Lucci's List: February 2019

Welcome to Lucci's List: February 2019. Thirteen books have been selected for this month. I chose them based on their relation to February events and holidays. Black History Month, National Freedom Day, Lunar New Year, Valentine's Day, Presidents Day, school vacation week; themes relating to these occasions connect these twelve volumes together.

Whilst I focus Lucci's List on selections for adult readers, I understand and encourage younger readers to try out new books. In my reviews, you may note when there are subjects you may find inappropriate for tweens and teens, such as drug and alcohol use, sex scenes, and graphic violence. Be your own judge.

If you know a local or indie author who would like their book reviewed, please have them contact me. I read all kinds of books, but there is something extra special about reading new talent!

MEMOIR

"From Destitute to Plenitude: Breaking Through Barriers of Poverty" bu Helene Louisea Mynhardt

"From Destitute to Plenitude: Breaking Through Barriers of Poverty" by Helene Louisea Mynhardt is a memoir of one woman's battle against racism, sexism, and corruption.

Told in third person, "From Destitute to Plenitude" begins with the author's experience with apartheid.

"During apartheid , all South African citizens were classified under one of four main different classifications which were largely due to race and appearance of the individual , with further sub - classifications within these races . The legislators ’ realised that trying to classify people scientifically or by some set biological standards would never work . So instead they defined race in terms of two measures – outward characteristic appearance and public perception (judgement)."

The author's life story continues through her experiences during historic moments in history, sports, government, and society. As she grew to become a strong independent woman, her travels brought her around the world. She encountered cultures and people who taught her life lessons, and opened her eyes to the general ignorance throughout societies.

"One night at supper Louiesa met an American man who asked where she was from . When she said South Africa , he asked if she had ever seen or eaten any fruit before . He made it clear he was not talking about the fruit they were serving on the ship . He wanted to know if South Africa had any fruit. Louiesa was astonished to meet a man who appeared to be extremely rich yet knew very little about the rest of the world ."

The book goes on to describe the author's struggle as a business woman in a corrupt, male-dominated world.

"From Destitute to Plenitude" is a follow up to the author's memoir of her early life in apartheid Africa, "Memoirs of a Play-White." It is not necessary to read part one in order to appreciate part 2, but I suggest it. Reading them together would make the reading more cohesive.

Sometimes dry and overly factual, this memoir is still a must-read because of the important story it tells.

"Midnite's Journey" by Dana L. Silkiss

"Midnite's Journey" by Dana L. Silkiss is shocking, breath-taking, and inspiring. The biographical story is full of such horror that it boggles the mind that it's true. At times depressing, outrageous, and bleak, this book pushes forward and challenges our ideas of freedom.

The themes of inequality and government brutality are evident from the start. This excerpt of dialogue says a lot:

"Excuse me officer, but what exactly has this man done?"

"What has he done?" He mocked me, "Well, let me see, he was born a n****r."

Midnite continually stands up for justice, only to experience injustice in return. In a prison work camp, is tortured mentally and physically.

"Do you want me to take care of him and nurse him back to health?"

The warden looked at Midnite; smiled, then laughed as though that were the funniest thing he'd ever heard.

"No," he said slowly. "I want you to take him into the woods and kill him."

The real life drama, espionage, murder, kidnapping, and government cover-ups beat Midnite down, but he grips to a hope of a better life. He dreams of his former reality. Waking each day is a death threat. He struggles to keep his mind clear and focused.

"Midnite leaned with his back against the door and took deep rapid breathes. He was shaking. He realized his illusion of being free was mostly in his mind. It took a full ten minutes for his breathing to return to normal. He walked over to his guitar and picked it up. Cursing, he abruptly threw it down."

This book is told in a first-person, no-nonsense style that fuels the action on each page. There are allusions to sex but nothing graphic. Due to the subject matter and reality of the people involved, there are swears and racial slurs.

I had the pleasure of meeting the author on the New England stretch of his book tour. He is as genuine, honest, and caring as he appears in his book. He exudes an aura of peace and openness. His story is an important one especially now, as racism and corruption is as ominous as ever in the "land of the free."

SELF-HELP/INSPIRATION

"Untying the Knot With Grace: A Guide to an Amicable Divorce" by Christie Ray

"Untying the Knot With Grace: A Guide to an Amicable Divorce" by Christie Ray is a first person guide to divorce. Written in a straightforward style, it is clear and empathetic. The voice of the author is that of a good friend addressing the reader with compassion.

