Sex, Love, And A Massage Filled Weekend
Hot Water lives upto its name with good reasons. This debut novel by Kathryn Jordan is filled with sex, love, and massages.
Lonely bored Minnesota housewife forty-six-year-old "Julia Reeves," decided to take a weekend break from her marriage to Ralph. Without Ralph's knowledge and with the help of her sister, Lucille, "Julia" flew out to Hidden Springs Spa and Resort in California for the weekend. There she went under the pretend name "Julia Reeves" (the main character went under the pretend name throughout the novel) and met a younger guy whom she called 'William"- a male escort whom she found on the Internet. After spending a lot of time together, they fall in love. As I read the novel, two questions popped into my head: Would they stay in love? Or, is it just a fantasy for "Julia"?
Jordan's writing is filled with spice and excitement. As a first time novelist, the bigger plus in her favor is that she added mystery to the character of "Julia" without revealing her real name. This made me want to read the novel even more. I wanted to find out "Julia's" real identity.
The next time Kathryn Jordan publishes a novel, I will be the first in line to buy it.
Life With A Canine Companion
The cover art of a novel or the title makes me want to take it off the bookshelf of my local bookstore and read it. However, for Elizabeth Wrenn's novel Around The Next Corner, it was the plot that attracted my attention.
Life in Denver, Colorado was ordinary for Deena Munger. She was a stay at home mother of three and married to Neil. Stuck in a dead-end marriage, Deena, looked for something exciting to do outside of the marriage. While she watched a segment on Oprah about canine companions, Deena had an 'Ah-ha' moment. Right then and there, she decided to volunteer raising a canine companion puppy for the blind. After getting approved, Deena, was paired up with a female yellow Laborador Retriever named Heloise. An unbreakable bond formed from the moment they met.
Author Elizabeth Wrenn, an experienced canine companion puppy raiser, took the story from her own life. Throughout the novel, I got to experience what life is like raising a canine companion. She wrote this novel with maturity. Another plus in Wrenn's favor was her flawed characters. She made them seem more human. This is one author not to be missed out on.
Mary Jo Buttafuoco Then & Now
Saturday, August 1st 2009 was a beautiful sunny morning at Best Bargain Books in Centereach, New York. As the first person to stand in a long line, I patiently waited for Mary Jo Buttafuoco's arrival to sign copies of her memoir 'Getting It Through My Thick Skull.' A youthful looking and energetic Mary Jo entered the store. As she was sitting down, I noticed how great she looked. With her blonde hair neatly combed to one side, she wore a sleeveless yellow, white, and black zig-zag top with matching yellow pants. Just a few days earlier, I started reading Mary Jo's intriguing memoir.
The world came to know the Buttafuocos on May 19th, 1992. Seventeen-year-old Amy Fisher, shot Mary Jo in the head on the front steps of her Massapequa home. Amy, confessed to the shooting and to having an affair with Mary Jos' now ex-husband, Joey. At the time he was an automechanic at his family-owned Complete AutoBody. The case sparked a national media frenzy and three made for television movies. Now, in her own words Mary Jo, wrote about her life then and where she is today.
Buttafuoco's writing was heartfelt, yet brutually honest in everything from her marriage to Joey, the shooting, and forgiving Amy. One thing that really surprised me was when I read that Mary Jo, now a California resident, went to the Betty Ford Center for prescription to pain killers. I had no idea she was addicted to them. I am glad she got sober and turned her life around for the better.
Throughout the book, I felt really bad for Mary Jo because she had been through a lot. However, I was glad to read she divorced Joey and is now living with her boyfriend, Stu Tendler. He was actually at Best Bargain Books with her. They seemed really happy together. Seeing them happy made me happy.
As I had my book signed by Mary Jo, one of the first things I said to her was 'Mary Jo, I wanted to wish you the best of luck and much happiness in whatever you choose to do with your life.' Her reply to me was 'I'm here to enlighten people.' That's what her memoir did for me.
