Posted on November 4, 2020 Leave a Comment
By: Wendy Jarvis
I’m starting off Non-Fiction November with a review of Be A Duck by Wendy Jarvis. This is a self-help book that challenges the reader to evaluate their empathy, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence through the lens of a duck.
I can honestly say, I had not considered modeling my behavior after a duck. This book brings forward some really interesting characteristics of ducks that can easily be applied in everyday life. Such as handling criticism and conflict. While a relatively short read, I recommend taking your time with each chapter, spending some time reflecting on how you could apply the principle to something specific in your life. It’s a worthwhile exercise and one I enjoyed.
Do you have a book in new of review? Would you like to be interviewed about your latest project? I’d like to work with you! Please visit my Contact Me page to complete the form with your details.
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By: Carol Sveilich Reflections from a Glass House, A Memoir of Mid-Century Modern Mayhem is an intimate and detailed story of growing up in the Silicon Valley, in the 1960s. Sveilich shares her story in incredible detail, making her very easy to connect with. In many ways, this felt like sitting down with a friend,…
By: Jodi Samuels Originally from South Africa, Jodi Samuels is a speaker, activist, author, and super mom. In her book, Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine, Jodi shares her inspiring mission to change the world. Her story is one of resilience and living Judaism in every way possible. Samuels’ memoir demonstrates the importance of living the Jewish…
By: Melvyn Westreich When a rabbi goes missing from an Ultra-Orthodox community in lower Michigan, the Rebbi asks Simon Lincoln to take the case. A former police officer and private detective, Lincoln reluctantly accepts the assistance of his fiancé, computer wiz, Dafna Lachler. When the case takes a turn, creating fear of a serial killer,…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Posted on November 3, 2020 Leave a Comment
It’ll be time to light the Hanukkah lights before we know it. Which means it’s time to start planning for eight nights of presents! To help you find the best gifts to give the book lover in your life, I’ve compiled a list of 18 great ideas to get you started. Some of these are favorite products of mine. Some are just fun ideas any bookish friend would be happy to receive.
This page contains affiliate links. This means for any purchase made, I receive a small commission.
This handy bookmark fits on your book lover’s thumb to help hold their page open.
A cozy throw pillow is perfect for propping up when you need to read just one more chapter.
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As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
All the supplies needed for organizing a bookworm’s personal library.
Cute and cozy! Who doesn’t love novelty socks, am I right?
Light and soft, this scarf makes the perfect bookish accessory.
A lovely pendant makes the perfect bookish Hanukkah gift.
Help your bookworm keep track of their reading goals, favorite titles, and notes.
Beautifully handcrafted, this novelty box is a great hideaway for your book lover’s trinkets or bookmarks.
Personalize it for your favorite reader.
Or for tea, this mug features 30 classics.
Great for reading after dark!
This handy pillow is perfect for hands free reading.
Add a bookish glow to their desk or nightstand.
Republic of Tea is a favorite of mine. This sampler will keep the book lover on your list well stocked whenever they need a warm cup.
Now waterproof, a Kindle is perfect for reading pretty much anywhere.
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As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Kindle Unlimited offers free access to tons of great titles for your book lover to enjoy.
#ShamelessSelfPromotion – Every bookworm appreciates the gift of more books. Consider one of mine!
Posted on November 2, 2020 Leave a Comment
Thank you to everyone who submitted work for the October Short Story Feature Contest. The 1st place featured entry is:
New York born, but living in Minnesota, S. J. Schwaidelson is a playwright, political blogger, and novelist.
Her blog, The Wifely Person Speaks, has been around since since 2010. It has has a global following and has opened a number of odd doors, including a Google hang-out for the NY Times, and contributor status on Minnesota Public Radio and The Times of Israel.
She has two books available on Amazon with a third in the final stages before publication.
At this time, she is actively seeking a new agent. Visit her website:
https://wifelyperson.blogspot.com/
Her story was based on this writing prompt:
“You must go to Krakow!” everyone told Minnie. “It’s beautiful, it’s friendly. They won’t make fun of your Polish there. They love visitors.”
