In The Interim Generation

Reader Eric Myers had this to say about my Book The Interim Generation:

I am a fussy reader. Not just any book will make my favorites list. For me, a book must have the complete package if I am going to continue to read more books from that writer… and if I am going to recommend that book to others. The Interim Generation has everything.

What grabbed my attention immediately were the delightfully intricate characters. No stereotypes or templates here. Each one is well-formed, fully dimensional and comes with an array of strengths, quirks, and foibles.

We were off to a good start but remember, I am demanding.

The next pleasant surprise was the story. The author, while respecting the genre, had his own take on what an adventure thriller should be. There were fun twists and interesting developments. A lot of time went into creating this storyline.

Along this incredibly fun journey were immersive settings, realistic dialogue, and heroes to cheer for.
The ending was a bit of a surprise, yet incredibly satisfying.

Well, Done, Charles Martin Cosgriff. Can’t wait to read your next one. I am pleased to recommend this to everyone.

Thank you, Eric. FYI the book is available here I hope you enjoy it too!

In Review

In working to get my books reviewed I'm also trying to be kind to other authors and review their books. It's reached the point where I get asked to read something and give my opinion. If a certain tome looks interesting I'll get a copy and do so. I need stuff to read anyway, right?

I was asked yesterday to review a collection of word search puzzles. It isn't by one specific author but, apparently, an effort of a company which publishes fun books, crosswords, sudokus, and obviously word searches. 

Well, okay. I find it difficult not to be a bit of a twerp about reviewing word searches though. "Wow, those words really were hidden!" seems patronizing. "I couldn't find a single word, you hit them so well!" keeps repeating itself in my mind. "Is this English?" I think of replying in all silliness, "Because I doubt WXHTTR is a real word, even backwards or diagonally."

Ah, yes. Too proud of myself yet again.

That's Entertainment

I've said before that I don't always understand book reviews. One person on Amazon gave me three out of five stars for my Family Lore blog collection, saying:

There is nothing really to learn from this book other than just reading it as pure entertainment.

Um, Okay. I'm not sure that I was trying to teach anything but merely attempting to entertain as it is. In fact, teaching anything at all was nowhere near the front of my mind in putting that collection together. So, reading a book meant to entertain and admittedly 'pure entertainment' merits only 3 stars out of 5? What's wrong with mere entertainment anyway?

At times I just don't get book reviewers at all.

ASA Good Critical Review

A Reviewer whose Amazon moniker is gliderpilot1 has this to say about my novel A Subtle Armageddon:

A Subtle Armageddon, the first book in the Infinity Series, presents readers with a dystopian future where true human sentiment is absent. Despite minimal or no dialogues, the main character embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns profound lessons from the natural world, offering a thought-provoking exploration of good intentions gone awry.

One of the unique aspects of the book is its portrayal of a world where human learning should be impossible, yet the characters defy these limitations. The author's imaginative depiction of how nature can instruct even the most hardened individuals is enlightening. Throughout the narrative, the sublime descriptions create a vivid and captivating atmosphere, immersing readers in this highly imaginative world.

Although dialogue is scarce, the well-developed characters engage readers through their actions and experiences. Witnessing the main character's transformation from emotional neutrality to one capable of growth and learning adds depth to the narrative. The author's favorite excerpts vividly convey tension and emotion, demonstrating their ability to create an immersive and emotional reading experience.

A Subtle Armageddon contains spiritual undertones that are intertwined with the storyline. While not necessary, a general knowledge of C.S. Lewis might enhance readers' understanding of certain elements within the book. The underlying rationale and thought-provoking themes encourage contemplation of dependence, independence, and the interconnectedness of all things.

While the book has its strengths, it also has a few limitations. The absence of significant dialogues may detract from readers seeking more character interactions. Additionally, the pacing occasionally falters, affecting the overall momentum of the narrative.

