her incredibly vulnerable. Ashley marries the wrong man and it quickly becomes evident that she is not equipped to deal with the situation. When things don’t work out as she had envisioned, she is too timid and giving to pull the plug.
The second story’s main character was Peyton. I found him to be a very unlikeable character all around. He was pompous and uncaring for other….the complete opposite of Ashley in the first story. Peyton is so wrapped up in himself that he does not even appear to feel sadness for a car accident that takes someone’s life. He attracts mentally unstable people, which could be an indication of his own state of mental health. The story ends with Peyton receiving a visit from St. Paul, who told him exactly what was wrong with him. It was a very interested and unexpected turn of events for Peyton, but he thought so highly of himself he probably would not have taken advice from a mere mortal anyway.
Second Chance Sister was not what I was expecting, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable read. The author is eloquent and expressive and brings the characters to life by showing the reader instead of telling the reader. I appreciate that in any book.
Second Chance Sister
Second Chance Sister by Billy McCoy contains two stories in a novel length book. The stories are unrelated, but provide an interesting juxtaposition of viewpoints between the main characters.
In the first story, Ashley Edmunds grew up with the ideal home life. As the author eloquently describes it, “Life in their household shielded Ashley and enveloped her in a kind of white washed utopia.” Unfortunately, her mother’s desire to protect her ends up making her incredibly vulnerable. Ashley marries the wrong man and it quickly becomes evident that she is not equipped to deal with the situation. When things don’t work out as she had envisioned, she is too timid and giving to pull the plug.
The second story’s main character was Peyton. I found him to be a very unlikeable character all around. He was pompous and uncaring for other….the complete opposite of Ashley in the first story. Peyton is so wrapped up in himself that he does not even appear to feel sadness for a car accident that takes someone’s life. He attracts mentally unstable people, which could be an indication of his own state of mental health. The story ends with Peyton receiving a visit from St. Paul, who told him exactly what was wrong with him. It was a very interested and unexpected turn of events for Peyton, but he thought so highly of himself he probably would not have taken advice from a mere mortal anyway.
Second Chance Sister was not what I was expecting, but it turned out to be a very enjoyable read. The author is eloquent and expressive and brings the characters to life by showing the reader instead of telling the reader. I appreciate that in any book.
Second Chance Sister
October 28, 2013
Pine Street Peddler
Pine Street Peddler, by Billy McCoy
Pine Street Peddler is a novel which follows the spirited Vera Brown as she is exposed to the oppressive tactics of big box retailer Valumart. Valumart aka Pine Street Peddler is a $500 billion corporation which uses it vast wealth and power to crush its employees after they decide go on strike for decent wages and healthcare.
COMING SOON!
Pine Street Peddler is a novel which follows the spirited Vera Brown as she is exposed to the oppressive tactics of big box retailer Valumart. Valumart aka Pine Street Peddler is a $500 billion corporation which uses it vast wealth and power to crush its employees after they decide go on strike for decent wages and healthcare.
COMING SOON!
October 26, 2013
Review of Second Chance Sister from the Portland Review of Books
Second Chance Sister
Posted on October 24, 2013 by Elizabeth Franklin Posted in Popular Fiction
sister 4.5 stars
By Billy McCoy
Amazon Digital Services, Inc., $3.99, 136 pages
Unfortunately people break promises as often as they give them. However, Ashley Edmundson, the heroine of Second Chance Sister tries very hard to keep hers. Twenty year old Ashley, who grew up in a loving and supportive family, is innocent and naïve. She studies sociology and believes in universal justice. Ashley plans to marry the solid and promising Neal. But one day while she is at the local community center where she spends time helping the poor she meets Brandon. He is very attractive and wants to be a labor lawyer. They swiftly fall in love. Soon Brandon is severely injured in a car accident. Ashley rushes to help. She knows very little about Brandon and in spite of her mother’s warning, Ashley marries him. She thinks that she is mature enough to make her own decisions. How fortunate is she?
‘“I’ll never fail you,” he choked, adding, “and don’t you ever fail me.”
“I’ll never do that!” she answered.”
In any case, you wouldn’t call Peyton Cresap, the hero of the second novel, Online Dating: a Memoir, fortunate at all. Belonging to the upper middle class didn’t make him happy. His father shot himself when Peyton was eleven. Then his mother died from years of abusive drinking. Recently, he lost his wife in a car accident. Alas, it was a drunk Peyton who drove the car. Moreover, the accident happened the night Peyton thought about leaving his wife. Money has saved him from the long term in jail but he is lonely and depressed. Suddenly Peyton realizes he is still deeply in love with his late wife. To distract himself he decides to try online dating. His attempts aren’t successful. With arrogance and disdain he also describes his encounter with the Church Hens. However, one day Peyton finds himself talking with St. Paul in a dream. Did this conversation help him?
Both these novels aren’t sentimental. You won’t find straight didactics, either. Yet, after reading them you’ll think more than once while making serious decisions. Not all people have a second chance.
Reviewed by Galina Roizman
Posted on October 24, 2013 by Elizabeth Franklin Posted in Popular Fiction
sister 4.5 stars
By Billy McCoy
Amazon Digital Services, Inc., $3.99, 136 pages
Unfortunately people break promises as often as they give them. However, Ashley Edmundson, the heroine of Second Chance Sister tries very hard to keep hers. Twenty year old Ashley, who grew up in a loving and supportive family, is innocent and naïve. She studies sociology and believes in universal justice. Ashley plans to marry the solid and promising Neal. But one day while she is at the local community center where she spends time helping the poor she meets Brandon. He is very attractive and wants to be a labor lawyer. They swiftly fall in love. Soon Brandon is severely injured in a car accident. Ashley rushes to help. She knows very little about Brandon and in spite of her mother’s warning, Ashley marries him. She thinks that she is mature enough to make her own decisions. How fortunate is she?