Minnie wasn’t so sure. She had no memory of Krakow; nothing came to mind at the mention of the word except maybe the day they left, and even that was almost too vague to call a memory. Any time she smelled train, she remembered (or so she thought) the train that carried her family out of that hellhole her mother called home. Nothing but the smell. But everyone said she should go into the city itself, so she went. Standing in the main square, with its artsy market stalls and bright yellow RMF umbrellas, she felt nothing but disdain for the people milling about. As far as she was concerned, they were all ignoramuses, unaware of the history of their own city, more than willing to forget how they treated intelligentsia and artists.
She was not thinking about the Holocaust.
The 1490s were not a good period for Jews just about anywhere. Krakow was no exception. When a large swath of Krakow burned in 1494, Minnie’s family, along with the rest of the Jewish population, were shunted across the Vistula, no longer permitted to live in their beloved Krakow. Kazimierz became their center, their own city within a city. That’s where they thrived. That’s where learning and living happened. For over four centuries, and they had the tombstones to prove it.
She was thinking about Natan Szpiro. Dead almost 310 years when the Nazis disposed of the rest of the Krakow Jews.
Operation Reinhard moved them all back into Krakow, into the ghetto. “Resettlement, my ass,“ thought Minnie, still standing in the central square. A gust of November wind chilled her to the bone, and she hunkered down into her puffy parka. Was it the thought of Aktion Krakau that brought the wind, or was it the transcendent shudder of Natan Szpiro because she thought of him instead?
Minnie had been thinking about Natan Szpiro since she could walk. The charcoal portrait of him had survived it all. She would look at him, at his eyes, and she knew he could see her. When her family moved to Krakow so her father could teach in their university, the portrait came with them. And when they left, it left Krakow wrapped in brown paper, sitting safely on her lap all the way back to America. By then, she knew the DNA from Natan Szpiro lived comfortably within her.
Someone was calling her name. She turned to see Freida hurrying toward her. “I have the car,” she yelled. “It’s freezing and the radio said snow. Let’s go now.” Freida was out of breath. “Okay?” Minnie nodded. Fried slipped her arm into Minnie’s. “It’s not far. If it was warmer, we could walk. I know how to find it.”
Frieda navigated the streets easily. She remembered. She had been here for a long time before they all left.
There was little heat coming out of the vents. Minnie was getting colder. She wished she’d brought her Uggs; her feet were cold. Staring out the window, she tried to remember something about this place, anything, but it was all a blank space. City traffic was slow. They crawled through the streets; buildings here looked like buildings everywhere else in Europe. She could be anywhere. Bruges. Florence, Prague. Wherever. It was all the same.
When Frieda turned the car onto Szedrka Street, Minnie stopped breathing. She’d been here. She knew this place, but it was different. She felt colder, if that was possible. This is the place. This is where the memories are.
Frieda slid the car into an empty space right across from the Rumah Synagogue. “Do you want to go into the shul first?” she asked. Minnie shook her head. “Why not? They restored it.”
Minnie said nothing as she got out of the car. This is not my shul.. This is a different shul. My shul is the Alte Shul down the street. Without thinking, she knew where to go.
Frieda followed behind, leaving enough space so her sister felt she was alone. She suspected Minnie knew where she was going. This was not new in their family. They all knew there was something different about Minnie, and it had to do with the charcoal portrait of Szpiro. Ever since she was little, when they found the drawing in the box their grandmother had given the neighbor to hide, Minnie was attached to the portrait. She had to have it in her room. She took it on trips, to college, to Israel for the year she was there. Wherever she was, Natan Szpiro was with her. Frieda knew Szpiro was tucked in the inside pocket of Minnie’s parka.
The Alte Shul was still there. Fix, repaired, but still there. Minnie walked through the gate and paused before she went onto the grounds. She walked purposefully around the side. She stood for a long time before the old door. Her heart was beating fast enough so that she heard it in her ears. This is my shul. This is where I sang and I danced. This is home.
