Book Review - Slumberland by Derra Sabo

Slumberland

By Derra Sabo

Genre: Nonfiction

About the Book

How do you dream? Are your dreams in color or black 'n white? Do they feel surreal or all too real? Well, I'd like to introduce you to my little slice of bittersweet. These subconscious woods hold every fear and my anxieties masked are as wolves. Nightmares that play on a loop for weeks, even months at a time. Symptoms of waking in cold sweats and shaking. The only moments of peace are found in the sporadically studded dreams that happen every now and again. These woods house every past demon as well as certain past versions of who I once was. This place is worse than death, yet it inspires. So......Before my alarm goes off, before I take the last train out of here, I take one last glance back, one last glance at all of the Polaroids, pinned to every tree branch, Polaroids of every dream and nightmare that have stolen my nights since '95......These dreams...these woods...this place...it's my upside-down. This is my Slumberland...

Review

I've never read anything like Slumberland before. It's all about dreams that the author has had since 1995. She describes them very vividly. The dreams cover an array of feelings and emotions. I like how the author chose to include song lyrics with the dreams. She did a great job with this collection. I would like to read more of her work. 

About the Author 

My name is Derra Sabo. I am California born and raised. I spend my days writing, sipping on coffee and listening to music. When I'm not busy typing away, I love spending time with my family and friends. Days spent at the beach ended by burgers at In-N-Out. Growing up I wanted to become a fashion designer/drummer, but somewhere along the way writing grabbed ahold of me and I've never looked back. Over the years writing has aided in healing from my past. Being born and living with a rare disorder led to being bullied throughout life as well as surgeries growing up. Writing and music are my sanity.

Links

Facebook: www.facebook.com/hazeleyes1984 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/derra_nic 

Instagram: www.instagram.com/derra_nic 

Website: www.genuinelyderra.com 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Slumberland-Derra-Sabo-ebook/dp/B0868423R9

Excerpt:

Here I stand…

I’ve stood in this exact spot, in this exact place before…many times…

This place is always disturbingly comforting in a peculiar way…this place has been my little slice of subconscious doom since ’95…this place is all my own…

These woods, a vision pulled from a Hitchcock film, holds my past intertwined within the roots of every hauntingly beautiful tree…

An above sky shaded a midnight black with doom n’ gloom clouds spread across its infinite horizon and luminous diamonds sporadically studded…a brain freeze breeze swirls throughout causing every goosebump to run up my spine…

The various growling echoes stirring behind the deeply hidden gutters are where the disabled demons reside, they bite the edges of my ears…the fear from these demons nearly diminished, yet a sting still exists…

I stand here, my feet at the edge of this freshly dug grave…the smell of a fresh storm builds, I pull the hood over my head and begin…

In goes every scar that clouded my mind. This permanent bruise on my back given to me from the biggest mistake in life, yeah that goes in next. Now it’s time to rip off the invisible mark of shame that had its claws dug into the small scar on my neck and the scar on my forearm hidden underneath this ink…

Every societal bullet has been pulled from my chest and tossed in, one by one, the soft clank is so satisfying…the confusion from the unanswered question marks attached to my biological father have been burned, this jar holding those ashes, in it goes…

Every moment captured on Polaroid of being bent, cracked and broken all tossed in…

Now, a deep chilled breath and strike this match, for a second, I stare at the tiny flame dancing on the tip, I can hear Death Valley by Fall Out Boy playing in the background…

I close my forest green eyes, make one final wish and drop the match…the flames growing instantaneously, as I open my eyes a neon black ring surrounds these forest green irises, the same neon black surrounds the glowing teal flame that resides in the center of my ribcage…

Witnessing every ounce of past pain burn, this moment is medical. My lungs fill with refreshing oxygen and this weight lifted more with each joyful tear…

Thunder begins to roll in as the sky also begins to sprinkle. Time to go, I know I’ll be back, the dreams always pull me back…

Tucking the 22 Glock into my back pocket and grabbing the Louisville slugger, I begin to make my way to the place where yellow surrounds, that place is where I find subconscious peace…My heart, in all of its titanium gears and gold stitched glory now beating on my sleeve…

These woods and I will always be connected…11 is somewhere playing Super Nintendo, keeping warm by a sparkling bonfire and eating one too many s'mores. She keeps our much-needed innocence alive. Swift watches guard making sure that the wolves stay at bay...17 rests peacefully under the giant oak tree. She was a tough soul, just not as tough as this monster of a world…22 protects our past selves, protects the rare dreams that have morphed from this slum and protects these woods. Machete strapped to her steel spined back, her observant mind always scanning for dangerous disturbances. The warrior she always wished she could be, now she is.

