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The History Major
After a vicious fight with her boyfriend followed by a night of heavy partying, college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up in her dorm room to find things are not the same as they were yesterday. She can't quite put her finger on it. She's sharing her room with a peculiar stranger. Amanda discovers she's registered for classes she would never choose with people that are oddly familiar. An ominous shadow is stalking her. Uncomfortable memories are bubbling dangerously close to her fracturing world, propelling her to an inevitable collision between fantasy and reality. Is this the mother of all hangovers or is something bigger happening?
130 pages, Paperback
First published January 4, 2016
18 people are currently reading
587 people want to read
About the author
Michael Phillip Cash
15 books2,006 followersMichael Phillip Cash is an award-winning and best-selling author and screenwriter of horror, paranormal, and science fiction novels.
Michael's resides on the North Shore of Long Island.
Michael Phillip Cash also writes as Michael Okon.
Michael's resides on the North Shore of Long Island.
Michael Phillip Cash also writes as Michael Okon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
December 9, 2020
Amanda Greene just moved into her dorm, she's starting her freshman year and (possibly) broke up with her boyfriend. Aces.
People are trapped in history, and history is trapped in them.
The next morning she wakes up and everything...is different. And also, not-different.
She's still in her dorm, surrounded by her things but there's something decidedly wrong about it all.
Something fluttered from the corner of her eye. It changed the quality of the light in the room, playing with the shadows...And there's an unseen thing following her, always.
Cold air surrounded them, and Amanda could see goosebumps cover...The more she goes to her "classes" the more bizarre things get.
With memories she'd rather forget bubbling to the surface and a mysterious (malevolent?) stranger at every corner, Amanda is going to have to keep her wits about her to survive...
So, after reading this book, I see where the author was going with it and I do like the concept. It just ended up being more than I expected.
I definitely liked the main character - she was sarcastic and down-to-earth. She responded well when things got dicey and her determination to see things through really aided the book.
However, I feel that for such a complicated storyline - one that made multiple timelines and much of it was shrouded in mystery - that the book needed more pages to develop the plot.
As it stands, things happened almost too quickly for me to understand their importance and that took a bit of the enjoyment away from the book.
Overall, this one was certainly intriguing and interesting. I'm having so much fun reading all of Cash's books!
With thanks to the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review
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April 7, 2016
EH? EH! this confused novella does all the wrong things: it takes a bunch of loaded, complicated issues and mashes them all together, achieving little besides confusion and an irritatingly shallow engagement with each of its topics. synopsis: college-aged woman wakes up to find her campus life awry; she is pressed into attending a curious lecture on history that has personal ramifications; Joan of Arc, the Borgias, and some elderly Greek philosopher make cameos.
it does a couple things right: our heroine's confusion is adroitly conveyed. not for a second did I doubt that she was confused! there were also several viscerally creepy moments featuring weird threatening behavior from monstrous entities glimpsed out of the corner of her eye.
unfortunately the heroine herself is completely unpleasant yet uninteresting to be around; that made this short novel feel much longer than it was. the attempt to shoehorn so many disparate things together came across as jarringly superficial and then, ultimately, rather offensively meaningless. seemingly random ingredients thrown together that include molestation, bullying, mean girls, accessing our unconscious, the importance of history, historical visions that function as doorways to memory, a massacre in the modern style, and a mawkish relationship that may or may not be ending boo hoo hoo... do not make a recipe for a successful story, unless each ingredient is treated with the respect and depth it deserves.
it does a couple things right: our heroine's confusion is adroitly conveyed. not for a second did I doubt that she was confused! there were also several viscerally creepy moments featuring weird threatening behavior from monstrous entities glimpsed out of the corner of her eye.
unfortunately the heroine herself is completely unpleasant yet uninteresting to be around; that made this short novel feel much longer than it was. the attempt to shoehorn so many disparate things together came across as jarringly superficial and then, ultimately, rather offensively meaningless. seemingly random ingredients thrown together that include molestation, bullying, mean girls, accessing our unconscious, the importance of history, historical visions that function as doorways to memory, a massacre in the modern style, and a mawkish relationship that may or may not be ending boo hoo hoo... do not make a recipe for a successful story, unless each ingredient is treated with the respect and depth it deserves.
January 29, 2016
Clear your schedule, because you have no idea what you're getting into with this novella. Yes, as a novella, it is short. Won't take you more than a day to breeze through this book. And what a great way to spend a day. Seriously, you'll be glad you cleared your schedule. I was. And now I'm exhausted and enthralled and a bunch of other emotions that shouldn't exist at once in my being. That is the magic that is Cash. He's a genius at storytelling. In this installment, I was again reminded that he doesn't just tell a story, but puts you, the reader into it. Here's one of the many quotes that got my attention. Not because it's poetic and I'll make quote art out it, but rather because it speaks to this author's incredible style: "She laughed with an edge of hysteria coloring her voice, unbraided her hair, and then picked up her scattered belongings to rush headlong toward the lecture hall and the comfort of losing herself in the crowd surrounding it." Not once does he tell you the story. Again and again I found myself in this novella, experiencing it. And what a strange and terrible and awesome story it was to experience. I love it and then again I'm sitting here left with a quiet wonder. It didn't go the way I imagined. So strange. And so good!
