Penny J. Johnson's Blog, page 32
August 31, 2019
The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson
Three Stars The Orphan Master’s Son is a challenging read in structure and content. It is difficult even at the end of the book to be fully certain what is truth and what is a lie. Perhaps that is the point of this book set in North Korea. In such a regime, morality, identity, and […]
August 30, 2019
The Rule of Three: A Follow-Up to Increasing Your Writing Career by 30%
After reading my recent post, some of my fellow writers may be inspired while others may be overwhelmed. For those in the latter group, allow me to give you an alternative process for increasing your writing career by 30 percent. This option comes from personal experience. I concede I am planner by nature. I have […]
August 24, 2019
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
Five Stars The Library of Lost and Found is a story of eccentric characters and the enchanting family stories that bring them together after years of secrets and estrangement. It is a must-read for book-lovers.
August 23, 2019
How to Apply a 30% Increase to Your Writing Career
Recently, this article was sent to me. While I applied it to the person and the situation at the time, I began to wonder, how can I apply a 30% increase to my writing career? More importantly, how can I make these criterion a viable “bucket” list for my future projects and endeavors? It’s important, […]
August 17, 2019
A Cupboard Full of Coats by Yvvette Edwards
Four Stars A Cupboard Full of Coats is a story about family, poor choices, and lasting results. I would classify this book as modern realism, so some of the scenarios will be disturbing for some. But, there are lessons to be learned from a book like this one. Perhaps the most important is to see […]
August 12, 2019
August 10, 2019
Her Last Promise by Kathryn Hughes
Five Stars I have read all of Kathryn Hughes books, but Her Last Promise is the best one to-date. Hughes’ vibrant characters keep this multi-faceted story intriguing and engrossing. I know my jaw dropped open at least once. As a writer myself, I applaud the growth I see in this author’s writing. Simply a must-read!
August 9, 2019
Test Defied: How I Figured Out My MBTI-Type In Spite of the Test
I am a horrible test taker. All of my high school geometry tests are proof-positive of this fact. If my PSAT and ACT scores were my keys into college, that door would have remained dead-bolted. Fortunately for me, those tests did not and still do not indicate my true intellect. So, why would I expect […]
August 6, 2019
August 3, 2019
The Son by Philipp Meyer
Five Stars If you are familiar with the AMC series The Son starring Pierce Brosnan, you will find listening to or reading The Son by Philipp Meyer to be a unique experience. The book version contains several timeline differences that in my opinion make more sense than the one the television series portrays. The Audible […]