Before my alarm goes off I take one last glance back, one last glance at all of the Polaroids pinned to every tree branch, polaroids of every dream and nightmare that have stolen my nights since ’95…

These dreams…these woods…this place…it’s my upside down…

This is my Slumberland.

“I'll take the last train home..." - Blink 182

Book Review: Facebook Dating: from 1st Date to Soulmate

Facebook Dating: from 1st Date to Soulmate

By Dr. Paulette Sherman

Genre: Relationships, Mind/Body/Spirit

About the Book

Dr. Sherman says, “Facebook Dating’s mission dovetails with mine, to help singles date mindfully, with consideration. Singles can then attract their best match joyfully, peacefully and authentically, creating a heart-centered relationship. Facebook Dating enables singles to mine for meaningful matches based on common points of interest, shared groups, events and mutual friends.  It’s an intentional community that moves daters beyond swiping for hookups to forging sustainable relationships, encouraging meaningful conduct in an already safe space to connect with family and friends on a daily basis across the lifespan.  Facebook will use its extensive personal data to create meaningful matches.  They’ve put tools in place to help users eliminate common annoyances.  They have a pause button to avoid dating burnout, conversation starters, ways to avoid harassment and online strategies to deal with an ex. Singles can date mutual friends and singles at shared events and groups of interest. “

This book helps singles navigate dating stages & issues, while learning about themselves.  Paulette teaches that once singles are calm, positive, present, self-reflective and non-judgmental the ups and downs of dating won’t deter them.  They become aware of underlying factors that influence their choices and observe their feelings to see if they want to shift them.  They reflect on their self-esteem, boundaries, honesty, relationship patterns and standards.  Mindfulness makes dating painless, because all suffering comes from attachment to an outcome.  When you accept the present moment you enjoy planned and unplanned outcomes. Sherman created over 20 mindfulness practices around dating issues like anxiety, trust, rejection, breakups, fear of judgment, jealousy, dating multiple people, self-love, a fear of commitment, the need to please, dealing with bad dates, knowing when to get physical, when to become exclusive, when to move-in, get engaged and more.  This practice helps singles use consideration over impulse & Facebook Dating puts singles together to jumpstart this adventure.

My Review

Facebook Dating is exactly what you think it’s about. Facebook Dating! It’s filled with tips and tricks, as well as positive dating mantras. The dating guide discusses everything from how to best set up your dating profile to being emotionally ready for a relationship.

I found the book very well-written and thoughtfully planned out. Each chapter was carefully organized with pointers. The author did a good job of guiding you through the book and had a realistic view of online dating. She discussed healthy and unhealthy relationships, as well as how to preserve your privacy if your match seems off.

I would recommend this guide for anyone needing tips or tricks to online dating or wanting to explore Facebook’s dating options. I appreciate also that the author discusses safety options. Also, mentioning consent in one chapter which is a very important point when dating. 

About the Author 

Dr. Paulette Kouffman Sherman is a licensed psychologist, Relationship expert, dating coach and author of, Dating from the Inside Out, published by Atria Books and 21 others.  Her books are published in 6 languages & won 14 awards. She has a private psychotherapy practice in Manhattan and does international phone coaching on relationships.  Sherman has twenty years of experience as a psychotherapist, was an adjunct professor at two universities and pens a monthly Relationship column at Eligible Magazine. An expert on television including Channel 11, Fox 5, the CBS Early Show & the AM Northwest Early Show and a radio guest on the Curtis Sliwa show, NPR’s Cityscape, Unity Radio’s ‘The Soul-Directed Life, Pathways and others, her advice has been quoted in MSN.com, USA Weekend, NY Post, Newsweek, Lifetime.com, More, Match.com, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Foxnews.com, NY Daily News, Fox Business, Crains, Better Homes & Gardens, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Forbes, Woman’s Day, Metro newspapers, P&G Everyday, Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Muscle and Fitness, Marie Claire, Allure, Seventeen, Men’s Fitness, Bustle, Woman’s Day, Web MD, Everyday Health, Elle, Psychology Today, Complete Woman magazine, Aaptiv, Well & Good, Fast Company, The Knot, WeddingWire, Best Life, Guideposts, Refinery29, JDate, Spirituality and Health, Mind Body Green, Om Times, Spirit and Destiny, Martha Stewart Weddings, Brides, Business Insider, New York Magazine, Redbook, Reader’s Digest, The London Times, Oprah Magazine, the Huffington Post and the NY Times.  Dr. Sherman lives in NY with her husband of 12 years and their two children. Visit her website at www.DrPauletteSherman.com