August 11, 2016
Something strange happened last night, but Amanda can't remember what it was. She's terribly hung over and she knows that she fought with her boyfriend, but that doesn't explain why her roommate isn't the person she remembers or why she can't see out the window. Why does she feel like something is watching her and why does the university campus not look like it did yesterday? And, so starts The History Major.
Discovering what is going on is part of the fun of this short story, so I'd suggest stopping here if you have any intention of reading this yourself. Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of this short story for review purposes.
For those that either have read it or are not going to read it... let's discuss!
Discovering what is going on is part of the fun of this short story, so I'd suggest stopping here if you have any intention of reading this yourself. Thank you to NetGalley for a free copy of this short story for review purposes.
For those that either have read it or are not going to read it... let's discuss!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2016
Have you ever awakened after a stressful night of anger and alcohol, not quite in tune with the world around you, almost as if maybe a few too many brain cells had died the night before? College freshman Amanda Greene awakes to a raging hangover and the feeling she has slipped into the Twilight Zone. Yep, this is her dorm room, but her roommate is certainly not anyone she knows. As a matter of fact, her life is not what it was at all! Is she still dreaming? Why does she feel she is being followed by something dark, a shadow with evil intent? Has she slipped into a world of madness where the present and the past are taking her on the fast track to insanity? Is the past trying to tell her present self something? Sounds crazy, but is it? Pull up a seat, face forward, class is about to begin for The History Major.
The one thing you learn when you become a dyed-in-the-wool fan of Michael Phillip Cash is that his fertile mind is always germinating new plots, new tales and the next journey he invites us on is going to something unique, a little twisted, but always entertaining and definitely thought provoking! He is a master of sneaky character development, one minute the character is a flat pencil drawing and the next they have been infused with life through his words. And the world he builds? Never worry about feeling déjà vu moments, his worlds are always unique, trust me, you’ve never been there and that’s what reading is all about!
I received this copy from Michael Phillip Cash in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Red Feather Publishing
Publication Date: January 4, 2016
Genre: Mystery | Thriller | Suspense
Print Length: 91 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
The one thing you learn when you become a dyed-in-the-wool fan of Michael Phillip Cash is that his fertile mind is always germinating new plots, new tales and the next journey he invites us on is going to something unique, a little twisted, but always entertaining and definitely thought provoking! He is a master of sneaky character development, one minute the character is a flat pencil drawing and the next they have been infused with life through his words. And the world he builds? Never worry about feeling déjà vu moments, his worlds are always unique, trust me, you’ve never been there and that’s what reading is all about!
I received this copy from Michael Phillip Cash in exchange for my honest review.
Publisher: Red Feather Publishing
Publication Date: January 4, 2016
Genre: Mystery | Thriller | Suspense
Print Length: 91 pages
Available from: Amazon
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com
May 28, 2023
Real Rating: 3.5* of five
The Publisher Says: After a vicious fight with her boyfriend followed by a night of heavy partying, college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up in her dorm room to find things are not the same as they were yesterday. She can't quite put her finger on it. She's sharing her room with a peculiar stranger. Amanda discovers she's registered for classes she would never choose with people that are oddly familiar. An ominous shadow is stalking her. Uncomfortable memories are bubbling dangerously close to her fracturing world, propelling her to an inevitable collision between fantasy and reality. Is this the mother of all hangovers or is something bigger happening?
I RECEIVED AN ARC FROM THE AUTHOR. THANK YOU.
My Review: More of an eerie, unsettling read than a horror novella, the point of the tale is to recognize how little we actually pay attention to our busy existence...our one and only life doesn't get our full attenention very often. Which of course leaves a lot of room for unexpected events to catch up, or just plain catch, us. There is a lot going on in this short span. It's not always an avantage to be quite this concise as details can feel more like clutter when they simply accumulate but aren't made integral to the central storyline.
Fans of time-travel tales and aficionados of past-life fiction are strongly encouraged to give this one-sitting novella a whirl.
The Publisher Says: After a vicious fight with her boyfriend followed by a night of heavy partying, college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up in her dorm room to find things are not the same as they were yesterday. She can't quite put her finger on it. She's sharing her room with a peculiar stranger. Amanda discovers she's registered for classes she would never choose with people that are oddly familiar. An ominous shadow is stalking her. Uncomfortable memories are bubbling dangerously close to her fracturing world, propelling her to an inevitable collision between fantasy and reality. Is this the mother of all hangovers or is something bigger happening?
I RECEIVED AN ARC FROM THE AUTHOR. THANK YOU.
My Review: More of an eerie, unsettling read than a horror novella, the point of the tale is to recognize how little we actually pay attention to our busy existence...our one and only life doesn't get our full attenention very often. Which of course leaves a lot of room for unexpected events to catch up, or just plain catch, us. There is a lot going on in this short span. It's not always an avantage to be quite this concise as details can feel more like clutter when they simply accumulate but aren't made integral to the central storyline.
Fans of time-travel tales and aficionados of past-life fiction are strongly encouraged to give this one-sitting novella a whirl.
February 13, 2016
After a fight with her boyfriend Amanda Greene has a few too many drinks with her friends and finds herself waking up in her dorm room with a stranger claiming to be her roommate and a class schedule that doesn't fit what she signed up for. And then after a failed attempt to get out of the history class she finds herself forced into the lecture hall but doesn't recognize a single person.