By sharing her own experience with divorce as a whole, Christie Ray has offered a de-stigmatized and empowered view.

One excerpt that struck me is: "For the first time in years, I was living my truth which was beautiful on the inside, and without all the concealment my children could see that. I wasn't living a lie anymore. I was free to be myself."

Another excerpt that I felt was brave to express is: "I stopped focusing on being the holiday card fantasy family and just worked on being myself, and raising my children, and it was beautiful. You get to be beautiful too."

"The Sambuca Queen Club: Life Hacks, Health & Happiness book, Finding a BALANCE that suits YOU" by Nikki Fuller

"The Sambuca Queen Club: Life Hacks, Health & Happiness book, Finding a BALANCE that suits YOU" by Nikki Fuller reads like an active alcoholic in denial.

At first, the open voice of the author seems fun and refreshing. "Yes, I want to look and feel my best for my age but I also want to LIVE, LAUGH, and dare I say it, enjoy shots such as Sambuca!" The more you read, however, it becomes obvious that the cutesey book title is truly the author's version of Alcoholics Non-Anonymous.

Imagine your mother's friend gets sloppy drunk and traps you in a one-woman monologue of life advice gleaned from a lifetime of reading "Seventeen" and "Cosmopolitan" magazines. She is the "cool" mom, and reeks of booze.

The life advice includes lists which seem to have been ripped from the pages of the afore-mentioned publications. "Another great conditioner but I confess, not one I've used, is eggs."

The book is split up into different sections, each focusing on different aspects of life, such as "Food Tips" and "Face & Body Tips." They are all focused on drinking alcohol.

Here are three examples of the advice in the "Handy Hack & Hope Tips," section:

- "If you have got to watch what you are drinking the night before a busy day. Slot in drink spacers like a soft drink, a coffee, water in between each alcoholic drink. (Note to self: Not a Sambuca)"

And this gem for parents:

-"If your kids are bored, have them under your supervision, cut up coffee filters to use as blotting paper for oily zones on your face. Handy for on the go."

Then there was this one, which I had to read a few times before understanding that "notes" are code-word for something less wholesome:

- "On the beach? And you want something handy to hide a few notes in, something that people won't steal unless they read this. Sorry. Save a used chap stick when it's finished. Wash it or wipe it clean and it's perfect to roll a few notes up into and disguise in your beach bag."

This is not a "Life Hacks, Health & Happiness Book," and it has NOTHING to do with "BALANCE," as the title proclaims. It is instead an alcohol infused rant of how to make it through each day, whether it be at work, whilst spending time with friends and family, performing childcare duties, or grocery shopping, with a commitment to alcohol.

I ended the book feeling bad for the author. She seems genuine in her desire to uplift and encourage her fellow human. She just cannot see through her cloud of alcohol. What is meant to be cute and helpful is thus absurd and sad.

HISTORICAL FICTION

"Sangria Sunsets" by Edward R Hackemer

"Sangria Sunsets" by Edward R Hackemer is a novel of historical fiction that brings to life the love, mystery, adventure, tragedy, and triumph of a family torn apart by war, espionage, lust, and revolution.

Beginning in 1937 and ending in 1953, the Throckmorton family evolves through war and kinds of peace. Through the viewpoints of different family members, the story is unfurled. Simply breathtaking.

The writing, at some times poetic, and other times fascinatingly factual, is always eloquent.

This book truly offers something for everyone, from romance to adventure to history to biography. I am not usually a huge fan of romantic "intimate" scenes, but the author NAILS it. Erotic without being vile, sexy without being graphic, and romantic without being mushy. The historically accurate clothing and setting added to the anticipation of physical intimacy, in a classy, visual way.

I appreciated the glossary in the back of words, phrases , slang, and jargon that younger readers might not understand. The thoroughness of the historical facts in the addendum, and the listing of military warcraft, added another dimension to the depth of the story.

My paperback edition came with a CD of songs from the era, and they correlated with each segment of the book. This was a bonus in enjoyment! At the end of the book, the suggested songs are listed, and I recommend listening as you read along to get a multi-sensory experience for the settings and action.

This is book six of a series chronicling one family's history. I have not read any of the previous volumes, and I read this fluently as its own story. It is strong as a stand-alone book, but now I am intrigued and want to read the entire series.

This historical novel provides entertainment for readers of all genres.

ROMANCE

"His to Take" by Katee Robert

"His to Take" by Katee Robert is a steamy novella that readers of star-crossed lovers and detailed raunchy scenes will enjoy. And if men in uniform turn you on, this book is for you.