‘“I’ll never fail you,” he choked, adding, “and don’t you ever fail me.”
“I’ll never do that!” she answered.”
In any case, you wouldn’t call Peyton Cresap, the hero of the second novel, Online Dating: a Memoir, fortunate at all. Belonging to the upper middle class didn’t make him happy. His father shot himself when Peyton was eleven. Then his mother died from years of abusive drinking. Recently, he lost his wife in a car accident. Alas, it was a drunk Peyton who drove the car. Moreover, the accident happened the night Peyton thought about leaving his wife. Money has saved him from the long term in jail but he is lonely and depressed. Suddenly Peyton realizes he is still deeply in love with his late wife. To distract himself he decides to try online dating. His attempts aren’t successful. With arrogance and disdain he also describes his encounter with the Church Hens. However, one day Peyton finds himself talking with St. Paul in a dream. Did this conversation help him?
Both these novels aren’t sentimental. You won’t find straight didactics, either. Yet, after reading them you’ll think more than once while making serious decisions. Not all people have a second chance.
Reviewed by Galina Roizman
October 7, 2013
Penn Book Review of Strange Fruit, by Billy McCoy
An attention-‐worthy collection of contemporary women’s fiction. To be read not only for its insights, but
also for the edgy, dramatic undertones. Very enjoyable.
This anthology showcases two very distinct cousins with obvious differences who grow closer together.
Strange Fruit is told through the perspective of Jason Ayers’ cousin, Claudia Adams, whom he met in
during his childhood in Mississippi. Claudia, a lively, colorful girl from Reading, PA., is happy that Jason
shares with her some of his most private thoughts and memories as their relationship deepens. Although
both cousins are young, Jason is older and more protective of Claudia; she likes this about Jason. After
many years have passed without communication, she reunites with him, although this time, it’s clear that
life has taken its toll on Jason for a variety of reasons; Claudia is surprised by his lack of cleanliness and
missing front teeth. The second story in this collection, Letters from Winnie, takes an introspective look
into religion and how it impacts Janis Bailey’s life. Janis’ family, Cincinnati-‐natives with little when it
comes to material things, are somewhat overbearing and infuriating. They believe that “the love of God
will prevail” above all things, especially material things. Their daughter obviously thinks they need to
come back down to the real word. Janice, as a community college student, decides to break away from her
parents and go out on her own by getting, what she considers to be, an excellent paying job. It’s not long
after that she enters, a quicksand-‐type of relationship with the city bus driver, Jeffrey Martin. Sure, other
men crossed her path, but her religious-‐roots led her to believe that becoming the wife of a bus driver is
“virtuous” in the eyes of God; even if she regrets her decision later on. Janice feels low and powerless
until her mother comes to visit, bringing her daughter a great gift: the story of Winnie Bailey—Janices’
grandmother. Both stories are connected in the way that they draw parallels from the lives of young
women and how relationships impact their adult lives. McCoy has created two noteworthy stories in this
collection deserving of any literary-‐readers’ attention.
Strange Fruit is a spiritual, moving novel that will stick with you long after the last page has been turned.
The pages of this work are filled with friendship, forgiveness, humor, hope, and miracles. It’s well-‐
written, literary in nature, and highlights the fact that true happiness can be found within life and
experiences
also for the edgy, dramatic undertones. Very enjoyable.
This anthology showcases two very distinct cousins with obvious differences who grow closer together.
Strange Fruit is told through the perspective of Jason Ayers’ cousin, Claudia Adams, whom he met in
during his childhood in Mississippi. Claudia, a lively, colorful girl from Reading, PA., is happy that Jason
shares with her some of his most private thoughts and memories as their relationship deepens. Although
both cousins are young, Jason is older and more protective of Claudia; she likes this about Jason. After
many years have passed without communication, she reunites with him, although this time, it’s clear that
life has taken its toll on Jason for a variety of reasons; Claudia is surprised by his lack of cleanliness and
missing front teeth. The second story in this collection, Letters from Winnie, takes an introspective look
into religion and how it impacts Janis Bailey’s life. Janis’ family, Cincinnati-‐natives with little when it
comes to material things, are somewhat overbearing and infuriating. They believe that “the love of God
will prevail” above all things, especially material things. Their daughter obviously thinks they need to
come back down to the real word. Janice, as a community college student, decides to break away from her
parents and go out on her own by getting, what she considers to be, an excellent paying job. It’s not long
after that she enters, a quicksand-‐type of relationship with the city bus driver, Jeffrey Martin. Sure, other
men crossed her path, but her religious-‐roots led her to believe that becoming the wife of a bus driver is
“virtuous” in the eyes of God; even if she regrets her decision later on. Janice feels low and powerless
until her mother comes to visit, bringing her daughter a great gift: the story of Winnie Bailey—Janices’
grandmother. Both stories are connected in the way that they draw parallels from the lives of young
women and how relationships impact their adult lives. McCoy has created two noteworthy stories in this
collection deserving of any literary-‐readers’ attention.
Strange Fruit is a spiritual, moving novel that will stick with you long after the last page has been turned.
The pages of this work are filled with friendship, forgiveness, humor, hope, and miracles. It’s well-‐
written, literary in nature, and highlights the fact that true happiness can be found within life and
experiences