The History Major is a novella length story that is somewhat like reading an episode of the Twilight Zone. Amanda wakes up with all of her surroundings seeming somewhat like normal but all of the people and places are just not adding up to her normal daily life. Her friends and boyfriend are no where to be found. The school staff is a bit off when she tries to change her schedule and then she's tossed into an outrageous history class with an teacher dressed as Aristotle.
In the short length the author packs in quite a bit of history tidbits along with a unique story. A somewhat dark tale that forces the main character to deal with her upsetting past and look into her own life through the association of events in history. As a reader I wasn't quite sure where the story was taking me and found myself continuously guessing at just what was happening and how it would all turn out until the end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
The History Major is a novella length story that is somewhat like reading an episode of the Twilight Zone. Amanda wakes up with all of her surroundings seeming somewhat like normal but all of the people and places are just not adding up to her normal daily life. Her friends and boyfriend are no where to be found. The school staff is a bit off when she tries to change her schedule and then she's tossed into an outrageous history class with an teacher dressed as Aristotle.
In the short length the author packs in quite a bit of history tidbits along with a unique story. A somewhat dark tale that forces the main character to deal with her upsetting past and look into her own life through the association of events in history. As a reader I wasn't quite sure where the story was taking me and found myself continuously guessing at just what was happening and how it would all turn out until the end.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
February 15, 2016
By now, after several reads, Cash became the author to turn to when there is some time to pass and I don't feel like making decisions. Still though, I might have to rethink it, because while I believe is passing time, I don't necessarily enjoy killing it and something slightly more inane would be nice. Cash isn't a terrible writer, but he is neither great nor good and he doesn't even seem to try. It's like he's hit his plateau, got comfortable on it and stayed there. He writes bland, not particularly interesting stories that are simple, plain and don't offer much in a way of mental or emotional stimulation. It's the epitome of unchallenging reading. In this instance, the plot revolves around a heavy handed morality lesson by the way of...yes, a history lesson. While different versions of afterlife are always fascinating to explore and I can appreciate the concept behind the story, the execution does leave much to be desired. It's quick enough though.
January 4, 2016
As I was a History major in college, I thought reading Michael Phillip Cash's newest novella book would be interesting. I was correct and wrong at the same time. Yes, his book was interesting but even more so down right thought provoking.
As usual, the author weaved bits of history into his book which you would expect from such a title but the history was a far cry from Long Island where many of his stories have taken place. The main character development was so craftily handled in such a way that at times, it was hard to distinguish between present reality and past history. I kept wondering how all these characters fit together.
As I said, it took me some time to understand what exactly was happening and left me on the edge of my seat at every page turn. The ending was a stunner and left me still questioning, "What if..."
The whole book was meant to learn from History in order to not make the same mistakes now.
I suppose the whole questions begs, "Have we?" "Will we?"
This is not the usual paranormal book I have come to enjoy from Michael Phillip Cash. It was quite a departure and I did like it very much. 5 stars.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
As usual, the author weaved bits of history into his book which you would expect from such a title but the history was a far cry from Long Island where many of his stories have taken place. The main character development was so craftily handled in such a way that at times, it was hard to distinguish between present reality and past history. I kept wondering how all these characters fit together.
As I said, it took me some time to understand what exactly was happening and left me on the edge of my seat at every page turn. The ending was a stunner and left me still questioning, "What if..."
The whole book was meant to learn from History in order to not make the same mistakes now.
I suppose the whole questions begs, "Have we?" "Will we?"
This is not the usual paranormal book I have come to enjoy from Michael Phillip Cash. It was quite a departure and I did like it very much. 5 stars.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book for my own collections. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Naila Moon
July 17, 2016
The night before Amanda Greene had a terrible fight with her almost perfect boyfriend Patrick which led her to a heavy drinking night with her friends.
In the morning when she wakes up in her dorm room she has crucial pain in her ribs and faces a total stranger insisting she is her roommate and she is going to be late for he History session. The room looks all the same as yesterday but neither the strange girl is her roommate nor she signed up for History as she hates this subject.
Forcing her to find the way to History class among strangers she finds herself listening to a picky professor in a funny costume giving lectures about Historical figures and only one weird student name Nick which insists she should finish this session to be able to run from this place, reality, nightmare….
The History Major is a mystery thriller using one’s memories to walk her through her trauma. Telling historical stories to bring up unwanted memories person has long forgotten about or tried hard to forgot.
The writer does a very good job of keeping me in suspense almost to the end of story. I liked the twist of events in this book and the shape he gave imaginary characters of Amanda’s mind. I even think this novella could be a novel.
I received a copy of this novella from NetGalley.
In the morning when she wakes up in her dorm room she has crucial pain in her ribs and faces a total stranger insisting she is her roommate and she is going to be late for he History session. The room looks all the same as yesterday but neither the strange girl is her roommate nor she signed up for History as she hates this subject.
Forcing her to find the way to History class among strangers she finds herself listening to a picky professor in a funny costume giving lectures about Historical figures and only one weird student name Nick which insists she should finish this session to be able to run from this place, reality, nightmare….
The History Major is a mystery thriller using one’s memories to walk her through her trauma. Telling historical stories to bring up unwanted memories person has long forgotten about or tried hard to forgot.
The writer does a very good job of keeping me in suspense almost to the end of story. I liked the twist of events in this book and the shape he gave imaginary characters of Amanda’s mind. I even think this novella could be a novel.
I received a copy of this novella from NetGalley.
