Table Talk Posted by Drac , Friday, November 9, 2012 at 9:33 PM, in Labels: book, non-fiction, Outskirts

Title: Table Talk: Memoirs of a Bikini Waxer

Author: Caren A. Stein

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Genre: Non-Fiction / Humor

Table Talk: Memoirs of a Bikini Waxer by Caren A. Stein is a treasure for humor lovers. Every page filled up with wit to punch you in the face or in the crotch, making a perfect delight for your funny bone(r). 

After taking this book in my hand, the first thing that came into my mind was the character of Marcy Runkle from Californication. And it came out better than my expectation. Author is a professional hair remover. She takes the reader inside the beauty salon and reveals all the secrets of her clients along with her hilarious insights, exploring the amusing, naïve and fanatical nature of women. 

Caren wears different ‘Hats’ making different chapters of the book, exploring daily problems of women in a unique way of course. Even being hilarious, the book never sabotage women but asks very straight questions, answer brutal truths and provide a positive outlook; all confirming the clout of superior sex. As depicted from the cover, this book includes crude humor which is not recommended for faint hearted. 

Do not doubt the author for feminism; this book is an enjoyable read for both the sexes. Though I would recommend this book to all the women only, as those men who knows a little of the term metrosexual might feel lost. 

Rating: 3.5/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mystery Time Posted by Drac , Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 2:17 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Outskirts

Title: Mystery Time

Author: Janet Hannah

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Genre: Fiction

Mystery time by Janet Hannah is the third novel in Alex Kertész Mystery series. In this installment, the two scientists, Alex Kertész from Israel and Hildegard Kraus from Germany will have to solve two mysteries; of a murder and a missing watch. 

Alex and Hildegard are attending a convention on Molecular Biology at Prague, where an American scientist, Dr. Green gets killed on the stage. Being heard his last words, Alex and Hildegard, starts to take a dig on this mystery killer. Was Dr. Green a victim of local criminals or his colleague’s grudge? Or some other mystery is concealed beneath the surface?  Through the investigation Hildegard recalls that her pocket watch, which she loaned to Dr. Green, is missing. Did the killer took it? And what mystery does a simple looking, old pocket watch holds? The protagonists struggle to find the answer of these questions in Mystery Time. 

Author is really good with the depiction of scenarios and that’s the highlight of this book. The lead characters are captivating with their depth of understanding; though their scientific backgrounds are hardly accentuated.  The romantic anxiety Alex and Hildegard share is also stirring and sparks a bond with reader. Unfortunately the grasp the characters possess does not reflect in the story. Unlike a thriller is supposed to be, Mystery Time is a slow-paced, tranquil and unruffled read. The later part of the story, pocket watch with power of vision, is not explored up to the expectations. Overall, the characters look very promising and I hope every next book in the series will be better than the previous one. 

Rating: 3/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Complete Mystery of Matthew Alcott Posted by Drac , Friday, July 27, 2012 at 3:04 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Outskirts

Title: The Complete Mystery of Matthew Alcott

Author: Michael Oborn

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Genre: Fiction

The Complete Mystery of Matthew Alcott by Michael Oborn is an extravaganza of Joseph Smith with stiff analysis of traditional Mormon church’s behavior all draped in splendid wit. 

Matthew Alcott, a former historian for the Mormon Church, discovers a lost revelation received by Joseph Smith in the private papers of Brigham Young. The astonishing truth he stumbled upon makes him acquainted with a new side of Smith and his relationship with women. Matthew decides to expose his findings by writing a book but Church authorities will do anything to silence him. 

This novel, unlike other pretentious ones, is an unambiguous thriller based on the background of Mormonism. Instead of books that rebel religion, author here tries to tickle how everything is justifiable in the name of God. The cultural values of religion and its importance in one’s life in the face of human values have been cunningly bought up in a new light, providing enlightenment through entertainment. Irrespective of your religion, this book includes a message to learn for every reader.  

Writer has portrayed the protagonist as his alter-ego and tried to convey the subordination of women by Mormon Church in a very intelligent manner, allowing the readers to use their clout of perception and sift their standing. The prominence of Joseph Smith through the eyes of someone who is excommunicated from the Mormon Church is exceptionally articulated. The boldness of writing binds the reader throughout the book making it a delightful page-turner.  

Rating: 4.5/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Parrot & Sweeney Posted by Drac , Monday, June 4, 2012 at 1:41 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Outskirts

Title: Parrot & Sweeney

Author: Alan Roberts

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Genre: Fiction

Parrot & Sweeney by Alan Roberts is much more than whodunit genre can classify.  Detective Chief Superintendent George Parrot and Detective Inspector Daniel Sweeney returns in this installment with their customary diligence but extra caustic humor.

