An Open Book February #openbook
I’m joining Carolyn Astfalk and Catholic Mom for An Open Book. Here’s what I’ve been reading and/or working on for the past month.
The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression
Amazon Synopsis: The bestselling Emotion Thesaurus, often hailed as “the gold standard for writers” and credited with transforming how writers craft emotion, has now been expanded to include 55 new entries!
One of the biggest struggles for writers is how to convey emotion to readers in a unique and compelling way. When showing our characters’ feelings, we often use the first idea that comes to mind, and they end up smiling, nodding, and frowning too much.
If you need inspiration for creating characters’ emotional responses that are personalized and evocative, this ultimate show-don’t-tell guide for emotion can help. It includes:
The Emotion Thesaurus, in its easy-to-navigate list format, will inspire you to create stronger, fresher character expressions and engage readers from your first page to your last.
My review: I recently recommended this book to a new writer and became acquainted with it again. I used the first edition of this book extensively in my early years of writing. It’s excellent for beginning writers but also helpful to experienced writers. Highly recommend.
Inside the Atheist Mind: Unmasking the Religion of Those Who Say There Is No God
by Anthony DeStefano
Amazon Synopsis: “There is only one way to deal with bullies, even in this politically correct world—and that is to crush them.”
USA Today bestselling author Anthony DeStefano is tired of playing nice. After years of responding patiently and agreeably to the pseudo-intellectual arguments and tactics of today’s militant atheists, he’s had enough. In this entertaining, no-holds-barred retort to atheism and its proponents, DeStefano reveals the intellectual bankruptcy at atheism’s core and equips believers to respond to its hollow arguments.
A witty and devastating takedown of the “new atheist” position, Inside the Atheist Mind systematically debunks the theories of Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, and others, revealing how inconsistent, illogical, and frankly ludicrous their conclusions truly are. Poking fun at atheists in a clever and intelligent way, DeStefano demonstrates just how full of holes the new atheism is and reveals that it is actually a “religion” of its own, complete with a creed, a set of commandments and sacraments, and a rigid moral code with rewards and punishments. More than that, DeStefano exposes that atheism is itself a “superstition” of the worst kind.
Using irony and a healthy dose of playful sarcasm, Inside the Atheist Mind lampoons, teases, and deflates the atheist position, unmasking it for what it is–an empty, intellectually barren philosophy, devoid of any logic and common sense.
My review: Although the writing is sometimes a bit stilted, this is an excellent book that seeks to understand what’s in the atheist’s mind. Highly recommend.
Getting Back to God: Life Lessons in Story & Song by Keith Lilek
Synopsis: Many of us need a life coach to improve ALL our relationships but the most important is with God. This Mentored from Above collection of ten universally proven biblical lessons are uniquely written as audio and musical stories to lift your spirits and help you confidently lead your family in faith. Let this be the spark that ignites your flame! Compelling Audio coupled with multi-generational Pop, Rock, and R&B music will quickly become your favorites!
My review: I really enjoyed the unique and multi-faceted approach of book, sonnets, music and narration. The author’s sonnets, along with his storytelling, are delightful. Recommend.
