Ron Seybold
Clumsy, this one. Not especially funny, either, unless you bring along some simmering disdain for male writers. Describing herself as not a writer pretty well fits this effort. When American publishing needs this kind of book, it's really trolling. But that's not the point, is it? I was wondering if there would be anything in here to help a writer create a genuine and benevolent male character. Way too much screed for any compassionate reader. Seems to be all about getting even. It got confusing, too, once I learned there's a very earnest and noble comedy show, just now opened to support breast cancer survivors, with the very same name. Definitely a slow day at the publisher's house when the title got kicked around.
This is such a treasure of exercises and invitations into the spirit of writing your own life. It's got the trademark “just write 10 minutes, go!” of Natalie's practice. Yes, she really does urge you on like that in person, something I got to experience at a workshop with her at Kripalu. Highly recommended, full of the kinds of suggestions a great coach will nudge you along with. Easy language, and her examples show how writing at a 7th grade level is most inclusive, while preserving rich meaning and vivid images.
Beautiful prose, with a story that gets more clear and characters drawn sharper as you turn the pages. Not the best rate of revelation for its plot, but its surely has some of the best Nazi-era everyday life scenes you could imagine.
A powerful and piercing prayer for people
You'll find yourself dog-earing pages all the way in this spectacular story. The long wind-up of the first third of this fine book pays off with big hits of comedy, wisdoms, and peanut butter. The ending does not disappoint, either. If you want to know who we are, ask this alien. Then go find a sunset and put on the Debussy. I love this book!
What a powerful, glorious book. Its historical details are matched by the caliber of its prose. Our heroine is unforgettable in this epic tragedy.
One of the greatest books I've ever read. Like anybody needs to say that about this. A book so good that its author didn't need to write one single book more.
Not as clear-eyed and direct as the movie, but Pressfield offers an in-story tale of why the Bhagavad Gita applies to the world of sport, and especially golf. Like Shoeless Joe, it directs you to the inner life and emotional core of a sport, in this case golf. One of the best books on golf out there.
What a great, big, wooly novel, full of great plot turns and fabulous character detail. I learned about cooking, football, tennis and dance. Not bad for one book. Roorbach is a genius.
Hands down, one of the best reference books on constructing story, especially for fiction authors. She's revolutionary and direct and simple all at once. Highly recommended!
Heartfelt account of the wife of one of the 20th Century's greatest writers. First person fiction, based upon true accounts. Historical fiction as well. So tender and haunting.
This is a powerful story, told with mastery, about a family that's unlike any I've ever seen on a page. While it resonates with all of the classic characters of the Holy Roller world, it's also personal and tender and sad, all in a way that makes you want to keep reading to see how Donna will escape with her own soul intact. Despite the abuse and the neglect, she tells the story without pity or judgement – which, coming from a world powered by sin and damnation, is remarkable. The sins committed in the name of salvation will keep you reading this great book.