When Minnie’s heartbeat finally slowed, she turned around. Walking past Frieda, she retraced her steps until she came to Lewkowa Street where she turned to enter the cemetery. As soon as her foot touched the sacred ground, she stopped. The day had arrived. The time had come. She expected to feel cold when she got to this place, but she didn’t. Their grandmother used to say, whenever she felt chilled, that it felt as if someone was walking over her grave. Minnie used to shudder with her; the expression was scary, and she hated when Bubbe would say it.
A comforting warmth rippled through her instead. That was unexpected but welcome. Minnie knew she had come to the right place.
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No one had to tell her where to go. She knew. Minnie walked amongst the old graves, stopping here and there to place a stone on the headstone. The parka pocket filled with stones she brought from Israel was emptying quickly. She was greeting old friends, long gone, faces her brain did not recall but her heart did. Minnie knew what to whisper to each one. The Polish that she never used slid smoothly over her tongue.
Frieda stood at the gate watching her younger sister walk between the headstones as if it was the most natural thing on the planet. She remembered the last time she was here. She was 10 when they left, an age when you remember everything and nothing. Minnie was only six, she remembered nothing. Five years to a 10-year old is forever. The streets came back to her because she walked them to school. The sound of Polish, never comforting, was still familiar enough that she only the tiniest American accent when she spoke. It wasn’t that she hated Poland; she didn’t. But she didn’t trust it either. There were places they had been: the camps, the ghettos, the streets where families once lived. Freida’s hazel eyes were always opened wide, and her breath came short bursts when they were in those places, but Minnie’s eyes never waved. They were like ice-chips: pale blue, almost grey, piercing and cold. When Mommy sobbed, Daddy would put his hand on her back as if that would fix everything. Frieda understood; if Minnie did, she neither knew nor cared. This was like then. Minnie’s eyes were ice chips and Frieda was not going to walk between those graves.
Minnie stopped. This was the one. Reaching out, she touched its surface, expecting it to be as cold as the wind. It was not; it was warm, and Minnie was comforted. She closed her eyes. I have come, she whispered. You’ve been waiting all these years for me to come back. I am here now. She waited.
There was no sound other than dead leaves rustling around her feet. There was no celestial whisper, no song of benediction, no words of comfort. She pulled the small portrait from her inside pocket and showed it to the headstone. This is you. I have your eyes. Again she waited for a response. What am I supposed to see?
A chill wind blew through the cemetery, around the headstones, and around Minnie. She shivered in her coat. She closed her eyes against the sting. She counted her breaths. In, out. In, out. In, out.
Nothing.
Minnie opened her eyes ever so slightly; they were merely slits to let in the light. Then she saw them. All of them. Shimmering in the wind. Hands at their sides. She recognized Natan Szpiro first. Then the others: Shlomo first, then Yitzchak, then David. The men dissipated in the wind. The women remained, the mothers, the daughters, the sisters. Minnie was transfixed. Part of her was part of them. She could feel their nachas in her heart. She could feel their tzuris in her bones. They whispered in the rustling of the leaves and the dried grass.
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Jesteśmy. Przyszedłeś nas znaleźć, nie on. Przyszedłeś, żeby ktoś nas pamiętał. To my żyjemy w tobie.”
We are. You came to find us, not him. You came so someone would remember us. We are the ones who live in you.
“Jestem tutaj. Jestem tu dla ciebie. Będę was wszystkich pamiętał, kobiety, które stały z tyłu,” whispered Minnie. I’m here. I am here for you. I will remember all of you women who stood behind them.
She saw them nod and smile in the shimmer as they, too, dissipated. Minnie held up her hand as if to wave, but they were already gone.
Turning back to Natan Szpiro’s headstone, Minnie held his picture to face the grave, as though the headstone would see it. “The women,” she said aloud. “No one ever remembers the mothers who raised you to be sages, the sisters who doted on you so you could study in peace, the wives who fed and clothed you, who held bore and raised your children. You dismissed them all so easily, but I will not forget. I will be their memory.” Minnie dropped the drawing on the ground. “Without them, without us, you did not exist.”
Minnie strode purposefully toward her sister. Frieda was staring; something had happened at that grave, but she did not know what. Minnie reached up and put two fingers on her sister’s lips. “Brak słów,” she smiled. “You don’t have to say anything. I will say it for us.”
