Under the tree
Back home, I often heard people say that Christmas is a holiday for the merchants; retailers make us buy more stuff we don’t really need, and make all too much money on us. I can see that point of view, but to me, Christmas presents are something more than just a force driving the economy. I like to give people I care for gifts they might want to make them happy, and to show that I love them. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but something with a little thought behind it shows that we care.
I have something sitting on my desk that I will treasure always; a few days ago, Mikey built me a wooden box to keep my pens in. I know that his hands and arms and shoulders and, well, the entire him, always hurt a lot, and he still took the time to saw little pieces of wood, sand them down until they’re smooth as velvet, build a box with perfect cutouts for the hinges, and stain it. It makes me feel loved in a way no expensive car or toy ever could.
Okay, I should stop babbling randomly and get to the point… During the year, I’ve encountered a few really wonderful writers, and if you’re looking for something to put in the e-reader or under the tree, I’d warmly recommend one or more of the below. They’re not in any particular order.
Linda Ann Rentschler, “State of Disgrace.” This has to be the best book I’ve read all year. When I started, I didn’t think I would be able to identify with the main character at all; her world seemed very distant from my own. I was mistaken; the book is wonderful! It’s easy to get into and, at least if you’re a woman, very funny.
Chris J Randolph, “Vengar the Barbarian.” This is a hilarious short story with roots in fantasy. It has the same kind of humour as “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy,” and if you, like me, think that the meaning of life is 42, I’m sure that you’ll enjoy “Vengar.” Chris has also written “Stars Rain Down,” which is a quite satisfying science fiction novel.
Patrick O’Connor, “Good Vibrations.” This book came as a complete surprise to me. I expected an intricate science fiction world that might be just a tad too dry for me. A few pages in, I wasn’t literally rolling of the floor laughing, but very close to it! Besides being very funny, the characters came alive to the point where I sniffled at the sad parts, and were honestly relieved when things worked out for them.
Christy Elkins, “Lilac Hill.” I’m bad at categorizing books, but I think I’d call this a thriller, or maybe mystery. It all started so innocently with an art show, and before I knew what was happening, I sat perched on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next! Christy managed something few writers do: every time I thought I knew what would happen, the story made an unexpected turn, and I could never, ever, have guessed the ending! I tried. I made theories and thought about it, but it still came as a surprise.
D.A. Boulter, “Courtesan.” This is a science fiction story, and when I read the first few pages, I didn’t think I’d like it. Once the book got going and I understood the world the characters were in, I enjoyed it very much. It turned out to be both cute and exciting, and it’s a great book to curl up with in the sofa!
Melanie Nowak, “Fatal Infatuation.” During the last few years, I’ve been feeling that the world is drowning in vampire love stories, and I doubted that there would be something in the genre to catch my attention. Wrong again! Melanie’s characters have interesting personalities that made me want to know what happened to them. I’ve been lucky enough to win her first trilogy, and they’re well worth reading.
Rob Sadler, “Secrets of Blood and Bone.” If you think that all the above sound a little too cute for you, go with this one! “Secrets of Blood and Bone” is an urban fantasy that, taking the risk of being cliché, will blow your socks off!
=) Maria
I have something sitting on my desk that I will treasure always; a few days ago, Mikey built me a wooden box to keep my pens in. I know that his hands and arms and shoulders and, well, the entire him, always hurt a lot, and he still took the time to saw little pieces of wood, sand them down until they’re smooth as velvet, build a box with perfect cutouts for the hinges, and stain it. It makes me feel loved in a way no expensive car or toy ever could.
Okay, I should stop babbling randomly and get to the point… During the year, I’ve encountered a few really wonderful writers, and if you’re looking for something to put in the e-reader or under the tree, I’d warmly recommend one or more of the below. They’re not in any particular order.
Linda Ann Rentschler, “State of Disgrace.” This has to be the best book I’ve read all year. When I started, I didn’t think I would be able to identify with the main character at all; her world seemed very distant from my own. I was mistaken; the book is wonderful! It’s easy to get into and, at least if you’re a woman, very funny.
Chris J Randolph, “Vengar the Barbarian.” This is a hilarious short story with roots in fantasy. It has the same kind of humour as “The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy,” and if you, like me, think that the meaning of life is 42, I’m sure that you’ll enjoy “Vengar.” Chris has also written “Stars Rain Down,” which is a quite satisfying science fiction novel.
Patrick O’Connor, “Good Vibrations.” This book came as a complete surprise to me. I expected an intricate science fiction world that might be just a tad too dry for me. A few pages in, I wasn’t literally rolling of the floor laughing, but very close to it! Besides being very funny, the characters came alive to the point where I sniffled at the sad parts, and were honestly relieved when things worked out for them.
Christy Elkins, “Lilac Hill.” I’m bad at categorizing books, but I think I’d call this a thriller, or maybe mystery. It all started so innocently with an art show, and before I knew what was happening, I sat perched on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next! Christy managed something few writers do: every time I thought I knew what would happen, the story made an unexpected turn, and I could never, ever, have guessed the ending! I tried. I made theories and thought about it, but it still came as a surprise.
D.A. Boulter, “Courtesan.” This is a science fiction story, and when I read the first few pages, I didn’t think I’d like it. Once the book got going and I understood the world the characters were in, I enjoyed it very much. It turned out to be both cute and exciting, and it’s a great book to curl up with in the sofa!
Melanie Nowak, “Fatal Infatuation.” During the last few years, I’ve been feeling that the world is drowning in vampire love stories, and I doubted that there would be something in the genre to catch my attention. Wrong again! Melanie’s characters have interesting personalities that made me want to know what happened to them. I’ve been lucky enough to win her first trilogy, and they’re well worth reading.
Rob Sadler, “Secrets of Blood and Bone.” If you think that all the above sound a little too cute for you, go with this one! “Secrets of Blood and Bone” is an urban fantasy that, taking the risk of being cliché, will blow your socks off!
=) Maria
No comments have been added yet.