From Photojournalist To Romance Writer
To start off the first book review of 2009, my choice was to review Sarah Bird's The Boyfriend School.
Stuck at a dead end job as a photojournalist for the Austin Grackle, a newspaper in Austin, Texas, Gretchen Griner, is sent on assignment to a romance writer's convention by her editor and lover Peter Overton Treadwell. There she meets romance writer Lizzie Potts. They become instant friends. Through Lizzie, Gretchen meets Gus Kubiak, Lizzie's brother.
Being friends with Lizzie, opens a new exciting door for Gretchen. She falls in love with Gus. She ends her relationship with Treadwell and quits her job to start writing romance novels.
Sarah Bird's writing was filled with style and light humor. Plus, the characters were rightfully flawed, which made the story more intriguing.
The Crash And Burn Of A Broadcast Journalist
Elizabeth Flock's book But Inside I'm Screaming, did not scream for me.
The downfall of Flock's book started on Labor Day weekend 1997-the weekend Princess Diana died in the Paris, France car crash. Thirty-five-year-old Isabel Murphy an anchorwoman at ANN News went on the air that night to report on Princess Diana, but, Isabel could not speak.
Later that night, she tried to commit suicide in her Manhattan, New York apartment. Isabel, was depressed over the break-up of her marriage to her husband, Alex.
After being treated at a local hospital, Isabel, was voluntarily admitted to a psychiatric hospital, Three Breezes. The character of Isabel was selfish and stubborn. She did not feel like she blended in with the other patients. Isabel, also did not feel like she belonged there.
Elizabeth Flock's writing was lifeless. Flock, had no emotional connection to the characters or the story. Whenever an author has no emotional connection to the characters/story whatsoever, it's a big turnoff for me.
Cancer In The Family
Cathleen Schine's novel, She Is Me,dealt with the sad subject of cancer. It's heartbreaking dealing with just one family member who has the disease. It's even sadder dealing with two family members who have cancer at the same time.
College Philosophy teacher Elizabeth Bernard, lived in New York City with her boyfriend, Brett, and their three-year-old son, Harry. Her parents Tony and Greta Bernard, lived in California along with Gretas' mother, Lotte, who had Skin Cancer. Greta, took care of Lotte up until the time Greta was diagnosed with Colon Cancer. Back in New York, Elizabeth, wrote a screenplay on Madame Bovary, which caught the eye of a Hollywood movie producer. At a time when she should have been celebrating, Elizabeth, was rightfully worried about her family. Brett, suggested they move to California so Elizabeth could finish writing her manuscript and most importantly take care of her family. Once they moved to California, the burden of being caretaker to her Grandma Lotte, fell to Elizabeth's shoulders.
My heart went out to Elizabeth throughout the novel. Here's a young woman in her mid-twenties who should be out enjoying life instead of having to deal with cancer.
As for the author, Cathleen Schine, she did a wonderful job writing what it's like dealing with family members who have this life-threatening disease. This is a heart-touching story.
The New Future Classic Dog Novel
Garth Stein's novel The Art Of Racing In The Rain, is the new future classic dog novel.
A ten-year-old black Lab named Enzo, was the main character and narrator of Stein's novel. Set in the heart of Seattle, Washsington, Stein's novel started off on the evening before Enzo's death. He laid in a pool of his urine in the apartment he shared with his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming racecar driver. Enzo, waited for Denny to come home from the grocery store, so he could say a final good-bye. From there, Enzo, flashed back on his life with Denny.
A lot of funny flashbacks made me laugh as I read about Enzo's life. Denny took Enzo to a racecar track. He drove Enzo in a racecar. Each time Enzo wanted Denny to drive faster, he barked. For every flashback Stein had in his novel, there was a very sad one. Denny, was very much in love with his wife, Eve. They had a lovely young daughter, Zoe. While on a hiking trip to Denny Creek one day, Denny, Eve, Zoe, and Enzo were all playing in the water. Eve, slipped on some rocks and hit her head after dipping Zoe in the water. Denny, rushed Eve to the hospital, where docters ran some tests on her. They diagnosed Eve with Brain Cancer. After months of battling this horrible disease, Eve, passed away. As I read these heartbreaking scenes, I felt Enzo and Denny were bonding more than ever.