February 7, 2016
Another good book by Mr. Cash. After reading his YA novel Monsterland, I was curious to see if he would be a one hit wonder, or if i would enjoy other books he wrote as well. I am very impressed and will recommend this to my friends who read. I will definitely be reading more of this author's work.
This is dark fantasy. It is no secret that I am partial to books in this genre. It is novella length and I am amazed at the amount of story the author was able to pack into that length. I in no way feel like I read a "simple story" like I often do when reading a novella.
This is dark fantasy. It is no secret that I am partial to books in this genre. It is novella length and I am amazed at the amount of story the author was able to pack into that length. I in no way feel like I read a "simple story" like I often do when reading a novella.
January 18, 2016
Amanda Greene has had a fight with her boyfriend and goes over to her girlfriends drinking. Next thing she know, she wakes up in her dorm room with a new roommate and a history class she never signed up for. She finally goes and finds out her teacher is Aristotle! Amanda thinks it's a waste of time and wants to leave, but there is a dark stranger waiting for her outside the door.
What is this all about? What is really going on with Amanda? What's with the history lesson?
Michael Phillip Cash has done it again. This time, it makes you think what goes on in our subconscious while we are asleep. Is history past teaching us not to do in the present and future what they did in the past? Read this book and find out. Another great read from Michael.
I got this book from the author.
What is this all about? What is really going on with Amanda? What's with the history lesson?
Michael Phillip Cash has done it again. This time, it makes you think what goes on in our subconscious while we are asleep. Is history past teaching us not to do in the present and future what they did in the past? Read this book and find out. Another great read from Michael.
I got this book from the author.
January 21, 2016
A unique title to go along with a wonderful, unique scary story. THE HISTORY MAJOR had me hooked from page one, because of the pleasantly puzzling way Michael Phillip Cash skillfully planned the outcome. It was so intriguing I couldn't wait to continue on to the next page, and then onto the next chapter, to see what might be around the next corner, or peeking through the thick shadowy fog. There was just enough suspense added to this fast-paced, page turner to lead this reader through darkened passageways, and around shadowy corners to reveal scary unseen creatures or things that you might be afraid of in the dark.
As the tale unfolds Amanda, who had been fighting with her boyfriend, then had a wild party, is lying face down on the bed. Is she awake? Is she asleep? Is she dreaming, or is she dead? This wild ride will take the reader into the realms of the unknown, along with Amanda, who is about to find out something she might not want to know.
This one scene was a little too surreal to me, when Amanda noticed something sinister moving. Did she actually see it from the corner of her eye? Something shadowy and twinkling? Was it alive? Was what she saw actually happening, or was her imagination running wild? Suddenly movement by the window caught her attention. The banging on the window was so hard, I actually saw her eyes blinking very fast, as if she wasn't sure of what was happening. Then the window rattled with a metallic clinking sound as it heaved in and out as though it were breathing. Amanda looked toward the dark window to see if maybe she saw something flicker, but all she could see was total blackness. Then she saw an ugly face that made her gasp, and just as suddenly it disappeared. Were her eyes playing tricks on her? Was she just hearing things? Why couldn't she wake up from this crazy nightmare? Or is it a nightmare? And, where was that foul stench coming from? Then she heard a woman's voice tell her she was going to be late for her learning. Who was the person behind the voice, and what learning was this woman talking about? If you haven't picked up this great book and read it yet, now would be the time to do so. I loved it!
January 23, 2016
The History Major by Michael Phillip Cash is a mystery thriller in which Amanda Greene is sent on a series of events occur which makes her question everything around her.
Amanda wakes from with a heavy hangover. All she can remember is that she had a horrible fight with her boyfriend, Patrick, the night before. As she wakes up, she realizes that something is different about her dorm room. First, her roommate is someone who doesn’t recognize and things have changed around the room. She goes off to class and realizes that she’s enrolled in a history class she never wanted. She tries her hardest to get out of but to no avail. She must take this class. As she sits down, she recognizes one guy but she isn’t sure how she knows him. In walks in the professor wearing a toga. Soon Amanda is taking on a journey of memories into the distant past of Joan of Arc and Lucrezia Borgia. And her own painful past of abuse, abandonment and trauma. Is Amanda dreaming? What is the meaning of her visions of Joan of Arc and Lucrezia Borgia? Can she find the meaning before it is too late?
I have enjoyed Michael Phillip Cash’s books for their unique storytelling. I received an advanced reader’s copy and I must admit when I started reading The History Major I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. By the end, I did. I enjoyed the lesson in which Amanda must learn and a lesson we need to learn as well. Without giving too much away of the ending, I say the lesson is something that we haven’t learned yet. The book did come with a warning that the story contains sensitive subjects of trauma, grief, child abuse and other emotional topics. I thought it would be an emotional story as I have experience a few of the “emotional topics” warned about. But I didn’t experience any emotional response as I read the story. Other readers may, so take heed of the warning. Otherwise, I recommend The History Major as an interesting take on history and our experiences.
Amanda wakes from with a heavy hangover. All she can remember is that she had a horrible fight with her boyfriend, Patrick, the night before. As she wakes up, she realizes that something is different about her dorm room. First, her roommate is someone who doesn’t recognize and things have changed around the room. She goes off to class and realizes that she’s enrolled in a history class she never wanted. She tries her hardest to get out of but to no avail. She must take this class. As she sits down, she recognizes one guy but she isn’t sure how she knows him. In walks in the professor wearing a toga. Soon Amanda is taking on a journey of memories into the distant past of Joan of Arc and Lucrezia Borgia. And her own painful past of abuse, abandonment and trauma. Is Amanda dreaming? What is the meaning of her visions of Joan of Arc and Lucrezia Borgia? Can she find the meaning before it is too late?
