"Out Stealing Horses" by Per Petterson

While this book is not new, I've always had an interest in it because of its curious title so I just got a nice hardcover copy of it and after starting to read it, I've had a hard time putting it down. Petterson begins the telling gently, which I'm lead to believe by the reviews, that it ends on a much different note, and it seems to be headed in that direction after the first chapter.

Originally written in Norwegian, this tale has won Petterson various literary awards over the years and has proven to be a favorite in its genre. Seems like a book I'll be able to finish. A much easier read than Froderberg's Old Border Road, which I'd been enjoying and expect to finish too. What a difference in writing style. Although, I think it's safe to say that Froderberg's style, while reminiscent of McCarthy's, is all her own and not to be compared with other writers in this genre.

My review of both of these wonderful books is in the works.

Oprah's Surprise Book Club Pick for 2011

Wishful thinking, but it doesn't hurt to dream. In fact, you have to believe first. That's what makes turning a book no one has ever heard of into a national bestseller. (Publishers, heads up.)

Oprah is really on to something with her new OWN Network. I'm looking forward to her new shows, which have traditionally been very feminine-centric. This year she kicks things off with shows like Miracle Detectives and Master Class. Check out OWN. Happy New Year folks!

Old Border Road by Susan Froderberg

Here's another new author I recently came across. What interests me about this book is the author's writing style more than the story, a relationship story, which sounds interesting enough. Susan Froderberg's writing has been compared to Cormac McCarthy, (her literary mentor) and a comparison to McCarthy is probably the worst thing for any author, but the opening pages of Old Border Road do bring McCarthy to mind, if not a self-conscience semblance of his style, but with a poetic quality all its own. Somewhat awkward to the ear at first but it grows on you.

I'll have to see how Ms. Froderberg's voice pans out throughout the remainder of her story--if it serves the story or detracts from it. I think it works so far but hard to tell until I read the ending. Can't wait to get the book.

"An Object of Beauty" by Steve Martin

Here's a book I'll be ordering and I think I've just found a new author to follow. This is Steve Martin's third novel and while his writing may not be for everyone (whose is?) I enjoy his style and inventiveness. If you like art as much as I do, this one is for you. Hope to make time for it next month and post a review. So far critics like it, even though he's received some one-star (hilarious haters) reviews on Amazon, but most books do.

"HEREAFTER" A Film by Clint Eastwood

Here's an interesting take on life after death:
The biggest surprise about this movie for most people is that Clint Eastwood composed the musical score for this entire film, just as he did with the heartbreaking "Bridges of Madison County" and so many other of his fascinating films. He's a true genius in so many ways and his music evokes deep sentimentality and longing. Very moving and inspiring. (Tissue please.) Click the link above for the soundtrack. (boo-hoo-hoo! Someone hug me... I hope this soundtrack comes with a big box of Lindt chocolates so I can sob all night long...ohh...the agony of it all...

"Make a Scene" by Jordan Rosenfeld - It's About More Than You Think

(Right, the subtitle says it all.)

Okay folks, I've come out of my glorious coma and look what was in my face. Just a good book I want to pass along. A little something that's helping me out of my delusions. Nothing earth-shaking or outrageously hilarious or anything even close to that. Just another book I wish I'd read long ago, that's all. (Woo fuckin hoo. Let's face it, I just thought all this drab grey could use a touch of burgundy.)

Okay, enough of that.

Check out Jordan Rosenfeld's Make A Scene. A whole book about scenes? (Yes, moron. Why do I find that so impossible? Could it be that I've always thought that writing scenes is common sense and not a damn science? Or is this author just trying to cash-in on the obvious? Why should I buy a damn book just about scenes? Hell, all scenes have a beginning, a middle and a godforsaken ending. What else is there to know? Oh... this interior monologue is absurd, but it feels so good to chastise myself!)

I had checked this book out on Amazon long ago and thought at the time it was too basic and that almost all the information was so obvious to most writers, (especially gifted writers like me) but I finally decided to buy it. (An editor recommended a book to me that some people didn't like and they mentioned this one as a better choice. How funny is that? But it gets even better--then someone trashed this one and recommended another book, which I didn't get. I'm telling you, those Amazon reviews are amazing.) I'm wondering what kind of fog I was in the day I searched inside this book and passed on it because I think it has a lot to offer, especially for newcomers to writing. Turns out the author covers a lot of other things such as specific types of scenes, scene intentions, POV, Character Development/Motivation and much more. (That's right, take a look at the TOC.) (Forgive me, I have a thing for acronyms, initials, whatever.)

