Fiction
Big Sky a novel
'Big Sky' a novel written by the British author Kate Atkinson is a crime novel that seems to me several small cases entwined with one big case. There are many characters who are all intertwined with each other. There's Katja and Nadja; Mark Price; Nathan; Gary; Vincent; Reggie and Ronnie and a few others. It is a story of sex trafficking, as well as how family relationships can change over time. This is a good story, but it does go back and forth a lot with the story and stories. The short chapters made this a quick read though for I read it in two days. The book cover is done well and gives the reader a sense of the the locations of the story.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The Soldier Ran Away
Here is another critique of a short story entitled 'The Soldier Ran Away' written by Kay Boyle. This is the story of a boy named Jeff Wheeler the son of an Army colonel who spends a lot of time on his hobby in his attic workshop. One night in doing his work Jeff begins noticing things about his work that he has not done and a few days later he discovers why and he begins to help a very young soldier who went AWOL and has a decision to make as well as Jeff does- on whether to share about the soldier to his father. The illustrations in this story are colorful and adds much to the story.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Del
Another writing project that I am working on is a series of critiques of short stories and other writings that I have read in many of my old Literature textbooks that I had in high school and I found at Amazon and eBay. The first critique is about a short story entitled 'Del' written by Karl Harshbarger and it is about a boy named Del who is working in a labor camp and Del just wants to experience life and when he hears a train rolling by he remembers where he comes from and home. Karl use of language of how one young man uses the conversation to learn about each other and their situations. At times it seems that Del's wanderlust while listening to the train brings back many memories for him. The illustrations of the story does depict what Del is feeling throughout the story.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Public Opinion. Content Warning.
'Public Opinion' is an adult novel of suspense and a bit erotic at times. It is written by Nathan Pettijohn and it kind of answers the question 'What does public opinion really mean to all of us?' The main character of Melvin, who also goes by a few other names along with a few friends are involved in the world of movie producing of X-rated films along with other dealings. Melvin must do some creative computer work to make everyone happy but is he really only wanting to do what is expected of him.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
The Lady in the Woods
'The Lady in the Woods' is a suspense novel written by Maria Bluni that is a story of love from many viewpoints of family and friends. It is the story of Mariah Talbot and her finding her way in love and friendship as well as in work and family. Mariah does find these things, but in a most different way.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Hurtle and Hewis
'Hurtle and Hewis' is a children's book written by Dawn Ajarie-Vizor. This is a story of quite a pair of hedgehogs one that is obsessive and that is kind of a slob, but they are siblings and they have a plan to do on their vacation that one of won in a contest. They each learn a lot about each other. Dawn has written this story to show that siblings can find ways to get along and be able to work and have fun in many different situations. The illustrations were vivid and quite descriptive. This is also a story that has a lot of alliteration that helps with learning sounds of letters for young children.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Detective Dachshund and the Fluffy Thief
'Detective Dachshund and the Fluffy Thief' is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Decima Blake. Who's ready for a mystery? Detective Dachshund is the story of a police dog that is sent out on a case that is quite deceiving. Will Detective Dachshund solve this bewildering case? He asks many questions of all neighborhood residents and learns a lot. This is a book that could teach the beginnings of deductive skills and learning how to sequence events. It is full of surprises and the illustrations go right along with the words.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Tinsle Tales Benniebee and Walliewasp
What do you know about the world of bees? Mark Leah has written and illustrated a children's picture entitled 'Tinsle Tales Benniebee and Walliewasp'. Where do bees of a certain 'breed' belong? This is the question that Benniebee and Walliewasp have to answer. Benniebee has to find a family and a place to call home. Walliewasp must find a safe place and where would that be for him.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Identity
'Identity' a novel written by Nora Roberts is a romance novel but to me is more a family story. In this story the main character of Morgan Albright, a woman who is living her life in a very good way and getting what she wants. She has a house, a job, a car and saving money in the bank. She also has a roommate by the name Nina Ramos. Something bad happens and Morgan has to move back home and start over. Nora Roberts is an author of many books but 'Identity' will have readers think a little bit more about personal saftey and just plain safety.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