What kept me interested in reading The Art Of Racing In The Rain, were the characters and plot itself. Garth Stein, made the characters believable by putting them in real life situations.
In my opinion, this is what makes a good author. His novel is a future classic.
Garth Stein's novel The Art Of Racing In The Rain, is the new future classic dog novel.
A Good Man A Good Book
Judith Henry Wall's book A Good Man, was definately a good book.
Deep in the heart of Lamberton, Texas, attorney Rhonda Chadwick dressmaker Holly Warner, and former Miss American Teenage pageant winner Gina Kay Robertson were once three best friends in high school. While in high school, Rhonda, dated Terry Robertson. They later broke up.
After high school, all three best friends attended college. Rhonda was secretly back together with Terry. Her parents and friends didn't know. Without warning, Gina Kay quit college, ran off and married Terry. This forever shattered her friendship with Rhonda.
Now, twenty-five years later, Holly, who remained friends with both women throughout the years called Rhonda: Terry was dead. Rhonda attended the furneral and the reception at Gina Kay's house.
After everyone had gone home, Gina Kay, Rhonda, and Holly remained behind. They talked about the good times they had together, including attending pageant trails Gina Kay was in. Gina Kay, brought up the subject of being invited to attend the Miss American Teenage Pageant in New York City to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of her reign. Gina Kay, wanted Holly and Rhonda to make the trip with her, so she could explain to Rhonda why she married Terry. Will Rhonda forgive her? Could they be friends again?
Wall's characters were flawed in their own ways, which kept me interested in reading the book. A Good Man was written with compassion. Her writing was flawless throughout the book.
A Heartbreaking Mother's Story
December 24th 2002 started out just like any other festive holiday for Sharon Rocha. After attending a movie, she came home and prepared Christmas Eve dinner. Family was supposed to come over, including Sharon’s twenty-seven-year-old daughter, Laci and her husband, Scott Peterson. They lived in Modesto, California. At the time Laci, was seven and a half months pregnant with their baby boy, Conner. Before their arrival, Scott, called Sharon. What Scott said next forever shattered her world: Laci was missing. Some months later, Laci’s and Conner’s bodies washed up ashore in the San Francisco Bay area. Scott was arrested, tried, and convicted of their murders.
Now, in a heartfelt tribute to her daughter, Sharon wrote For Laci A Mother’s Story Of Love, Loss, And Justice.
Sharon Rocha was born Sharon Anderson in Escalon, California to Elta and Cliff Anderson. During high school, Sharon started dating Dennis Rocha. They were married in 1969. Two years later their oldest son, Brent, was born. Four years later Laci joined the clan.
When Laci turned two, Dennis and Sharon divorced. Months later Sharon met her lifelong boyfriend, Ron Grantski.
Growing up Laci was always smiling, upbeat, and had a lot of friends.
All through high school and college, Laci had boyfriends. One day Laci and a friend dined at Pacific Café. She met a young waiter there named Scott Peterson. After going to Scott’s job a few more times, she gave him her phone number. It wasn’t long before they started dating. Three years later in August 1997 they were married.
During their five year marriage, Sharon wrote Laci and Scott seemed happy together. Sharon liked Scott and thought he was polite.
In the spring of 2002 Laci learned she was pregnant. She was very excited. From what Sharon wrote in the book, Scott didn’t seem to share the same excitement. He started becoming distant.
Another Scott Peterson emerged on December 24th 2002, one that Laci and her family never knew. Just after Laci disappeared, Scott was caught in a bunch of lies. He told people on the day she disappeard, he went either fishing or golfing. The biggest lie Scott ever told Laci’s family was he never had an affair with massage therapist Amber Frey. They started dating a month before Laci disappeared.
