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Madame Curie’s Piano Tuner
Madame Curie’s Piano Tuner by Steven Barron is a captivating novel that offers readers a unique and unorthodox reading experience. The story is engaging and entertaining from start to finish. The author’s outstanding grasp of literature is evident throughout the book, as is his ability to develop complex and relatable characters.
Barron’s writing style is unlike anything I have read before. This fascinating book reads like a real-life story as we embark on a journey alongside the main character, Raymond Dover. Upon arriving in Bucksnort to offer his piano tuning services to a veteran’s retirement home, Raymond Dover finds himself in the midst of a baffling situation. Suddenly afflicted with an inexplicable bout of amnesia, he is forced to spend time at Dixxmont, a county institution where he can receive treatment and be observed. Eventually released from the facility, he chooses to extend his stay in the area for a while longer.
The descriptions of some scenes may take a little time to develop, but they are worth it as they add depth and richness to the story. Readers become fully invested in Raymond’s life as they experience things with him. As someone who enjoys many genres of fiction, I found Madame Curie’s Piano Tuner to be a refreshing change of pace. The novel has many twists and turns that keep the reader engrossed, and Steve’s journey as a piano tuner that has been struck with amnesia is a wild ride that will take readers on an unforgettable adventure. Blended into this unique storyline are humor and pieces of historical information, giving this novel a distinct and unforgettable feel.
In conclusion, after reading this book, I felt that it has the potential to become a classic down the road, much like a Stanley Kubrick film. Therefore, I highly recommend Madame Curie’s Piano Tuner to readers who are looking for a unique and memorable reading experience.
Pages: 830 | ISBN : 1639887121
Drums, Guns ‘n’ Money, A Lou Crasher Thriller
Drums, Guns ‘n’ Money: A Lou Crasher Thriller by Jonathan J. Brown is a thrilling and engaging read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Readers are introduced to Lou Crasher, a drummer, manager, and amateur investigator who is determined to solve the murder of a band member. Lou’s passion for justice, love of sandwiches and alcohol, and quirky personality make him a likable protagonist.
Author Jonathan Brown has done an excellent job building an intriguing cast of characters. Lou’s romantic interest, Detective Natsumi Tanaka, is a beautiful, courageous, no-nonsense woman who complements Lou’s headstrong personality. Jake, Lou’s brother, adds mystery to the story, while Moose, Lou’s friend, brings his own brand of strength to the narrative. The characters grow and develop throughout the book, adding depth and dimension to the story.
The story’s pace is expertly crafted and will keep readers entertained from start to finish. The world-building is a standout aspect of the book, with the setting intricately woven and believable. Despite the story’s gritty elements, there is enough action, tension, and suspense, and a touch of romance, to make this a thrilling and enjoyable read. There is something in this novel for all readers.
Drums, Guns ‘n’ Money is an entertaining thriller that will captivate fans of the genre. The author’s writing style is engaging and keeps the reader invested in the story from the first page. The satisfying conclusion brings the book to a close, making it a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery.
The Many Adventures of Donnie Malone
The Many Adventures of Donnie Malone is a captivating historical fiction biography of Don Malone, an American war veteran, and pilot. First, we are introduced to Don and his life growing up on the farm. Then, we follow Don as he joins the army to fight against Germany. Through the course of Don’s life, we learn of his many experiences and significant historical events. Donnie’s life takes unexpected turns as he finds himself battling wealthy investors and powerful politicians who threaten his air delivery business. He also becomes involved with a mobster and takes on various dead-end jobs until a chance encounter with his former flight instructor, American ace Eddie Rickenbacker, changes his course.
Don’s nephew, Paul, opens the novel by introducing Don Malone, but most of the story is narrated from Don’s perspective in the first person. While the last chapter switches back to Paul’s point of view, the reader feels they experienced the story alongside Don throughout the novel.
From his birth at the dawn of the twentieth century to his death in the late 1990s, this book follows the many adventures Don Malone experienced in his long life with a special focus on aviation and the air force. The author’s writing is engaging and has done an excellent job of bringing Donnie’s adventures to life. The book is a testament to the human spirit, and Donnie’s courage and perseverance will inspire readers to keep pushing forward in their own lives. In addition, it was interesting to read about some of the significant historical events that Donnie witnessed. Including Donnie’s friendships with detainees in a Japanese internment camp, his involvement in labor struggles, and his evasion of McCarthy agents.