Here is a line that sets the tone of the book: "So she grabbed the throw blanket off the floor where it'd fallen while they were having wild monkey sex and wrapped it around herself while she got up to explore."

"Right Text Wrong Number: by Natalie Decker

"Right Text Wrong Number" is a cute teen romance novel. The idea of accidentally texting someone and going on to forge a romance is adorable. The characters are older teenagers, but they possessd the immature drama of younger teens. This would be fine with me and would fit the feel of the book, but there are sexually explicit scenes that I would not feel comfortable sharing with a 13 or 14 year old kid.

Cute for young teens but too explicit.

"Tough Love" by Skye Warren

"Tough Love" by Skye Warren is a romance novella. It is akin to Romeo and Juliet meets The Godfather.

The sexual flirtation creeped me out a bit, maybe considering the ages involved. The idea of the young girl treated like Rapunzel locked in a tower was cringe-worthy, since her main goal was forbidden love, and not freedom. Then again, I haven't been a love-struck teenager in a long time, so maybe I am out of touch.

Readers who enjoy star-crossed lovers and mafia tropes might find this to be a fun, light story.

"The Lamplighter's Love" by Delphine Dryden

"The Lamplighter's Love" by Delphine Dryden is a steampunk erotic romance novella. This is by far the best erotic romance I have ever read. Superbly written with an eloquent style, a setting glowing with romance, and characters discovering themselves and their place in the world, this book is the total package.

The erotic scenes are not the sloppy, ghastly, nasty events I have read in other books in the romance or erotica genres. These scenes are woven in naturally, and make sense for the characters.

Themes of female empowerment, breaking through a non-progressive society, and choosing solutions to create a loving life, are all bionic in this book.

I am a fan of the steampunk esthetic, but even if I wasn't I would be immersed in the gorgeous setting.

"The Lamplighter's Love" is a fantastic fantasy for adults to indulge in.

STEAMPUNK

"Aetherium Book 1: Assassins of the Steam Age" by Joseph Robert Lewi

"Aetherium Book 1: Assassins of the Steam Age" by Joseph Robert Lewis is a fantastical steampunk adventure for the modern reader. Pre-historic creatures, political unrest, strong female characters, and massive steam powered vehicles push the action seamlessly.

Written in a style that is at times poetic, this book encompasses a world with beautiful descriptions. One passage that illustrates this diverse universe is:

"They sat together in silence, staring out into the darkness below the wide curve of the gas envelope. Grassy hills and swaying trees slid past them to port while the distant glitter of moonlit waves to starboard revealed the Atlanteen Ocean churning and foaming from the shore out to the end of the world."

This is a must-read for all fans of steampunk adventure.

SCI-FI/FANTASY

"Jurassic Park" by Michael Crichton

Please let these Parents Get Divorced.

"Jurassic Park" the novel explores the dynamics of human innovation, nature's resilience, and the chaos that undoubtedly occurs when the two collide.

A wealthy idealistic older gentleman creates a theme park geared towards children from rich families. This man is like a dumb Santa, wishing to witness youthful joy as youngsters behold the incredible dinosaurs displayed like zoo animals. He is so focused on the magical wonderment of his dino Shangri-la that he seems to close down mentally into a psyche that cannot understand any opposition to his dream. He passes it off as if the naysayers are buzz kills. Throughout the story, I became interested in his mental health, and the bubble of ignorance he had purposely blown around himself.

The fact that his own two young grandchildren were the first visitors to his monstrous Jurassic Park made me question the relationships he had with other humans. I understand fun risk taking between generations, such as a grandpa spooning the first taste of strawberry ice cream into a six month old baby's mouth without her mother knowing, Or the sacred fishing off the pier experience with a Barbie fishing pole and showing how to hook a worm. And the invitation to take young siblings, the next generation of your family, onto a death-defying roller coaster. I get that.

I also get the father, the mother; the guardian, acquiescing to these temptations that they cannot bring themselves to offer. They are intrinsically dedicated to keeping their offspring ALIVE. And WELL.

The family dynamics in "Jurassic Park" was the most fascinating, and frustrating, aspect of the storyline. Yeah sure a T-Rex is roaming murderously over the chaotic island. The most horrifying themes to me, however, was the sacrifice of our young in order to prove ourselves right. The grandfather invited these children to the first ever run through of his obscure island fraught with danger and deathly creatures both pre-and post historic at every turn.