Social Media Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pauletteshermangroup

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kpaulet

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulette_sherman

Purchase Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Paulette+Kouffman+Sherman&qid=1568239748&ref=sr_pg_1

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/790389.Paulette_Sherman

Book Review: Decanted Truths by Melanie Forde

Decanted Truths

By Melanie Forde

Genre: literary, historical, family saga, women's

For Irish immigrant families like the Harrigans and Gavagans, struggle has been the name of the game since they arrived in Boston in the nineteenth century. For twice-orphaned Leah Gavagan, who comes of age in the Depression, the struggle is compounded by bizarre visions that disrupt her daily life -- and sometimes come true. She has difficulty fitting in with her surroundings: whether the lace-curtain Dorchester apartment overseen by her judgmental Aunt Margaret or the wild Manomet bluff shared with her no-nonsense Aunt Theo and brain-damaged Uncle Liam. A death in the family disrupts the tepid life path chosen for Leah and sets her on a journey of discovery. That journey goes back to the misadventures shaping the earlier generation, eager to prove its hard-won American credentials in the Alaskan gold rush, the Spanish-American War, and The Great War. She learns of the secrets that have bound Theo and Margaret together. Ultimately, Leah learns she is not who she thought she was. Her new truth both blinds and dazzles her, much like the Waterford decanter at the center of her oldest dreams -- an artifact linking three Irish-American families stumbling after the American Dream.

My Review

Decanted Truths tells a story about an Irish-American, Leah Gavagan, who struggles to find herself in the Great Depression and Prohibition Era. During the novel, Leah deals with her “sight,” something that connects her to her family's elders. Many truths come out as family members pass, and secrets are revealed.

The author did a wonderful job with character development. I can definitely tell that she put her whole heart into creating each character detail and making sure each person had a purpose. Decanted Truths is a very well written historical novel, as you get deeper into the story, you understand what each person is experiencing in this time period, and Leah connecting with her roots. Leah is at the beginning of her journey of adulthood. I could see the struggle of her trying to grow into her adult role, yet her childhood kept her from just barely reaching that. 

Decanted Truths is perfect for anyone who wants to get invested in a novel full of secrets set in early Boston. I think this is a wonderful book to dive into and get sucked in!

About the Author

Raised in a Boston Irish family, Melanie Forde knew her life was infinitely easier than that of her ancestors, refugees from the Potato Famine. The storytelling skills of her elders kept ancestral triumphs and tragedies alive, so that the Potato Famine and the Easter Rebellion felt as real as the Cold War. Inheriting the storyteller gene, Ms. Forde is the author of three earlier novels, her Hillwilla trilogy. She now lives far from her roots, on a West Virginia farm. She still maintains a potato patch—just in case.

Website: http://www.melanieforde.net/

Decanted Truth's Amazon page:  https://amzn.to/2JjXbtu

Facebook: https://bit.ly/30KtcPG

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/1e6r62f

Twitter: https://bit.ly/2C0dJjA 

Book Review: Sisters of Element by O. Salazar de Breaux

Sisters of Element: Book One of the Luna Family Chronicles

By O. Salazar de Breaux

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Fiction

Sisters of Element is the first book in a series about the Luna sisters, four Mexican American young women living in present day Percival Falls, Washington. Lina, Val, Zo, and Rory Luna have special abilities based on the elements: water, fire, air, and earth. Having lost their parents at an early age, the sisters have an unbreakable bond. When faced with a dark force that threatens their very existence, they don’t hesitate to fiercely protect each other — even if it means the ultimate sacrifice. 

Lina has it all — her soulmate Gabriel, her dream job, and a close-knit relationship with her three younger sisters. But meeting her sister Val’s new boyfriend triggers a series of nightmares leaving Lina frightened that something terrible is about to happen to her sister. Little does she know, she and her family are in even more danger than they could have imagined. 

Readers will go on a magical and mysterious journey with the Luna sisters. The characters will share their inner strength, their sacrifice, their resilience, and the power of sisterhood. At its heart, Sisters of Element is a story about unconditional love and how with it, you can overcome even the greatest obstacles.