Brak słów. There were no words, but Minnie knew she would find them and write them. She would tell the stories, the stories of the women. The ones who raised. The ones who fed. The ones whose lives were lost in their husbands’, sons’, and brothers’ greatness. The ones who, after all, were the foundation.
Each month the site hosts a short story contest. It’s a unique contest because each month, participants are challenged to craft a short story based on a visual writing prompt. Up to two selected entries receive a feature guest post here on the site. There is no fee for entry. For full contest details and to see the writing prompt, visit the Contests page.
This page contains affiliate links. This means for any purchase you make, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the April Short Story Contest! The winning entry is: The Unexpected Vacation by John Scott John’s entry is based on this visual writing prompt: Please Enjoy The Unexpected Vacation By John Scott Tom and Kathy had met their freshman year of high school. Tom was brilliant beyond his…
Thank you to everyone who submitted work for the June Short Story Feature Contest. The featured entry is: Riptide by Rylee Alexander Rylee is a thirty-something-year-old author from Central New York with big dreams to travel. She has a husband, two boys, and a dog, and spend what little free time she has reading, and…
Thank you to everyone who submitted work for the July Short Story Feature Contest. The featured entry is: The Cathedral Bell by Violetta Toth About herself, Violetta says, “I consider myself a book enthusiast and budding author. i have written many short stories and other works throughout my life and career, but I have been…
Thank you to everyone who submitted work for the August Short Story Feature Contest. The winning entry is: Becoming Italian…Or Trying To by Kyra Robinov A native New Yorker, Kyra is an author and lyricist. Her first novel Red Winter was inspired by the true story of her family and their escape from Red partisans…
Thank you to everyone who submitted work for the September Short Story Feature Contest. The featured entry is: The Fire Within by John Ethier John Ethier has been writing fiction off and on for the better part of twenty years. What started out as a collection of short fiction, essays and narrative non-fiction eventually resulted…
This month, I’m featuring a second work from the submissions in the September short story contest. The second feature is: Rough Waters by J. Trevor Robinson When J Trevor was young, he received a well-worn stack of mystery and horror novels from his older brother, and it instilled in him a lifelong desire to be…
Posted on October 28, 2020 Leave a Comment
By: Melvyn Westreich
When a rabbi goes missing from an Ultra-Orthodox community in lower Michigan, the Rebbi asks Simon Lincoln to take the case. A former police officer and private detective, Lincoln reluctantly accepts the assistance of his fiancé, computer wiz, Dafna Lachler. When the case takes a turn, creating fear of a serial killer, the two step up their efforts to find this maniac before their pending nuptials.
This is the second installment in the Lincoln/Lachler mysteries. I did not read the first but did not feel I needed to in order to enjoy this book. The references to the first story were easy to understand. Westreich presents a well-paced mystery with well-developed red herring, keeping the reader guessing as to the identity of the killer until the very end. The evolution of the relationship between Lincoln and his fiancé, Dafna, is well developed. I appreciated the uses of humor and the occasional moments where Lincoln speaks directly to the reader as he’s exploring his own thoughts.
By about the halfway point, I found myself wondering why the book was titled The Kosher Butcher. There is an explanation in the story but it might have been made clear a little sooner.
I really enjoyed this story and have already recommended it to friends. If you like a good murder mystery, add this one to your reading list.
Do you have a book in new of review? Would you like to be interviewed about your latest project? I’d like to work with you! Please visit my Contact Me page to complete the form with your details.
This page contains affiliate links. This means for any purchase made, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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By: Claudia Hagadus Long A trip to the Jewish Studies Museum, in New York, triggers a memory of a long lost family heirloom. Aurora, a survivor of the Shoah, recognizes an ornate menorah in an exhibit that bears a remarkable resemblance to family ring, worn by her daughter, Zara. Fast forward a few decades and…
By: Jules Brown Jules Brown is a veteran travel writer, working for Rough Guide. In Takoradi to the Stars, Brown blends his love of travel with a memoir, revisiting 35 destinations, including his home town in West Africa. Brown is not only a great traveler, he’s a brilliant storyteller. Each destination is described with a…
By: Jodi Samuels Originally from South Africa, Jodi Samuels is a speaker, activist, author, and super mom. In her book, Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine, Jodi shares her inspiring mission to change the world. Her story is one of resilience and living Judaism in every way possible. Samuels’ memoir demonstrates the importance of living the Jewish…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Posted on October 28, 2020 4 Comments
[Content Updated July 2, 2022]
Book reviews are an important way to support the work of authors you love. They are a simple way to thank your favorite authors for the work they do. Readers select books based on recommendations. So leaving reviews on sites like Amazon and Goodreads are like telling your friends how much you enjoyed a book.