Three mysteries featured in this edition are: Dark Justice, in which they attempt to disentangle a kidnapping; Reckoning For A Harpy, where they have to solve a brutal murder of a famed socialite and The Bankers Payoff, in which they would investigate shooting of a banker.  But only if everything is as it appears.

Apart from the alluring stories and incomparable characters, the thing which makes this book an absorbing page-turner is its setting. With the background descriptions, the type of food, apparels, customs & words one can actually hear the British accent as the characters talks and that makes the reader click. Just as one enjoys watching an old classic movie, this book is a cherished gift for Sherlock Holmes’ fans. Most of the writers who try to grip the pithy film-noir elegance usually end up sacrificing the pace of story, but this is not the case with Alan Roberts. Author’s writing style has kept this book, light, easy & engaging read. I don’t like to repeat myself but again, the humor is simply commendable.

A must read for all the mystery fans or classic lovers or any fiction admirers. Looking forward to read more of this twosome.

Rating: 4.5/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

The Big Book of Dan Posted by Drac , Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 11:58 PM, in Labels: book, non-fiction, Outskirts

Title: The Big Book of Dan

Author: Daniel C. Dulik

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Genre: Non-Fiction / Humor 

The Big Book of Dan by Daniel C. Dulik is a collection of essays and poems giving a sporadic and amusing perspective to daily life situations.  

Author has presented a mocking point of view towards almost everything; from government to war, from driving habits to evolution of mankind, from nose hairs to aging and many others and he left nothing and nobody. Even where this book is filled up with all the quirks and whims, the reader can hardly miss the underlying concern author has for the human race and its journey towards the doom. I am a big fan of George Carlin and have to say that this book had impressed me a lot. To find the hidden humor in every intricacy of life is what everyone needs to survive this pandemonium of life. 

The Big Book of Dan: Road Alligators and Other Incongruous Possibilities is an intellectual, radiantly imaginative and bright read for all. Where many writers become monotonous after a stretch, Daniel proves to be an exception. Reading his work after a boring routine day life made me have a pleasant night and enjoy the laughter I missed the entire day. A must read to clear the nuances of mind, looking forward to more books from the author. 

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lazarus in the Labyrinth Posted by Drac , Thursday, March 15, 2012 at 2:06 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Outskirts

Title: Lazarus in the Labyrinth

Author: TR Hanes

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Genre: Fiction 

Lazarus in the Labyrinth by TR Hanes is the best psychological fiction I had came across up till now. The story revolves around Reno Antonin, a professor and a successful athlete who finds himself struggling with deep depression due to his physical injuries and mental trauma caused by an unfortunate event in the past. In an attempt to rise above this crisis he seeks help form his sister, who is a psychotherapist. But psychology fails to cure his wounds. Instead of following religion blindly as most people do, Reno decides against it and ascertain a new way to cure his trouble. He realizes that when he was under the influence of anesthesia, he had no consciousness, no feelings and no fear. He concludes his anesthetized form as death with no afterlife and no fear, just a void. 

To advance his discovery he meets members of a secret society who performs their own death drama based on Greek Eleusinian ceremonies. Reno realizes that after going through these ceremonies when one resurrects, he is free from any guilt and pain as the life and consciousness that contained it is cease to exist. 

The author strikes at the very nerve of egoistic men who proclaims the existence of Heaven and Hell. Death means a vacuum, so there cannot be an afterlife keeping an account of the rights and wrongs done with a conscious which doesn’t subsist in oblivion. Keeping the narration simple and the story flow still stimulating, author has successfully described the mental stature of his protagonist and challenged the Religion on the fear it has injected in mind of the people (in the most respectable way). Read this book to get a new definition of Death and Rebirth and to understand the complexities of human mind.

Rating: 4/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

Muck Blossoms Posted by Drac , Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 2:32 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Outskirts

Title: Muck Blossoms

Author: Juna Jinsei

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Genre: Fiction 

Set in mid 1800’s Muck Blossoms is the story of Kathleen’s life journey. After losing her mother at a young age, Kate has to grow up fast and become the woman of the house. She lives with her widowed father on a ranch at Wyoming. Growing up in the environment of natural beauty but without law, she became aware of this scary world and continues to struggle through it. She is eager to learn and reads everything she gets her hands on. Kate believes that obstacles led the courage grow and raises her family along with developing an individuality.

She gets tricked and become pregnant out of wedlock. Her father having an abrasive behavior towards her since the beginning releases his wrath on her. The violence and suffering Kate has to put up with is heart wrenching. She has to face the ruthless consequences making her life rushed in desolation. But her outlook, predicaments and decisions make her redeem everything.

In a nutshell, this book is a portrayal of a woman’s inner strength to rise above even with unimaginable losses, emotional wounds and physical abuse. Even in today’s world things like honor killing and violence against women are not obsolete. That is what makes the connection with Kate ticks, leaving this book difficult to put down. Though being an intense story, it doesn’t inspire sadness in the reader but awe towards the protagonist and belief that hope and good always flourishes in the end. 