I have enjoyed Michael Phillip Cash’s books for their unique storytelling. I received an advanced reader’s copy and I must admit when I started reading The History Major I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it. By the end, I did. I enjoyed the lesson in which Amanda must learn and a lesson we need to learn as well. Without giving too much away of the ending, I say the lesson is something that we haven’t learned yet. The book did come with a warning that the story contains sensitive subjects of trauma, grief, child abuse and other emotional topics. I thought it would be an emotional story as I have experience a few of the “emotional topics” warned about. But I didn’t experience any emotional response as I read the story. Other readers may, so take heed of the warning. Otherwise, I recommend The History Major as an interesting take on history and our experiences.
January 26, 2016
About the Book:
After a vicious fight with her boyfriend followed by a night of heavy partying, college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up in her dorm room to find things are not the same as they were yesterday. She can't quite put her finger on it. She's sharing her room with a peculiar stranger. Amanda discovers she's registered for classes she would never choose with people that are oddly familiar. An ominous shadow is stalking her. Uncomfortable memories are bubbling dangerously close to her fracturing world, propelling her to an inevitable collision between fantasy and reality. Is this the mother of all hangovers or is something bigger happening?
My Review:
College freshman Amanda Greene awakens, after a long night of partying, to find things are not what they seem. Her dorm room is completely different from the way she left it the night before and her roommate is a total different girl. As if that isn’t weird enough she is signed up to take a history course. And she hates history! Walking to her history class, she has the feeling she is being followed and sure enough menacing looking shadow is following her.
Once safe in the classroom, Amanda meets a handsome guy in a leather jacket. The odd thing is she has never met him, but she feels like she has seen him some where. The guy seems to only want to help her, especially when the teacher shows up wearing a toga and being quite rude.
As odd things begin to happen and memories she has tried so hard to suppress begin to fill her mind, Amanda knows something is up but what? What actually happened at that party?
The History Major is a wonderful book with a surprising ending. I promise this book will keep you asking for more. I really enjoyed this book and I can not wait to see what this author writes next.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for ,y honest review from the author.
After a vicious fight with her boyfriend followed by a night of heavy partying, college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up in her dorm room to find things are not the same as they were yesterday. She can't quite put her finger on it. She's sharing her room with a peculiar stranger. Amanda discovers she's registered for classes she would never choose with people that are oddly familiar. An ominous shadow is stalking her. Uncomfortable memories are bubbling dangerously close to her fracturing world, propelling her to an inevitable collision between fantasy and reality. Is this the mother of all hangovers or is something bigger happening?
My Review:
College freshman Amanda Greene awakens, after a long night of partying, to find things are not what they seem. Her dorm room is completely different from the way she left it the night before and her roommate is a total different girl. As if that isn’t weird enough she is signed up to take a history course. And she hates history! Walking to her history class, she has the feeling she is being followed and sure enough menacing looking shadow is following her.
Once safe in the classroom, Amanda meets a handsome guy in a leather jacket. The odd thing is she has never met him, but she feels like she has seen him some where. The guy seems to only want to help her, especially when the teacher shows up wearing a toga and being quite rude.
As odd things begin to happen and memories she has tried so hard to suppress begin to fill her mind, Amanda knows something is up but what? What actually happened at that party?
The History Major is a wonderful book with a surprising ending. I promise this book will keep you asking for more. I really enjoyed this book and I can not wait to see what this author writes next.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for ,y honest review from the author.
January 23, 2016
Several seemingly disjointed plot lines have a common connection
The opening is one that many college students can related to, college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up after a night of heavy partying and a fight with her boyfriend with a sense of disorientation. She knows that she put down a lot of alcohol and at first she attributes the disorientation to the newness of her dorm room and the aftereffects of her binge drinking.
However, it does not take long before she realizes that her reality has somehow shifted. She is expected to attend a history class that she is certain she never signed up for and an ominous and shadowy figure appears to be following her. Amanda goes to the class and the professor enters wearing a toga, further evidence that her reality has shifted much farther than she first thought.
In many ways the class is literally and figuratively a dream, Amanda finds herself experiencing flashbacks into actual historical events. She literally gets to experience the history as it happened, something that historians can only dream about. There is a purpose to the flashbacks as Amanda then begins experiencing flashbacks to negative events in her life. All of this complexity is then tied together at the end with the recounting of a completely unexpected event.
This is a book where the bouncing from plot line to plot line is confusing, the reader is uncertain where it is going until approximately halfway through. It is at that point where the first major clue about Amanda’s life appears and you begin to suspect what it is all about. Even though you may reach the proper conclusion as to the flashbacks, when her present comes slamming back it is completely unexpected.
This book was made available for free for review purposes
The opening is one that many college students can related to, college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up after a night of heavy partying and a fight with her boyfriend with a sense of disorientation. She knows that she put down a lot of alcohol and at first she attributes the disorientation to the newness of her dorm room and the aftereffects of her binge drinking.
However, it does not take long before she realizes that her reality has somehow shifted. She is expected to attend a history class that she is certain she never signed up for and an ominous and shadowy figure appears to be following her. Amanda goes to the class and the professor enters wearing a toga, further evidence that her reality has shifted much farther than she first thought.