The Many Adventures of Donnie Malone, written by Paul E. Doutrich, is an enthralling tale that will keep readers engaged from start to finish. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction or wants to experience an epic adventure while learning about history in the process.
Pages: 315 | ASIN : B0BLY3ZTYM
Wonderful, Marvelous, Magnificent You
Children need to know that they are special, and loved, and that they can rely on Jesus. Author Abbey Feldkamp has written a dazzling children’s book that will warm children’s hearts. This vibrant picture book is a love letter to young ones. I can imagine me saying this quote from the book to my child, “I love you so much, in all of your ways, in all of our moments, all of our days.” Every rhyme contains wonderfully emotive, loving and empowering words just like this.
Every page of this inspiring picture book contains a wonderfully hand-drawn illustration that depicts different children in a variety of joyous situations. I loved the diversity in this book. There are so many different people from different cultures and races represented in this heartfelt kid’s book. There is even a beautiful child with vitiligo on one of the pages, which I think is underrepresented in children’s literature. Children will love how bright the artwork is and how expressive each character is. The stunning artwork will surely keep the attention of little ones as their parents read them this magnificent story at bedtime. And what a sweet message this book sends them off to bed with.
Wonderful, Marvelous, Magnificent is a short but impactful children’s book that will inspire faith in kids and motivate them to think about what makes them special, and to embrace it because God made them that way. This is a picture book that exudes love and is filled with cute illustrations. I highly recommend this to parents or to anyone who wants to give a beautiful gift to a young child.
Pages: 20 | ASIN: B0BKR6T4YC
Dear Dad, A Novel
Dear Dad, by John Hazen, is a wonderful but harrowing read. John Foster is the son of a decorated World War II vet who grew up in small-town New England during the build-up to the Vietnam War. Eager to do his part, Foster is drawn into small disagreements with his peers and family as he battles his own misgivings about the conflict. Once in Vietnam, his resentment toward the army brass, his enemies, and his fellow soldiers grows as he’s routinely faced with the horrors of war. When he’s wounded during an attack, he awakens to find himself in 1862, where he finds a nobler purpose.
John Hazen crafts a compelling story. Foster’s background and character are fleshed out extremely well through flashbacks to his upbringing in Fairbrook, Massachusetts. We learn of his camaraderie with his childhood friend group, and there’s a touching passage about how he brings his father back from the edge after his mother’s death. These strong family bonds clash harshly with the impersonal nature he learns to adopt in the military.
Once he’s transported to the Civil War era, he is confronted with more horrors of the battlefield, but now he feels as if he is part of something worth fighting for. I really enjoyed Dear Dad, A Novel. I found Hazen’s writing remarkably easy-going and entertaining.
Each chapter was prefaced with a letter that gave a little more insight into the story. Foster’s experiences on the battlefield are truly horrific. Hazen has a sharp critique of military bureaucracy, including the incompetence of some officers, while still admirably praising men who earned their way through merit. I think anyone who likes historical fiction from the Vietnam War or the Civil War would greatly enjoy this book.
Pages 303 | ASIN B007SXID7E
Restart
Restart by Drew Samuelsen is a dystopian tale of thirteen-year-old Ulysses, who finds himself alone after a strange event has killed most of the world’s population. Fearing for his Mother, who never came home from work, he sets out to find her. Along the way, he acquires a group of friends and learns the world’s own technology was used to decimate the population. They also soon know not all humans hit by this technological-based attack were killed; some were changed into deadly, almost animal-like killing machines. Can Ulysses and his friends avoid technology and murderous humans while looking for their loved ones?