Did you know, after a book receives 20-25 reviews, Amazon includes the author’s book in “also bought” and “you might like” lists, increasing the books visibility on the site and potentially boosting sales? And after 50-70 reviews, Amazon highlights a book for spotlight positions in its newsletter?
Has an author asked you to read an advanced copy of their book for review? Early reviews, meaning reviews posted before a book’s release date, help create buzz about a new book and boosts pre-orders of the book.
This is why reviews matter so much! So here are some simple steps on how to write a book review.
Sites like Amazon and Goodreads do not have minimum word counts for book reviews. So your review can be as simple as: “I really liked it” or “Highly recommend”. Add a star rating and you’re done. But if you really want to do a job, here are four basic elements every great review should have:
Imagine you’re chatting with a friend and you want to recommend your latest read. What would you tell them about the book? Don’t copy the author’s book blurb from the back cover. Put the plot into your own words. Keep it simple and no spoilers!
Include three to five things about the book you really enjoyed. Consider the author’s language usage, the pacing of the book. Did something about the story hold your attention? Was the ending emotional or maybe unexpected? Was there a character you particularly related to? There are lots of possibilities.
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This doesn’t necessarily have to be something bad about the book. But if something about the plot bothered you, include it in your review. Or, if you noticed several typos in the text, maybe the book could have used a final proofread before publish. Remember, writing a novel is no small feat. Keep your opinions about changes to the book objective and be polite.
This is where you should note your key takeaway. Something you learned. A new perspective you gained. Some benefit you feel another reader would gain by reading this book.
Book reviews are accompanied by a star rating. Deciding how many stars to give can be a little confusing. So here’s a guide to help:
1 Star – I really didn’t like this book or I didn’t finish it. The plot and the editing had major flaws. There is no way I would ever recommend this book. I don’t remember that I’ve ever given a one star rating to a book. This is an extreme rating.
2 Stars – I finished it but I didn’t enjoy it. The plot had major flaws or seemed implausible. There may also be major editing issues. I don’t give many two star ratings either. I might mention it to a friend if it specifically fit some topic they were looking for a book on but I generally recommend it. This is also an extreme rating.
3 Stars – I liked it but there wasn’t much special about it. The plot was okay but predictable. The characters might have been developed more. It was just average. I might recommend it.
4 Stars – I enjoyed it. It was well executed with well developed characters. The story was well paced. There might be one or two minor issues but I would definitely recommend this book to others.
5 Stars – I loved it and couldn’t put it down. The story was very well executed with brilliantly developed characters. The pacing was perfect and I would highly recommend this book to others.
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Posted on October 28, 2020 Leave a Comment
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly features.
Authors, are you interested in having your book reviewed? Interested in an interview about your work? Visit the Contact Me page and complete the form. Requests receive a response within 48 hours.
This page contains affiliate links. This means for any purchases made, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
By: Claudia Hagadus Long
A trip to the Jewish Studies Museum, in New York, triggers a memory of a long lost family heirloom. Aurora, a survivor of the Shoah, recognizes an ornate menorah in an exhibit that bears a remarkable resemblance to family ring, worn by her daughter, Zara.
Fast forward a few decades and Zara finds herself revisiting the exhibit, while living in New York, during her husband’s sabbatical. When she and her sister, Lilly determine the menorah once belonged to their family, they decide to pursue recovering the looted keepsake. But neither could have imagined what would happen next.