Readers will appreciate the inherent optimism, unexpected twists, and profound learning moments. A Subtle Armageddon is a well-written and thought-provoking page-turner that blends spirituality, imagination, and intriguing characters. It offers a unique perspective on the significance of human sentiment and our relationship with the natural world.

I wish that all reviewers would give feedback such as this. He touches on both the strengths and weaknesses of the book. I can tell that he actually read it; too many reviews are simply without enough body to be helpful for me as a writer, or potential readers. Their reviews are perfunctory. Although gliderpilot1 only gave me 3 stars out of 5, I appreciate his comments on a much deeper level than what others have said who gave me more stars.

I don't agree with everything gliderpilot1 says (the intentions of the controllers in ASA were most emphatically not good). Still, reviews such as his are far more valuable than any one or two sentence throw off. Thank you, friend.

Marty the Reviewer

As I'm getting a bit of traction on my book sales, the number of reviews are increasing. On the whole I'm pleased with that. Some of them I take issue with yet I try to be open minded about whatever folks say. A fella has to have something of a thick skin when he writes for public consumption. He must as well consider that the negative reviewer may even be right in their criticisms. 

I find that most observations have been fair enough. I'm greatly pleased in fact that one reviewer caught on why I named my lead character Michael in my book Michael's Story. I chose the name very particularly and I'm pleased someone caught it.

I've taken to doing Amazon book reviews myself. Reviews help drive sales, and I don't mind helping with that. I'm going to be reading books anyhow, so why not help other writers? Yet even when I don't care for a story, or find many grammar, spelling, or narrative issues (believe me, there's a lot of bad writing out there) I really try to be kind. It's a courtesy, and charitable. Why try to be Mr. Critic, being scathing just to be mean? It's rude.

Yet there are problems which seem to occur generally. Several books I've reviewed apparently believe that you're supposed to italicize whenever someone is speaking. I try to gently point out that that's not really a good stylistic practice. Describe the tone of how they're speaking and then let the words flow. You should only use italics when you really must stress a point. To do it all the time takes away from that purpose. 

Then there are people who feel that commas, are, the, greatest, thing, since, sliced, bread. They, use, them, constantly. While they have their place, the rule of thumb is that when in doubt, comma, leave the comma out. Use them for lists, or to separate two thoughts within a sentence. Or, and this is acceptable too, use them to mark an aside within a sentence. 

See what I mean? There are other rules of comma usage, but I will not bore you with them today.

In fact, I'll bore you no more with this blog entry. Have a great day!

Triple Honest

Now that I'm making a heartfelt effort at putting myself 'out there' I'm getting more and more Amazon reviews on my books. Here's a favorite, about my first book A Subtle Armageddon:

I had to make a decision to rate the novel either a 3 or 4 star. It was a tough read for me since the story just seemed to describe a man wandering around and experiencing many things for the first time. I decided that perhaps I did not like the book since I am not a big fan of either of the two authors that seems to influence the author and decided on awarding a 4 star. Perhaps if you like this type of genre, you might be more impressed.

I like this little review, basically for its honesty. There are to my mind three levels of honesty within it.

First, the man is honest with me. He admits that he isn't a fan of the writers who inspire me (Tolkien and CS Lewis). That's all right. I'm an adult, and I realize that what I pen isn't going to be everybody's cup of tea. Still, he informs me without rancor that the story isn't for him. I respect that.

Second, he's factually correct. The main actor in ASA is (at least at first) simply wandering around and things just 'happen' to him. That was done on purpose as I developed the story and, I will argue, was necessary under the circumstances I imposed upon myself in writing the book. But the reviewer makes a fair criticism: it all can appear random and unimportant, at least at a casual glance. 

Third, while grading it in the standard Amazon five star format, he waffles between 3 and 4 but then assigns it a fourth star precisely because he realizes his prejudices might be affecting his judgement. He's playing fair (to my writing as well as his views) and I highly respect that.

So, for something which is less than a stellar review it is nonetheless a decent and valid one. I have to appreciate it on that ground, and I wish more folks (including me) might be more like that in things we say and do. I think it's how human interaction should be.