In many ways the class is literally and figuratively a dream, Amanda finds herself experiencing flashbacks into actual historical events. She literally gets to experience the history as it happened, something that historians can only dream about. There is a purpose to the flashbacks as Amanda then begins experiencing flashbacks to negative events in her life. All of this complexity is then tied together at the end with the recounting of a completely unexpected event.
This is a book where the bouncing from plot line to plot line is confusing, the reader is uncertain where it is going until approximately halfway through. It is at that point where the first major clue about Amanda’s life appears and you begin to suspect what it is all about. Even though you may reach the proper conclusion as to the flashbacks, when her present comes slamming back it is completely unexpected.
This book was made available for free for review purposes
January 16, 2016
Michael Phillip Cash has hit it out of the ball park again. His newest novella had me sucked in from the very first page . In this novella we meet Amanda Greene , a college freshman who after a night of heavy partying ends up waking up and finding out things aren't quite right . She can't put her finger on it but there is something wrong. She is trying to figure it all out but will she survive it
In this novella Michael wove significant points in history with the elements of the world today. The characters are complex and flawed at the same time . Amanda is your typical college freshman who is like every teenager . She has her problems but when she is thrown into a class that she didn't take she works hard on trying to figure everything out . You see you go from brat to a fighter and you see her grow up as hard things from her past come back . All the supporting characters play a big part on how Amanda grows .
This book will make you think and have you trying to figure out what the heck is happening with Amanda. I read this book in an evening, I was completely drawn into this book . The story just sucked me in. I have read all of Michael's books and I find that this is his most thought provoking book. The twists and turns will keep you reading all night long. Trust me on that one , his books are so perfect , spooking in one spot and heart racing in another . You will be on the edge of your seat the whole time . The twist at the end will make you go WTH an OMG . I absolutely loved this book . So if you want an intelligent ghost story , this is the book for you
February 2, 2016
When college freshman Amanda Greene wakes up in her dorm room, she is woozy and slightly disoriented. She assumes that her grogginess is due to her excursion to the local college hangout the previous night. After having a vicious argument with her boyfriend, Amanda remembers going out with her two best friends to have some fun and forget her problems. The night that followed must have included some pretty heavy partying, because Amanda can hardly remember how she got back to the dorm.
As a matter of fact, Amanda is starting to suspect that something is wrong. She can't quite put her finger on what it is, but things are just not the same as they were yesterday. When Amanda eventually starts classes, she discovers that the courses that she is registered for are ones she would never have chosen. Her classmates and teachers all seem oddly familiar to her, but Amanda can't quite place any of their names or faces.
Disturbing memories are beginning to surface in her mind, and an ominous shadow is stalking her. Something is definitely wrong - Amanda can sense it - but she's not sure what. All she knows for certain is that there will soon be an inevitable collision between fantasy and reality. Is this really the worst hangover ever, or is there something more serious happening?
This is actually the sixth book by Mr. Cash that I've read, and I must say that I enjoyed this one as much as the others that I've read. The premise was intriguing to me, and I avidly wanted to see how this story would develop. I give this book a B+! - I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
As a matter of fact, Amanda is starting to suspect that something is wrong. She can't quite put her finger on what it is, but things are just not the same as they were yesterday. When Amanda eventually starts classes, she discovers that the courses that she is registered for are ones she would never have chosen. Her classmates and teachers all seem oddly familiar to her, but Amanda can't quite place any of their names or faces.
Disturbing memories are beginning to surface in her mind, and an ominous shadow is stalking her. Something is definitely wrong - Amanda can sense it - but she's not sure what. All she knows for certain is that there will soon be an inevitable collision between fantasy and reality. Is this really the worst hangover ever, or is there something more serious happening?
This is actually the sixth book by Mr. Cash that I've read, and I must say that I enjoyed this one as much as the others that I've read. The premise was intriguing to me, and I avidly wanted to see how this story would develop. I give this book a B+! - I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
February 15, 2016
Quite The Novel Idea ~ Words from the Clouds
3.5 stars
Well, this was a nice quick read! I wasn't sure about this going into it, but in the end I did enjoy it quite a bit.
The History Major is about Amanda, who one day wakes up with a hangover after a fight with her boyfriend followed by a night of partying. But things are not the same as the day before. Her roommate is suddenly a stranger and she's registered for classes she would never choose and people that seem oddly familiar and an ominous shadow is stalking her. What is going on?
I really liked the writing and I was really invested in the mystery of the whole story. I wanted to know what was going on and I had to keep reading because of that. I do feel like this could've been better if it had been a full novel. It would've given more time to develop Amanda as a character and set up the previous night a little more. I kind of missed that little extra that would make me connect with her. The story is interesting enough for it, at least. I also liked the twist at the end. I honestly did not see that one coming.
It's hard for me to say a lot about this since it is a novella. It's short and I read it in barely three hours, so if you like mystery thrillers, you might as well give this one a go! I'd never read anything from this author before and this book did convince me to pick up another book by him when I'm in the mood.
3.5 stars
Well, this was a nice quick read! I wasn't sure about this going into it, but in the end I did enjoy it quite a bit.
The History Major is about Amanda, who one day wakes up with a hangover after a fight with her boyfriend followed by a night of partying. But things are not the same as the day before. Her roommate is suddenly a stranger and she's registered for classes she would never choose and people that seem oddly familiar and an ominous shadow is stalking her. What is going on?