Long does an expert job of building a captivating thriller while exploring the complex mother-daughter bond, sisterhood, and survivor’s guilt. The story is brilliantly crafted and fast-paced with a wide range of emotions. I appreciated Long’s use of humor. It was a nice way to occasionally break the tension in the story.
This one definitely belongs on your TBR list!
By Jules Brown
Jules Brown is a veteran travel writer, working for Rough Guide. In Takoradi to the Stars, Brown blends his love of travel with a memoir, revisiting 35 destinations, including his home town in West Africa.
Brown is not only a great traveler, he’s a brilliant storyteller. Each destination is described with a unique and honest story of his experiences. I’m a live-like-a-local type traveler so I really enjoyed the “off the beaten path” destinations explored in this book. Brown does a wonderful job of blending humor and reverence, where appropriate. I’m an avid traveler, myself, and missing it greatly due to the pandemic. This was a welcome escape.
This is travel writing at its best.
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
By: Jodi Samuels
Originally from South Africa, Jodi Samuels is a speaker, activist, author, and super mom. In her book, Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine, Jodi shares her inspiring mission to change the world. Her story is one of resilience and living Judaism in every way possible.
Samuels’ memoir demonstrates the importance of living the Jewish faith out loud. When life takes unexpected turns, Samuels approaches each challenge with grace, and a little humor. Her ability to overcome her shyness to become an activist to find her own voice is inspiring. Her writing style feels like siting down with a friend over a glass of wine. It’s hard to walk away from this book and not find yourself motivated to pursue your own goals.
By: Melvyn Westreich
When a rabbi goes missing from an Ultra-Orthodox community in lower Michigan, the Rebbi asks Simon Lincoln to take the case. A former police officer and private detective, Lincoln reluctantly accepts the assistance of his fiancé, computer wiz, Dafna Lachler. When the case takes a turn, creating fear of a serial killer, the two step up their efforts to find this maniac before their pending nuptials.
This is the second installment in the Lincoln/Lachler mysteries. I did not read the first but did not feel I needed to in order to enjoy this book. The references to the first story were easy to understand. Westreich presents a well-paced mystery with well-developed red herring, keeping the reader guessing as to the identity of the killer until the very end. The evolution of the relationship between Lincoln and his fiancé, Dafna, is well developed. I appreciated the uses of humor and the occasional moments where Lincoln speaks directly to the reader as he’s exploring his own thoughts.
By about the halfway point, I found myself wondering why the book was titled The Kosher Butcher. There is an explanation in the story but it might have been made clear a little sooner.
I really enjoyed this story and have already recommended it to friends. If you like a good murder mystery, add this one to your reading list.
Make planning your next reading list fun and easy! Download a free copy of Reading Bingo! Thirty fun ideas for selecting your next read.
Are you an authority with a book you’d like to submit for review? Please visit Contact Me and submit your details.
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Posted on October 27, 2020 Leave a Comment
Whether you’re working on a professional document, an academic assignment, or the next great American novel, nothing kills your credibility with your reader faster than poor editing. Spending a little extra time polishing your document is worthwhile. But running a simple spell check isn’t enough. While great for catching misspelled words, they won’t catch grammatical errors or improper word choices. For these, and other writing issues, there is no substitute for manual proofreading. But there are great tools available to help you perfect your document. Today, I’m going to outline the process I use, along with some resources to help you proofread like a pro!
As you work through these steps, consider using the Track Changes feature to help you keep track of your changes as you work. To use this tool, click the Track Changes button, on the Review tab, and change the drop down to All Markup. Each time you complete a phase of editing, you’ll review your changes and accept or reject them.
Reading your document aloud is a great way to catch missing words, repetitive words, and missing punctuation. This also helps catch issues with the flow of your document.
Do this yourself by reading the document, from your screen, or use the Read Aloud tool. The tool picks up reading from wherever you place your cursor. It also allows you to pause, back up, or move ahead. As you catch mistakes, pause the tool to make your updates. Then restart the tool to hear your updates.
Use the Track Changes tool to track the changes you make. When you’ve finished reading your document, review your changes a second time and accept or reject them, using the buttons.