My Review

Sisters of the Element is a book about four sisters with extraordinary gifts, all revolving around fire, water, earth, and air. They battle with childhood trauma that transforms them into independent women who conquer their gifts. The book follows eldest, Lina, who talks about her experience being the eldest and stepping up for her younger sisters during the obstacles they faced growing up.

I thought Lina was a brilliant lead and helped balance the strong personalities of her sisters. The sisters Val, Lina, Zo, and Rory, have distinct aesthetics and character traits. I wish I had more time to get to know each individual better in the book. I especially had a soft spot for Rory, who I thought was just the cutest, and I loved how the author described her connection with her gift, which is earth. I can see how each sister can be a bit stereotypical when there are other young adult books that do follow the same narrative of sisters having gifts that deal with the four elements. 

Sisters of the Element is incredibly detailed. I favored the thoughtful and heartwarming background about Mama Joyce, who was an actual hoot.

A critique I would say to the author is that I would have left out the prologue. As a reader, I feel like it spoils the experience of getting to know or favor the sisters when I get a glimpse of what is to come. The book would not be affected by the removal of it, and I think it would bring a bigger plot twist to the story. Overall, Sisters of the Element is a young adult book I believe many will enjoy. I am excited to see the future for these women.

About the Author 

O. Salazar de Breaux grew up in Olympia, Washington with five younger sisters. An entrepreneur and community leader with a long career in public service, Salazar de Breaux is also an incurable creative who’s inspired by her Mexican- American heritage. Her work incorporates her love of family, food, music, and culture. 

She stayed in Olympia to study, earning a B.A. in English from The Evergreen State College, and still lives there with her husband – her sweetheart of more than 20 years – and their two sons, whom she considers her greatest achievements. 

Sisters of Element is her debut novel.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/osalazardebreaux.author

Instagram: www.instagram.com/o.salazardebreaux

Website: www.osalazardebreaux.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/osalazardebreaux

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/osalazardebreaux

Barnes and Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sisters-of-element-o-salazar-de-breaux/1132733380?ean=9781733893701

Book Review: Mother's Child by Michael Conant

Mother's Child

By Michael Conant

Genre: Women's Literature

About the Book

Told in the voice of June, the story's protagonist, Mother's Child is a "slice of life" as it unfolds during a short period in a lifetime; strung together by one intensely charged event after another. It is the humor of life, marriage, and motherhood surrounded by the challenges of fighting the onslaught of an unknown disease, broken societal systems, and the suffering of broken hearts. It is the story of the average woman, finding her extraordinary voice, and having the courage to be heard. 

In just over two months, June Gallagher's life has turned upside down; it will take a lifetime to resemble "normal" again. Her son's life is on the line--she is determined to save him. 

My Review (it contains spoilers)

Mother's Child is an intense read and one worth spending time with. The plot revolves around a boy named Ernie who has been consistently sick since birth. The author dives deep into each character in Ernie's family, so readers feel as though they know this family well. The twist is when Ernie goes to the hospital, and the family is forbidden to take him home. The suspense is turned up and the story reaches a nail-biting stage as this family fights to get their son back. I would rate this book 4 stars. 

About the Author

Michael Conant is the publisher and founder of Incorgnito Publishing Press.

Before entering the world of book publishing, Michael spent over twenty years in b2b publishing. He served as a circulation, sales, and marketing executive, managing products across several industries, with a concentration in financial publications.

Prior to his foray into publishing, Michael pursued his love of theater as an actor, singer, director, and producer at regional theaters, dinner theaters, and at several Off-Off Broadway theaters. Michael introduced New York audiences to the American premier of Hal Shaper’s musical adaptation of Jane Eyre, which featured Michael as Rochester along with a very young Alyssa Milano as his ward, Adelle. 

Shortly after moving to Pasadena, CA, Mr. Conant was introduced to Cure Mito, an organization of “Mito Moms” dedicated to funding Mitochondrial Disease research in support of Dr. Richard Boles at Los Angeles Children's Hospital. Michael helped the group secure non-profit status and was elected as the organization’s first president.