And the PARENTS! I get that they are going through an emotional divorce and want to give the kids a break from the turmoil of their family universe splintering into shards. Send them to Grampa: it's a loving notion for all. Did either parent not have a clue as to what Grampa was planning? Did they worry about his choices? One of them called him father, and one father-in law: did neither of the parents feel a twinge of doubt about leaving their children with a man who was solely focused on his personal project? It made me wonder what kind of parent he was, and what kind of parents the young siblings shared.

Let's get to the kids. Lex, the little girl, the younger sibling: young, cute, entitled, whingey, complaining, nagging, oppressive, manipulative. Yuck. I love children, but dare I say: brat?! She is desperate for paternal approval. This is evident in particular by her obsession with her Darryl Strawberry baseball glove and baseball. She mimics the mother even as she idealizes the father.

Then the brother, Tim. Timmy. Named as Lassie's faithful human companion. He is outcast by his father because he prefers computer over sports (see Daddy-Issue-Daughter above).

Throughout the book, these two siblings verbally attack each other. I imagine their relationship has morphed to copy their role models: their parents. In brief moments within the throes of danger and threat of impending death, they shriek with fright over the other's possible demise. Yet in the moments leading up to and after, they spew pungent hatred at each other. Their relationship is beyond sibling rivalry. It is abusive. It is chaos.

Of course I have watched the movie, "Jurassic Park." It is a part of our popular culture. Weird Al's "Jurassic Park is Frightening in the Dark" still entertains me.

As a reviewer, my desire is to focus on the book and ignore the movie, or at the most allude to it. In my mind though, it is difficult not to compare the two.

My favourite character is Malcolm, and not JUST because I imagined every syllable he spoke floating from the juicy lips of Jeff Goldblum. (Sorry, I had a moment there). The mathematician provides both dry humour and cynical yet on spot calculations. Dr. Malcolm was a refreshing take on the role of "math genius" in the fantasy/sci fi genres. He was a nerd, and cool. He was the indelible hero of the story, if only for his world view that never seemed to reach the dimwits around him.

I am going to pause now before I commit to a psychological dissertation of the book, or a quantitive comparison between the book and the movie.

It might be important to note that I listened to this novel as an audiobook. If I had read it as a novel, I might have skimmed through some parts that were less than interesting to me, and thus missed out on the drama.

The narrator of this audiobook hit the characters dead-on.

Forgive me for what I am about to say. For the first (or at least rare) time, I am declaring that the movie is better than the book. As far as entertainment value.

As for psychological discernment, and correlating generations of humans with eons of other nature, it contains the overall message of the movie, but in a more in-depth and ragged way, without the masterful glory of the possibility of a true "Jurassic Park."

NOVELLA

"When Angels Play Poker" by Maura O'Leary

"When Angels Play Poker" by local author Maura O'Leary is a whimsical look at Heaven. Behind the scenes, angels watch over their earth-bound loved ones through a large TV-like monitor. There is a hierarchy, and the newly dead must complete mundane tasks in order to reach new levels.

The story focuses on one newly dead man who is given the task of watching over a woman named Maura. Through his eyes, a study in character takes place.

My favorite line is, "Jimmy was thrilled to be seeing his brother again, as well as Maura looking so happy, but it was difficult to focus on the upcoming event on earth when all he could think about was the poker game in Heaven."

This is a light, breezy read. People who are interested in the supernatural and angels will enjoy this book the most.

"Snappy & Dashing: A Mondus Fumus Story (The Yellow Hoods Book 1)" by Adam Dreeces

"Snappy & Dashing: A Mondus Fumus Story (The Yellow Hoods Book 1)" is indeed a snappy and dashing book. The steampunk adventure was fast paced and fun, with a female hero driving the action.

I have not read the "Yellow Hoods" series, and so as a stand-alone novella, this book was confusing to me at times, and I lost track of what was happening in each chapter.

I am intrigued and plan to read the full novels in "The Yellow Hoods" series. I have a feeling if I had read them first, this novella would have been more coherent for me.

SNEAK PEAK at Lucci's List: March, 2019

Self-Help/Inspiration

"Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown

Essays

"The View from Flyover Country" by Sarah Kendzior

Science Fiction
"Neuromancer" by William Gibson

"Boneshaker" by Cherie Priest

Novellas
"Return to Bryn Mairwyn" by Jennifer Selzer and Daniel Huber

"The Short Adventure of Beatrix Weiland" by Hector Manuel Elias Oliver

Short Stories
"That's What Neighbors are For" by Chad D. Christy

"Tales from Alternate Earths" from Inklings Press

"Steampunk Fairy Tales" Edited by Heather White