After you’ve completed your first pass through, reading aloud, the next step in our process is to print the document. Believe it or not, you read differently on a screen verses in hard copy. You’ll need room to make notes of changes you want to make. So set your paragraph spacing to ‘double’. The extra room between lines not only leaves you room to make notes but helps you focus on each line, making any remaining mistakes easier to catch.
Use a pen or pencil for noting any corrections and a highlighter to make the line that needs correcting easier to identify when you’re imputing your corrections later. Once again, I recommend using the Track Changes tool as you’re imputing corrections. When you’re finished review them for acceptance or rejection.
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There are several editing tools available. These tools are primarily for catching wordiness and other issues in your writing. When you run the editing tool through your work, it will suggestion changes to improve readability and make your writing more concise. They operate similarly to the Track Changes tool.
So why not just start and end with an editing tool? While excellent tools, editors are just that. Tools. There is no replacement for manual editing. It’s still necessary to review the tool’s suggestions to be sure they make sense.
However, there are two I recommend you check out.
The first is Grammarly. Grammarly offers a variety of options for using their tool. They offer a desktop app you can download. Write your document in the app or import an existing document. The desktop app does have a file size limit of 4 MB so it’s not ideal for longer documents. For those, you’ll want to download the plug-in for your work processor. Once downloaded and activated, you’ll have a Grammarly tab on your tool bar, allowing you to use the tool on a document of any size. If you post a lot to social media or for blog posts, use the plug-in for your web browser, to help catch mistakes before you post. And best of all, it’s free!
The second option I recommend is WordRake. This tool is similar to Grammarly in that it is an editing tool and can be installed as a plug-in on your work processor, like Word. WordRake offers a free trial but you will have to purchase a license to continue using it.
Seriously?! Read it aloud again?! Yes. Believe it or not, there may still be a few mistakes in your document. And you should review your document one more time to be sure you’re happy with the changes.
For more helpful editing tips and tricks, I recommend checking out Sivakumar Kannan‘s Master Class on Skillshare. The course takes about three hours to complete and walks you through a step by step process, using a a piece of blog content.
If you’re serious about proofreading, having a few resource guides is a smart investment. I recommend:
This page contains affiliate links. This means for any purchase made, I receive a small commission.
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Posted on October 27, 2020 Leave a Comment
My upcoming novel, Ruth Long, Age 88 will soon be available for pre-order. This week, I’m giving you a look at the preface. Since the protagonist is deceased, I wanted to do something unique with the preface. Give it a read and tell me what you think:
Ruth Long, age 88, entered eternal rest, at home, surrounded by loved ones, on August 7th, 2020, in Whittenham, WI.
Ruth was born on April 4th, 1932 in Point Falls, WI to James and Mary (Jans) Becker. She graduated from Point Falls High School in 1949. In 1950, she married her high school love, John Long, who proceeded her in death, after 65 years of marriage. She was a homemaker with a great passion for her family. Later, Ruth was a tireless volunteer for several local organizations, including the Whittenham Business Council and First United Church.
Ruth is also proceeded in death by her parents, and her brother-in-law, Carl.
She is survived by her sister, Gina Worzella of Point Falls, her son, David (Melissa) Long of Chicago, IL, her daughter Carolyn Long of Whittenham, WI, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Memorial may be made to Whittenham Hospice. The family would like to extend their thanks to the hospice staff for their dedicated care.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Monday August 10, 2019; with visitation preceding from 10:00am until the time of service at First United Church, Whittenham, WI. Internment will be held in the Whittenham Cemetery, following the service.
When I started mapping out this series, I was inspired by series, like Modern Love and The Romanoffs, on Amazon. I like the idea of a series that isn’t just a continuation of the previous book. So, I started weaving characters between the stories. Among the characters in the first book, I’ve selected three who will come up again in future books. Ruth’s son, David Long, will make an appearance in the second book. David had a long career in the insurance industry before he retired. A connection from work is what brings him into the second book, Neal Matthews, Age 62. We’ll also see a very minor character from Ruth’s story in book four. Ruth’s grandson’s girlfriend, Kristy, will take on a much bigger role in that story.