In between his publishing duties and new writing efforts, Michael plays a lot of tennis with his South Pasadena, Arroyo Secco teammates. He also spends free time visiting with family and getting "puppy" kisses from his niece's lovable, crazy Bernedoodle, Bentley. (b3ntley_zefluff on Instagram)

Mr. Conant is also the co-author of David Margrave: The plumber who outwitted the IRS. He may be contacted at mconant@incorgnitobooks.com

Website: https://www.incorgnitobooks.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/incorgnito/

Twitter https://twitter.com/IncorgnitoBooks

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43710823-mother-s-child

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Mothers-Child-Michael-Conant/dp/194458966X/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1551809422&sr=8-1-fkmrnull-spons

B&N https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mothers-child-michael-conant/1128373136?ean=9781944589660

Book Review: The Book of Eadie Vol. 1 of the SEVENTEEN Trilogy by Mark D. Diehl

The Book of Eadie

Vol. 1 of the SEVENTEEN Trilogy

By Mark D. Diehl

Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopia, Post-Objectivist, Evolutionary Anthropology – fiction

Corporations control all of Earth’s diminishing resources and all of its governments, dividing the world into two types of people: those who unquestioningly obey, and those who die.

Most of the seventeen billion humans on the planet are unconscious, perpetually serving their employers as part of massive brain trusts. The ecosystem has collapsed, naturally growing plants have been declared illegal, and everything from food to housing to medicines must be synthesized from secretions of genetically modified bacteria. Only corporate ambulatory workers can afford patented synthetic food, and non-corporates fight for survival in the city’s sprawling, grotesquely violent ghetto known only as the Zone.

Nineteen year-old waitress Eadie challenges the hierarchy when she assists a bedraggled alcoholic known as the Prophet, drawing massive social-control machinery into play against her. The Prophet predicts she’s the general who will lead a revolution, and a few desperate souls start listening. How can she and her followers possibly prevail when she’s being hunted by a giant corporation and the Federal Angels it directs?

Review

The Book of Eadie is a deep and complex story. The world that Diehl has created is dark and scary.  It's a dystopian world that you wouldn't want to live in. Things feel hopeless and the violence is constant. My favorite character was Eadie. I enjoyed her character development. There was a lot happening and I found it hard to keep up as each chapter contained a different character's perspective. I would give this book 3.5 stars. 

About the Author 

Mark D. Diehl writes novels about power dynamics and the way people and organizations influence each other. He believes that obedience and conformity are becoming humanity’s most important survival skills, and that we are thus evolving into a corporate species.

Diehl has: been homeless in Japan, practiced law with a major multinational firm in Chicago, studied in Singapore, fled South Korea as a fugitive, and been stranded in Hong Kong.

After spending most of his youth running around with hoods and thugs, he eventually earned his doctorate in law at the University of Iowa and did graduate work in creative writing at the University of Chicago. He currently lives and writes in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

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Review: The Case of the Flying Note By Alice Cotton

The Case of the Flying Note

By Alice Cotton

Genre: Children's fantasy adventure

Come dive into The Case of the Flying Note and read Alice Cotton’s imaginative musical tale where Detective Reed has to track down Presto, a newly written note who has flown out of his music. Detective Reed is hot on Presto’s trail as the flying note enters Sound City, the land where all music symbols live. Newly written notes sometimes do this and because they have wings, it is difficult to keep up with them. But Detective Reed, a highly trained half note, knows what to do.

The detective follows Presto into clouds of lost music notes far up in the sky where thunderclouds are booming. These lost notes are floating all around Reed when suddenly Presto plunges straight down towards the ground and into a strange green forest populated by hoards of musical rests.  Of course, Detective Reed is close behind him but never catches up with Presto. Why doesn’t Reed just grab him? Where is Presto going?

Detective Reed watches as Presto dives into the large petals of a singing pink flower and discovers an underground music academy within the flower’s roots. Reed makes his way into one of the school’s classrooms and almost gets hit by the shooting arrows of C sharps and then in another room, he witnesses a rare gathering of violins. Whatever are they doing? Finally, the flying note reveals the reason he flew out of his music. This inspires Detective Reed to use a most unusual, inventive strategy to help Presto solve his musical problem.

Who knew music symbols could be so interesting and fun? Readers learn music concepts as they zoom along with the detective. AND Detective Reed’s adventures continue with Reed’s next story, The Secret at Willow Wail, and again, in the upcoming Adventures on a Blue Moon.  Each story addresses a different musical concept as readers fill their minds with the fanciful characters that live in Sound City.

Review

The Case of the Flying Note is a unique children's story! Detective Reed is a fun and interesting character. His job is to locate Presto, a runaway note, and solve a mystery. This book is special for children who have an interest in music and playing instruments. 