I like that the vessel to bring about the apocalypse is technology. This also turns the book into a fear-inducing one; I kept thinking about all the tech around me that could be used against me. It leads to a bit of a chilling reading experience. The action was well-paced, and the story kept me intrigued. I also liked this book because it provided light moments in this dark situation. The tone was really a fun one. The fault I’ve found with other dystopian novels is that they are too heavy, with no moments to break up the bleakness; thankfully, this one suffered from no such problems.https://amzn.to/3UxUsvX
I found the book’s frequent foreshadowing took away from many surprise twists in the story that I’d liked to have been able to have gone in unwarned for. I also felt too many things just got handed to the characters. It was like everything they needed fell right into their laps. I am glad they managed to have what they needed to survive, but I would have liked them to work a little harder for it in some cases.
Restart: Book 1 (The Restart Series) is a captivating young adult dystopian story. It had the right amount of chilling and humor that balanced it well. In addition, it gave some unique ideas about how an apocalypse might go. I highly recommend this to any dystopian and science fiction fans.
Pages: 160 | ASIN : B0BJYD1KWW
Trapped
Trapped by Reese is a fiction story about four friends who meet during their freshman year in college when they are assigned to complete a group project together. Naomi Spencer is from an affluent family but had a unique childhood experience that left her anxious in social situations. Arnya Nicholas was raised by a single mother but comes from a large extended family, and she is into computers. Stephanie Stone was raised by her religious grandmother after her mother abandoned her. Jasmine Taylor grew up in foster care, and that experience has left her cynical, but she likes to draw. Despite their different personalities and upbringing, they find that they have a lot in common. But can their friendship last through all life’s changes after the end of college?
I liked that this story was told from the point of view of the four friends, which provided additional insights into the characters’ motivation. Naomi, Arnya, Stephanie, and Jasmine had very distinct personalities and might never have become friends if they were not forced to work together on a class project. At the beginning of the story, Jasmine was my least favorite of the four friends. But as the book progressed and other softer characteristics about her are revealed, I could understand why the other girls became friends with her.
I liked that this book showed several years in the characters’ lives, from the start of college to their lives after graduation. Most of the books I’ve read take place over the course of a few weeks or months and might have a short epilogue that gives readers a brief glimpse into what happens a few years later. This book was an unexpected and interesting change from that. However, this did cause an issue where large chunks of time were skipped over. I would have loved to have seen more time dedicated to the developing relationship of the four friends.
Trapped is a riveting coming-of-age women’s fiction novel that shares the story of four women that meet in college and how their lives are intertwined as they grow up. There is some romance, some drama, and lots of self-discovery as each of the protagonists finds their own path in life.
Pages: 321 | ASIN : B0B16K6FDH
Of All Faiths & None
Of All Faiths & None by Andrew Tweeddale is a historical fiction novel set during the Great War between 1910 and 1918. This compelling novel begins with Julius Drewe, who hires a famous architect, Edwin Luytens, to design a castle. Drewe’s goal is to establish and preserve his legacy with the construction of Castle Drogo, which later symbolizes the nature of the war, and how the younger generation of the Drewes and Luytens become entangled in the war, which breaks out in 1914. The plot quickly develops when the setting shifts from the families’ residence in London to the various battlefields and their connections to each other and Castle Drogo.
The author explores many essential topics during the early 1900s, including the age of enlightenment, the suffragette movement, and the impact of war. It’s an emotional rendition of the history of western society and how significant changes in the world challenge different religions and belief systems. Tweeddale does a great job developing each character and evolving them throughout the book in well-structured chapters and well-written descriptions of their individual experiences.
Throughout the book, Tweeddale explores the themes of duty, vanity, romance, and spirituality and how they evolve during the war. Readers get a glimpse into the political system of this era, and the consequences of war on all levels of society, from the ordinary people to the elites. The author brilliantly showcases the horrors of war and how it capitalizes on the arrogance and vanity of humans while humanizing war casualties so that they are not merely seen as numbers or statistics but as soldiers who are also brothers, sons, and spouses.
I profoundly enjoyed Of All Faiths & None by Andrew Tweeddale. I recommend this impassioned historical romance novel for the author’s ability to highlight the tragedies of war and how it is the ultimate equalizer, impacting everyone regardless of faith or lack of it. It is a well-told tale of love, faith, and war, and is perfect for fans of historical fiction.
Pages: 352 | ASIN: 1739612205
LITERARY TITAN 