Several of my readers have asked if this series will have any tie in to my first novel, The House on Maple Street. At first, my answer to that was, no. There would be no ties between the two. But after some consideration, I’m excited to reveal that one character from that novel will be coming back with a spinoff novel. Dr. David Immerman will be the focus of book six in the series. He will also make a brief appearance in book four. This will be a stand alone story and not a sequel to Maple Street.
My new novella, The Package, is now available for pre-order! Order today for $0.99 and receive your copy on December 18th.
From the back cover:
Abandoned by her mother in early childhood, Noa was raised by her distant, apathetic grandmother. But a trip to the library in search of her new love, spy thrillers, leads Noa to a life long friendship with a librarian. Fast forward and Noa has established a successful travel blog and her librarian friend has become more like family.
A note in the pocket of a vintage jacket turns a working trip to Vancouver into a mission for a spy international network. The mission is simple. Take a package to a hotel restroom and leave. When things take an unexpected turn, Noa suddenly finds herself in a high stakes game of cat and mouse. Noa quickly finds all the novels in the world are no preparation for the game she’s playing. Will she complete her mission?
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Posted on October 21, 2020 Leave a Comment
By: Jodi Samuels
Originally from South Africa, Jodi Samuels is a speaker, activist, author, and super mom. In her book, Chutzpah, Wisdom, and Wine, Jodi shares her inspiring mission to change the world. Her story is one of resilience and living Judaism in every way possible.
Samuels’ memoir demonstrates the importance of living the Jewish faith out loud. When life takes unexpected turns, Samuels approaches each challenge with grace, and a little humor. Her ability to overcome her shyness to become an activist to find her own voice is inspiring. Her writing style feels like siting down with a friend over a glass of wine. It’s hard to walk away from this book and not find yourself motivated to pursue your own goals.
Do you have a book in new of review? Would you like to be interviewed about your latest project? I’d like to work with you! Please visit my Contact Me page to complete the form with your details.
This page contains affiliate links. This means for any purchase made, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
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As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
By: L. M. Affrossman Simon’s Wife is a work of Jewish historical fiction, set in 70AD Jerusalem. following the destruction of the city and the second temple. Shelamzion bat Judah has been captured and is facing execution. But could an unlikely friendship with her Roman jailer change her fate? This book really held my attention…
By: Claudia Hagadus Long A trip to the Jewish Studies Museum, in New York, triggers a memory of a long lost family heirloom. Aurora, a survivor of the Shoah, recognizes an ornate menorah in an exhibit that bears a remarkable resemblance to family ring, worn by her daughter, Zara. Fast forward a few decades and…
By: Jules Brown Jules Brown is a veteran travel writer, working for Rough Guide. In Takoradi to the Stars, Brown blends his love of travel with a memoir, revisiting 35 destinations, including his home town in West Africa. Brown is not only a great traveler, he’s a brilliant storyteller. Each destination is described with a…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Posted on October 14, 2020 Leave a Comment
By: Jules Brown
Jules Brown is a veteran travel writer, working for Rough Guide. In Takoradi to the Stars, Brown blends his love of travel with a memoir, revisiting 35 destinations, including his home town in West Africa.
Brown is not only a great traveler, he’s a brilliant storyteller. Each destination is described with a unique and honest story of his experiences. I’m a live-like-a-local type traveler so I really enjoyed the “off the beaten path” destinations explored in this book. Brown does a wonderful job of blending humor and reverence, where appropriate. I’m an avid traveler, myself, and missing it greatly due to the pandemic. This was a welcome escape.
This is travel writing at its best.
Do you have a book in new of review? Would you like to be interviewed about your latest project? I’d like to work with you! Please visit my Contact Me page to complete the form with your details.
This page contains affiliate links. This means for any purchase made, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
By: Jules Brown For my second Non-Fiction November selection, I joined Jules Brown on a 9 country in 9 days train trip across Europe…in the middle of a heatwave. This adventure travels through Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Bratislava, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Liechtenstein, Zürich, and Milan. This is the second work by Jules Brown I’ve read and it…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, thriller, and humor. Get my reviews direct to your inbox every Wednesday and check back here for monthly…
Join 5,500+ Followers
As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
Heidi Slowinski 