Throughout the book, I felt bad for Sharon. Here was a woman looking forward to her daughter giving birth to her grandchild. She had that viciously taken away from her.
In some parts of this book, I wanted to cry for Laci. She had a lot of things going for her that only some people could dream about. She was young, happily in love with Scott, pregnant with her first child, had a nice small house, and a dog named McKenzie. All that was taken from her because of Scott’s selfish act. I believe his motive was he didn’t want children.
Sharon wrote For Laci with love and understanding. Through her I felt like I got to know Laci. This is the saddest book review I have ever wrote.
Important Message * If you don’t want children and your fiancee’ does, discuss your feelings before you ever get married. Children are a lifelong commitment.
Addicted To The Heroin Diaries
September 25th, 2007 was a sunny beautiful day. My sister, Jen, and I took a train into New York City. As soon as we left the train, we walked over to the Virgin Megastore. Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx was there to sign copies of his autobiography, The Heroin Diaries: A Year In The Life Of A Shattered Rockstar.
We quickly purchased copies of Nikki’s book and joined the long line outside. Jen, started listening to Motley Crue in the early eighties. They have always been her favorite band.
While we waited on the line I started reading, The Heroin Diaries. I thought this was going to be some interesting reading.
Motley Crue set the world on fire in the eighties. They sold millions of albums and played to soldout arenas worldwide. From December 1986 to December 1987, Nikki wrote diary entries when he was addicted to heroin and alcohol. He along with co-author Ian Gittins put these old diary entries into his recently published book.
Nikki Sixx’s (real name Frank Feranna Jr.) drug and alcohol problems started before he actually took drugs himself. He wrote in one diary entry that his parents showed him no love. Frank Feranna Sr. (Nikkis’ Dad) was an alcoholic, a druggie, and a womanizer. Ten months after Nikki was born, his mother Deana Richards, took Nikki and left Frank. Everytime Deana got a new boyfriend, she dumped Nikki off to live with his grandparents, Nona and Tom Reese in Idaho. Nikki was being groomed for bad behavior. As a teenager he started taking drugs.
Years later just as Motley Crue’s successful career grew, so did Nikki’s dependency on drugs. Ratt guitarist Robbin Crosby introduced Nikki to heroin. By this time Nikki was a millionaire living in a Van Nuys, California mansion. Most of his diary entries were written in his bedroom closet as he shot up heroin.
During the late eighties Nikki dated ex-Prince backup singer, Vanity (now known as Evangelist Denise Matthews). In some diary entries Nikki wrote he and Vanity did cocaine together. They were more like drug buddies than in a real loving dating relationship.
Out of all the bizarre diary entries I read, the most bizarre one was written on December 22nd 1987. A few days earlier Motley Crue finished their last show of the year on the Girls, Girls, Girls tour in Japan and Nikki decided to stay behind. He traveled to Hong Kong. Nikki and this female interpreter Li he was with walked over to this male fortune teller. The fortune teller said if Nikki didn’t stop using drugs he would be dead before the end of the year. Nikki flew back to California that same day. That night Nikki went with some friends to the Cathouse rockclub. From there they went to the Franklin Plaza hotel, where Nikkis’ friend Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash and his girlfriend, Sally McLaughlin stayed in to do drugs. Nikki collapsed and died in their room. He was later revived by paramedics.
The commentaries that followed most of the diary entries were from people who were there during Nikkis’ drug days including Motley Crue bandmates Mick Mars, Tommy Lee, Vince Neil, and from Nikki himself. Reading these comments helped me better understand Nikki of who he was back then.
Written in a dark brutal truthful way, a now clean and sober Nikki wrote this book so people could see what his life was like as a heroin addict. Some interesting reading his book turned out to be.
Footnote* Here’s a picture Jen took of Nikki and I as he signed my copy of his book. Jen, only got me from behind because security guards rushed her.