I really liked the writing and I was really invested in the mystery of the whole story. I wanted to know what was going on and I had to keep reading because of that. I do feel like this could've been better if it had been a full novel. It would've given more time to develop Amanda as a character and set up the previous night a little more. I kind of missed that little extra that would make me connect with her. The story is interesting enough for it, at least. I also liked the twist at the end. I honestly did not see that one coming.
It's hard for me to say a lot about this since it is a novella. It's short and I read it in barely three hours, so if you like mystery thrillers, you might as well give this one a go! I'd never read anything from this author before and this book did convince me to pick up another book by him when I'm in the mood.
January 16, 2016
Once again Mr. Cash has brought us another great read. This one is about a college freshman, Amanda Greene. Waking up with a hangover, from too much partying, and a big fight with her boyfriend, Amanda realizes things aren't as usual. The room isn't quite right. She has a new dorm mate that is rather peculiar. She discovers she is enrolled in classes that she wouldn't sign up for. She thinks she knows some of the people around her in her history class,but something isn't right and she isn't quite sure what it is. The real creepy thing is someone or something is following her on her college campus. It's like a shadow. Amanda is experiencing some really weird things, flashbacks of real unhappy memories. What is happening to Amanda? What or who is following in the dark shadows?Is this a dream that Amanda hasn't woke up from? As always, Mr. Cash keeps you glued to the book, turning the pages as fast as you can. You don't want to miss a single thing. At 140 pages, I wish there had been more. You just can't put this book down. You'll be on the edge of your seat during t he whole book. Hope you have another book in the works, Mr. Cash.
I received a complimentary copy of THE HISTORY MAJOR from the author, Michael Phillip Cash for my unbiased review. No other compensation took place.
I received a complimentary copy of THE HISTORY MAJOR from the author, Michael Phillip Cash for my unbiased review. No other compensation took place.
January 14, 2016
Amanda Greene is having a bad day in Michael Phillip Cash’s novella The History Major. Being a college freshman can be stressful, but Amanda added a night on the town. Amanda wakes to a roaring headache and mass confusion. Things just don’t seem right, things are out of place, and her roommate isn’t who she remembered. She finally gathers herself to head to class, but upon looking at her schedule, her first class of the day is History. Amanda isn’t a fan of History, in fact, she hates History.
Michael once again leads a reader down a path, the reader may feel they see where the words are taking them, and then Michael in his mastery takes to an ending you never expected. Michael always has a message in his writing and The History Major is no different. Learn from history, no matter how bad it is, so you don't repeat it. It goes from our personal history to world history. Too bad we humans haven’t figured this one out; the world might be a happier place.
If you have enjoyed Michael's writing in the past, you will not be disappointed. I felt the novella was going in a different direction, but couldn’t figure out how it was going to end. Michael took me to a place that I never expected. Well done Mr. Cash!!!
Michael once again leads a reader down a path, the reader may feel they see where the words are taking them, and then Michael in his mastery takes to an ending you never expected. Michael always has a message in his writing and The History Major is no different. Learn from history, no matter how bad it is, so you don't repeat it. It goes from our personal history to world history. Too bad we humans haven’t figured this one out; the world might be a happier place.
If you have enjoyed Michael's writing in the past, you will not be disappointed. I felt the novella was going in a different direction, but couldn’t figure out how it was going to end. Michael took me to a place that I never expected. Well done Mr. Cash!!!
January 15, 2016
The History Major is an unique short novel. It teaches readers that history can help us understand and improve our outlook in life. The main character is a young college student named Amanda Greene. She is still reeling from the death of grand mother. Amanda also has a strained relationship with her mother who remarried a few years ago. Amanda is the victim of sexual abuse by a family member. I really appreciated the way Michael Phillip Cash brings in the historical figures of Joan of Arc and Lucrezia Borgia. I did not understand how these historical figures fit in the plot of the novel in the beginning, but Michael Phillip Cash explains it in the end. These women are examples of courage and tenacity for anyone going through a hard time in life. I wish Michael Phillip Cash discussed more about what made these women special. He has given me a motivation with this book I really want to learn more about the historical contributions that Joan of Arc and Lucrezia Borgia made in their respective countries of France and Rome respectively. I thank Michael Phillip Cash for introducing these historical figures to me in this book.
January 16, 2016
I received an ARC of this in exchange for a review. No financial compensation was made and the thoughts in this review are my own.
This is so different from the past books I have read from Mr. Cash. This book was infuriating to me on a basal level because I could not put it down and at the same time thought I had the ending all figured out when Mr. Cash throws this in a completely different direction. I had points of serious frustration at the "history" lessons in this, not because of poor writing but I felt like I was the character in the book who is trying like crazy to figure out how this "crap" is relevant to her and why she is in this alternate reality. This book was a total mind screw from start to finish but thoroughly thought provoking in that it makes you really evaluate how your past has affected your present as well as affecting your future.
This is so different from the past books I have read from Mr. Cash. This book was infuriating to me on a basal level because I could not put it down and at the same time thought I had the ending all figured out when Mr. Cash throws this in a completely different direction. I had points of serious frustration at the "history" lessons in this, not because of poor writing but I felt like I was the character in the book who is trying like crazy to figure out how this "crap" is relevant to her and why she is in this alternate reality. This book was a total mind screw from start to finish but thoroughly thought provoking in that it makes you really evaluate how your past has affected your present as well as affecting your future.