If you're an experienced writer, you'll still find this book useful as a refresher or you might find Rosenfeld's explanations about plot, for instance, easier to absorb. She breaks writing techniques down into specific modules in such a way that her remarks and insights might seem obvious on the surface, but she delivers the information in a way that resonates and sinks in. If you're brain dead like me, that's definitely a plus.

I've found the book helpful and for me at least, I think I finally "get it" as far as some of my issues about POV, plot, and a few other things. So if you're looking for a well-rounded book that covers other important topics aside from writing great scenes, blah, blah, blah. (Why bore you with the obvious, check it out already. I'm going to slip back into my coma. Do not disturb.)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 

BTW, I've managed to read about 100 pages of Kings of the Earth and the story is growing on me but I put it down for this book and hope to get back to it and finish it. I think I cheated and read the last page though. Trust me, it's just as boring and uneventful as the first. What a shame. I don't like to bad-mouth any books but this one is testing me. I'm almost sure that Jon Clinch has written his one and only masterpiece, Finn, but I hope not. He's capable of so much more than Kings. My review is still pending and I plan to redeem myself, and this honest story, all in one.

Oh... did I promise a review of Child of God? Dream on. (How condescending can I get? Keep reading and find out. Nothing personal, it's just business folks.) Just for the record, I thought Child of God was a brilliant take on the underbelly of a society I think still exists in the outskirts of the mountains of Tennessee, and likewise for the Blue Mountains of West Virginia and other places like it, I suspect.

As usual McCarthy manages to thrill and surprise us by the story's end. Another gem. What else can one say about it? It's vintage McCarthy at his very best. Writing reviews for McCarthy books takes a lot out of you. There's just no simple way or any shortcuts you can take and do justice to the book the way it deserves. While his stories (their premises) might be simple, thematically they're complex and require plenty of thought, editing and time (motivation is more like it), which I've been short on lately.

Your moment of Zen:
Life is all about an even balance of all things and through meditation you can experience wellness. (write this down) Seek your balance. Money must solve your needs, but not your wants, because you will always want something you cannot have.

Book Reviews Pending: Kings of The Earth, Blood Meridian

BTW, I had a few book reviews lined up but I haven't had enough quality time to finish them up. I finished McCarthy's Child of God (loved it) and now reading Blood Meridian, (enjoying it) both reviews pending. As far as Marlante's Matterhorn, as they say in New Jersey, Forget about it!, I ditched the book for lack of interest in the story line. Seems like the same old thing throughout, can't get through it, however well-written it is, just pressed for time on this epic story. Peeked at the ending and sounds just like the beginning, same note. Love his writing style though, but the story seems predictable from the outset.

That's probably the worst thing for a book. (There's a lesson here.) I love a story that is full of surprises, twists and turns, and keeps you guessing the outcome. What's the point of it all otherwise? Morals, great literary writing, and strong voice alone is not enough! This is the kind of great book that would have mattered more to more people, thirty years ago. Vietnam is hardly relevant, but when presented as in Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried, it becomes fresh and engaging.

So far I also had to bail out on Jon Clinch's Kings of the Earth. Very disappointing. The opening didn't do it for me and I'm having a tough time getting through any of it, mainly because of the odd structure, but still want to give it a second chance, in hopes that Clinch will finally come through like he did with Finn. I doubt it though. I just don't see this story taking off and since it's based on a true story, that alone diffuses the surprise factor for me. We'll see, so far Blood Meridian is way too interesting (as old as it is, but a timeless classic) to put down. Now there's something women readers will find impossible to believe. I'm sure they couldn't get through the first paragraph. (It's a guy thing, and I'm loving it.) 

I'll be away for a week but hope to come back with renewed literary vengeance. Feel free to scour through my files while I'm gone!

Book Tourism

Tours to Book Stores? Brilliant!

Here's where I found the "Google me" link. I think Larry Portzline is on to something, but his little venture is missing one very important, recession-proof gimmick. He needs nerdy tour guides that look like Pamela Anderson. Okay, okay, how about Jennifer Lopez?

Check out Book Tourism!

Let Me Google That For You!

Hi folks,
Just came across this link I thought you might get a kick out of. It's a snippet of code that people click on and Google your name, business, or whatever. Totally useless, but interesting for about a minute. Have fun!

Now, Google me! (I have no shame.)

Google Alberto here! Who is this loser anyway?

Book Teasers Pub! An Effective Approach For Your Book Promotions

Looking for an effective way to promote your books? Check out my new Blogspot: Book Teasers Pub! For many years, I've been designing and producing effective book trailers, mini teasers, and videos that not only excite readers about your books, but promos that make you look good as an author.

Each week you'll find informative articles about promoting your books, looking good on video, and enhancing your platform as an author, plus much more! Watch the Book Teaser Samples here:

http://bookteaserspub.blogspot.com/