Juna Jinsei has done an amazing work with intriguing story flow, meticulous characterization and fussy historical references. From the picture of the environment to the life cycle of the horses, everything depicts realistic scenario. This book will work as a reference for the future writers. Already at an eminent rank in my library, Muck Blossoms is highly recommended. 

Rating: 5/5 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” 

The Consuming Posted by Drac , Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 6:23 AM, in Labels: book, fiction, Outskirts

Title: The Consuming 

Author: Todd Boyer 

Publisher: Outskirts Press 

Genre: Fiction 

Do not judge this book by its cover or tagline, Todd Boyer’s The Consuming is much more than just a religious fiction thriller. It is one of those few books which make a perfect blend between fiction and religion, leaving their readers mesmerizing. 

The Consuming is the story of a demon scout named Max, who plans the consuming of a human, Jack for his best friend Ike. After a tragedy in his life, Jack has lost his interest in living and his faith in God, making him a perfect vessel for the demons. But the possession doesn’t go as per the demon’s plan and Ike finds himself trapped in Jack’s body. To save his friend, Max leads to a journey of uncharted realms which reveals some astonishing facts, a conspiracy about the Apocalypse and change his perspective towards the mankind. Now both the demons and Jack has to work together against a warrior demon in order to save themselves and the world. 

All the characters in the book have an enthralling depth, giving the reader an inimitable view point on good and evil. All the twists in the tale and its flow is intriguing, making it an enchanting page-turner. Even being a non-Christian, I faced no problem to connect with the story, hence a recommendation for all the fiction fans. As the author is already working on the sequels (can’t wait to get my hands on it), it’s better not to miss the beginning of a splendid series. 

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Pony Principles Posted by Drac , Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 4:26 AM, in Labels: book, non-fiction, Outskirts

Title: The Pony Principles

Author: Keith Elkins

Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.

Genre: Non-Fiction / Self-Help 

The Pony Principles by Keith Elkins is one of a kind motivational experience. At first look, this book may appear as a children’s fantasy, but actually, author has used Pony as a metaphor to showcase readers the principles by which they can achieve what they have fantasized throughout their life.

The four basic principles mentioned in this book are:

#1 Developing vision to see and focus on your hidden talent and beliefs. (See the Pony)

#2 Processing your life experience to nourish your mind body and spirit. (Feed the Pony)

#3 Working hard and getting yourself trained. (Train the Pony)

#4 Having passion and total commitment to achieve success. (Ride the Pony)

Elkins elaborates these four important principles of success in 38 chapters giving out the most appropriate to-do and do-not advices in the simplest way possible. Importance of optimism, new definitions of ego, priority over time and other such valuable lessons would surely help the reader get success in their work & personal lives and achieve better. At the end of every chapter there are Pony Principle Assignments to help you further putting these principles into practice. The book is thoroughly flooded with inspirational quotes and statements to develop the confidence of the reader and make them ride the Pony of their dreams.

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Rise and Fall of the Antichrist Posted by Drac , Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 1:13 AM, in Labels: book, non-fiction, Outskirts

Title: The Rise and Fall of the Antichrist

Author: Charles Massegee

Publisher: Outskirts Press, Inc.

Genre: Non-Fiction / Religion 

The Rise and Fall of the Antichrist by Charles Massegee is a comprehensive exploration of the Book of Revelation. Not only this book just points out at the prophecies led by God in the Bible but also makes a complete sense of every verse by showing not only how it pertained in the history but also how it still relates to us.

If you have tried to read the Book of Revelation before you might have noticed that it is too hard to read and understand may be because of the language and symbolism or because of the wrath it contains about the judgment and end times. Each person who believes in Jesus would understand that god has ordained the end times from the very beginning itself and the one who is adored by Jesus’ love and a follower of his teaching have nothing to fear.

Massegee has decoded each verse, each church and each judgment of each chapter of Revelation to breaks up the Scripture in tiny pieces and elaborates its meaning. He opens up the secrets hidden in God’s Words to John and bestow readers a deeper understanding of the times we are now living through.

Though at some point Massegee has been very bold to openly accuse some other religion and their God to be antichrist, just to show how some churches under a political influence is embracing something completely in negation to their teachings and God. But this unbiased and straight forward approach only proves his belief in his research, trust in Bible and faith in Jesus Christ.

This book helps in strengthen your love and trust for God, provide compassion for the poor and lays path for the bewildered. Reading this book will fill your heart with hope and thankfulness for the mercy of the God, to prepare you for the second appearance of the Lord. Also, if you have an interest in prophecy books or you are a Bible student, this book makes a must read.

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author for reviewing purpose. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”