January 18, 2016
This is a novella, but one that will have you trying to figure out whether Amanda is alive and dreaming or dead--it is not until the VERY end that you will find out. It reminded me somewhat of another novella which to this day I can not get out of my head-"The Hanging Tree". I combined it with one of the Battle for Darracia reviews I wrote. Both The History Major and The Hanging Tree will resonate in my brain for years to come.
I will leave you with these 2 quotes which can be found at the beginning if the book and which I truly believe to be truth.
Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.--George Santayana
History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul--Lord Acton
I will leave you with these 2 quotes which can be found at the beginning if the book and which I truly believe to be truth.
Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.--George Santayana
History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul--Lord Acton
January 20, 2016
Review: THE HISTORY MAJOR by Michael Philip Cash. Wow. Not what I expected from this author I've always enjoyed. That is to say, this novella is excellent (hence the 5-star rating) but different: inspiring, thoughtful and thought-provoking, metaphysical, heartwrenching. For me, the author's note, both personalized and heartfelt, made the story additionally worthwhile.
January 25, 2016
This short novella was very interesting. I thought, until I got to the end, that it was a dream sequence, but I was not completely correct. Instead, it is a study of how the brain deals with unbearable trauma, going from complete denial to conditional acceptance. The journey was fascinating.
January 26, 2016
The History Major: A Novella is short, but suspenseful. There’s a sort of nightmarish quality that really put me on edge throughout, a good thing for this sort of story. I didn’t really know what to expect going in, even after reading the description, but I think that made it better because everything was a surprise.
This is a quick read, but I took a couple of evenings to finish, so there’s plenty of meat to it, even for a shorter book. I got the vibe that this was sort of an experiment, the author playing around with an idea and a unique way of storytelling.
Overall, I really liked this story. It’s short, but everything ties together nicely. I would recommend this to fans of horror and thrills, particularly those who like a story that leaves them thinking.
I received the review copy of this book from the author. I wrote this review for my blog.
This is a quick read, but I took a couple of evenings to finish, so there’s plenty of meat to it, even for a shorter book. I got the vibe that this was sort of an experiment, the author playing around with an idea and a unique way of storytelling.
Overall, I really liked this story. It’s short, but everything ties together nicely. I would recommend this to fans of horror and thrills, particularly those who like a story that leaves them thinking.
I received the review copy of this book from the author. I wrote this review for my blog.
January 9, 2016
This is a serious “Thinker” book, would be good for any type of discussions from English, History, Religion or any book group. To me it was a confusing book --- jumping all over history and thinking she was dead or on her way to dyeing but not there yet but, not here in the living, yet. A very talented, written book – and, his page of notes in the end truly helped! A book I will remember forever!
January 15, 2016
I received this book from the author in exchange for a review. I'm not sure where Michael Phillip Cash gets the ideas for the books which he writes, but they are always fresh, exciting, original and so much fun to read. I have read all his books and enjoyed every one. I recommend any of his books if you want a quick and enjoyable read.
February 15, 2016
The history Major by Michael Phillips Cash
I have never read a book by Michael Phillips Cash before and a Novella is always a good place to start as long as it's not a part of a series.
This was an interesting read, the concept was very unique. I found that I disliked the main character Amanda immensely right from the beginning, and I believe this was the author's intention. Amanda is a trouble girl, clinging on to a very bad crowd. She is a girl behaving badly, I would even go so far as to say against her own conscience. She bratty and spoiled and in desperate need of a reality check. She has a boyfriend Patrick that she cares for very much, but they have an argument where she feels forced to choose him or her friends. When she does something redeeming, she is thrown into waking nightmare, she's confused and experiencing vivid memories and hallucinations. She is completely uneasy with her surroundings and she is stalked by a phantom of some kind, she is horrified. What makes this story so interesting is how the author intertwines history with the story and the completely unexpected plot twist.
There was absolutely room for this novella to be a novel, and I would have read every page. The book sucked me in and had me unable to put it down, attempting to figure things out ahead of the plot. The question is does this mean girl learn her lesson?
"Have a taste of sparkly star, and drink a sip of moon, and when you feel as though you have gone far, then sail into your room."
I have never read a book by Michael Phillips Cash before and a Novella is always a good place to start as long as it's not a part of a series.
This was an interesting read, the concept was very unique. I found that I disliked the main character Amanda immensely right from the beginning, and I believe this was the author's intention. Amanda is a trouble girl, clinging on to a very bad crowd. She is a girl behaving badly, I would even go so far as to say against her own conscience. She bratty and spoiled and in desperate need of a reality check. She has a boyfriend Patrick that she cares for very much, but they have an argument where she feels forced to choose him or her friends. When she does something redeeming, she is thrown into waking nightmare, she's confused and experiencing vivid memories and hallucinations. She is completely uneasy with her surroundings and she is stalked by a phantom of some kind, she is horrified. What makes this story so interesting is how the author intertwines history with the story and the completely unexpected plot twist.
There was absolutely room for this novella to be a novel, and I would have read every page. The book sucked me in and had me unable to put it down, attempting to figure things out ahead of the plot. The question is does this mean girl learn her lesson?
"Have a taste of sparkly star, and drink a sip of moon, and when you feel as though you have gone far, then sail into your room."
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