About the Author

In the beginning, in Cleveland, Ohio, ten year old Alice Cotton had her head stuck under the piano lid of her father’s baby grand piano, plucking the strings and listening to all the resonating sounds they made. For hours! Then, later, as a teen, after playing clarinet in a school marching band, she started performing and writing songs with her new guitar.  Unbeknownst to her she was also in the process of meeting her future music partners who would be accompanying her in creating successful music acts around the U.S.

Alice moved to New Orleans, where she collaborated with childhood friend, Cora McCann (Writer & editor, Content Marketing, Cleveland Clinic). They wrote songs and performed them as a duo acoustic guitar act called Sunstorm. They performed in some of the most popular tourist clubs in the New Orlean’s French Quarter.

Then, in Oregon, Alice co-led one of the top performing night club bands  that she shared with another childhood friend, Lisa Coffey, (harpist/instructor). Of course, their music was quite original with the sound of harp strings next to the guitar, bass and drums. Their band, Night Music, worked hard to become one of the top working bands in the American northwest. Alice completed their sound by playing electric guitar as a rhythm and lead player.

Later, she worked with a variety of other ensembles that played on weekends for dances and private clubs. Alice became one of the only female lead guitarists in Oregon.  

Along with performing, Alice also taught math, music and art to young students in various public and private schools, always encouraging her students to pursue their studies in fun, creative ways.

Alice Cotton’s goal now is to tantalize young people (as she was at age 10) into pursuing a life of music and art. Hence she writes books such as The Case of the Flying Note for all kids, young and old but particularly geared toward 8 - 11 year olds. 

Alice Cotton Books - https://www.facebook.com/Alicecottonbooks

Detective Reed -https://www.facebook.com/soundcityproductions/

Twitter: @AliceAlicot 

https://alicecotton.com/

On Amazon: http://amzn.to/2zKfgYN

Book Review: Curva Peligrosa by Lily Iona MacKenzie

Curva Peligrosa

By Lily Iona MacKenzie

Genre: Literary magical realism

When Curva Peligrosa arrives in Weed, Alberta, after a twenty-year trek on the Old North Trail from southern Mexico, she stops its residents in their tracks. With a parrot on each shoulder, a glittering gold tooth, and a wicked trigger finger, she is unlike anything they have ever seen before. Curva is ready to settle down, but are the inhabitants of Weed ready for her? Possessed of an insatiable appetite for life and love, Curva’s infectious energy galvanizes the townspeople, turning their staid world upside down with her exotic elixirs and unbridled ways. Toss in an unscrupulous americano developer and a one-eyed Blackfoot chief, stir them all together in the tumult of a tempestuous tornado, and the town of Weed will never be the same again. A lyrical account of one woman’s journey and the unexpected effects it has on the people around her, Curva Peligrosa pulses with the magic at the heart and soul of life.

Review

I had to read this book after seeing the breathtaking cover. In my opinion, it captures the vibe of this story: wild and bold. My favorite character in Curva Peligrosa was Sabina. She was curious and thoughtful. I think she shined in this book. I was a little confused about the relationship between Curva and her brother, but it didn't take away from following along. Overall, I would give this book 5 stars. 

About the Author

A Canadian by birth, a high school dropout, and a mother at 17, in my early years, I supported myself as a stock girl in the Hudson’s Bay Company, as a long-distance operator for the former Alberta Government Telephones, and as a secretary (Bechtel Corp sponsored me into the States). I also was a cocktail waitress at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, briefly broke into the male-dominated world of the docks as a longshoreman (I was the first woman to work on the SF docks and almost got my legs broken), founded and managed a homeless shelter in Marin County, co-created The Story Shoppe, a weekly radio program for children that aired on KTIM in Marin County, CA, and eventually earned two Master’s degrees (one in creative writing and one in the humanities). I have published reviews, interviews, short fiction, poetry, travel pieces, essays, and memoir in over 150 American and Canadian venues. My novel Fling! was published in 2015. Curva Peligrosa, another novel, will be published in September 2017. Freefall: A Divine Comedy will be released in 2018. My poetry collection All This was published in 2011. I have taught at the University of San Francisco for over 30 years, and I blog at http://lilyionamackenzie.wordpress.com.

On Twitter: @lilyionamac
On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lily.iona.mackenzie/

On Amazon: http://amzn.to/2tQb5eS