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Right Can Be Wrong

Right Can Be Wrong is an unconventional collection of musings, observations, and aphorisms that span a wide range of topics, parenting, race, religion, relationships, politics, and human nature. Rather than following a traditional narrative structure, the book offers a series of thought-provoking statements, often contradictory, that encourage readers to question the status quo. It reads like a stream of consciousness manifesto, challenging societal norms while pointing out the paradoxes of everyday life.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its raw honesty. The author does not shy away from controversial topics, tackling issues of race and inequality with a bluntness that is both refreshing and, at times, unsettling. Statements like “America’s FOUNDING FATHERS fled OPPRESSION in EUROPE, to come to THE NEW WORLD, to OPPRESS BLACK AFRICANS” hit hard, exposing the contradictions in American history. The book does not offer easy answers but instead forces readers to sit with uncomfortable truths. It’s the kind of book that makes you nod in agreement one minute and shake your head the next, which speaks to its power to provoke deep thought.

That said, the writing style can be somewhat polarizing. The heavy use of capitalization, fragmented thoughts, and lack of a traditional coherent narrative might frustrate some readers. While the format creates a sense of urgency, it can also feel disjointed, making it difficult to engage with the text in a sustained way. At times, I found myself wishing the author had expanded on certain ideas instead of simply presenting them as standalone statements. For example, “We cannot see THE DARKNESS of POP CULTURE, because it is COVERED WITH GLITTER” is a brilliant insight, but I wanted more exploration into why pop culture operates this way.

Another striking feature is the book’s balance of cynicism and wisdom. There’s a sense of world-weariness in statements like “Some people who ARE THE PROBLEM believe they are THE SOLUTION.” Yet, amidst the critique, there is also hope, an encouragement for self-awareness and change. Lines like “The BETTER WAY to EDUCATE our CHILDREN is to BETTER EDUCATE OURSELVES” highlight the book’s core message: personal responsibility and growth are the first steps toward a better world.

Right Can Be Wrong is best suited for readers who enjoy philosophical musings and social commentary without the constraints of traditional storytelling. It’s a book that sparks conversation, challenges assumptions, and refuses to be neatly categorized. If you appreciate authors like James Baldwin and George Carlin, or even the fragmented wisdom of Twitter threads, you’ll find value in this book. But if you prefer a structured argument or a clear narrative arc, this might not be the right fit. I highly recommend Hendrix’s unique collection of one-liners to any reader seeking a work of satirical fiction designed to challenge their thinking on everyday topics.

Pages: 204 | ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CV48MSZB

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Sonnets From Suburbia: Romance Dance

Penny Peyser is a multi-talented woman who excels in various fields such as acting, writing, and filmmaking. She is also a poet with a strong perspective on romance and life. Her second anthology of Sonnets, Sonnets From Suburbia: Romance Dance, covers a wide range of topics related to romance, from light-hearted to profound and thought-provoking. When reading these sonnets, one can feel like they are peering into a window of a woman’s life, only to realize it is like looking into a mirror.

One Sonnet that stayed with me after I finished the book was “Self-partnered,” in which Peyser talks about loving oneself and setting aside time alone with oneself. It emphasizes the need to make time for yourself and not depend on romance with another person to have a full life. Another Sonnet that left me laughing and relating all too well was “An Appeal to Rockstars,” where she kindly requests concerts be performed as a matinee so all the “old” fans can still attend and be home at a reasonable hour.

The collection boasts a variety of literary pieces that have the power to resonate with individuals in the middle-aged and retired demographic. These works serve as a gentle reminder that life still holds many possibilities and that their memories, habits, and desires are still valid. It’s a refreshing perspective that acknowledges the value of life experiences and the importance of cherishing them. Whether it’s a simple act of collecting a coffee cup from every place one travels or more significant endeavors, these works hold the power to uplift and inspire. They provide a sense of hope and encouragement to keep on living life, making new memories, and pursuing one’s passions no matter your age.

Sonnets from Suburbia: Romance Dance is a collection of modern Shakespearean sonnets written by Penny Peyser. The poems are inspired by everyday situations, especially those related to romance, and are intended to leave a lasting impression while entertaining readers with humor. This collection is perfect for poetry enthusiasts and women seeking camaraderie in our unpredictable world.

Pages: 99 | ASIN : B0CPG2M3VD

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Candle-Crowded Birthday Cakes

Penny Peyser Author Interview

Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake is a collection of sonnets with a humorous twist on the everyday modern life that women endure. What inspired you to write this collection of sonnets?

I am a lifelong actress (IMDb.me/pennypeyser) and have had the pleasure of working extensively in television, film, and stage, but through it all, I’ve had an adoration for Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets. In a Shakespearean acting class, we were assigned to write a sonnet to better understand the demands of iambic pentameter. I went home, dashed one off, and thought – this is fun! That was thirteen years ago and I haven’t stopped.

How did you decide on the title of this collection?

Sonnets From Suburbia came to me partly because I was raised in the suburbs (but now live in Los Angeles) and I like the alliteration. More Candles Than Cake as the subtitle is because…I’m of an age where the birthday cakes are candle-crowded!

What sonnet in the collection did you have the most fun writing and why?

That’s a tough one. I write them all the time. I have affection for “Oops” I suppose because being older I’ve learned to appreciate youthful beauty – from afar – and there is a certain awkwardness when age disparity rears its head.

Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next collection of sonnets?

I actually have just published my second! Sonnets From Suburbia: Romance Dance available on Amazon.  This one has a romantic theme – just in time for Valentine’s Day!  From my perspective being able to comment on modern day relationships in iambic pentameter is loads of fun.  I hope you’ll smile with recognition with this collection.

Author Links: GoodReads | Webpage

If Shakespeare were a lady…

Sonnets from Suburbia features Lady Penelope (aka actress Penny Peyser) serving up a funny take on modern day life in Shakespearean sonnet form.

From the foibles of friendship, to romantic relationships gone awry, to aging bodies that misbehave, to the woes of social media and confounding familial tussles, she has the uncanny ability to make us smile out loud and chuckle with recognition. One of those books for when you need a good laugh.

The clever, compassionate sonnets inside this book make a perfect gift for birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day and are sure to delight women over 40 (all female readers actually) and the men who love them.

Think Shakespeare at the mall.

For fans of Judith Viorst, Amy Sedaris and Dorothy Parker. Sonnets from Suburbia is long-time actress Penny Peyser’s first foray into poetry and sonnets, and she couldn’t be more thrilled about this new venture.

Sonnets From Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake

Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake by Penny Peyser presents a refreshing take on the Shakespearean sonnet, repurposing it to delve into the nuances of contemporary suburban life. Peyser’s collection stands out for its ingenious fusion of a classic poetic form with modern themes, such as aging, relationships, parenthood, and the peculiarities of everyday life, all expressed with an astute mix of humor and satire.

This book marks an engaging departure from traditional poetic structures, showcasing Peyser’s knack for sharp wit and perceptive observations. The sonnets, though concise, are packed with a blend of light-heartedness and introspection, effectively capturing the multifaceted nature of suburban existence. From mundane activities to broader existential issues, the collection paints a vivid picture of life in suburbia. Readers may find the disciplined use of the sonnet form in this collection a unique aspect, offering a distinctive structure that might be particularly appealing to those with an appreciation for classic poetry. While the succinctness of the sonnets provides a focused glimpse into various themes, it also invites readers to engage in further contemplation and exploration beyond the text. Peyser’s portrayal of suburban life is particularly striking, featuring relatable characters and scenarios that echo with a broad spectrum of readers. Her skill in encapsulating a complete narrative within the confines of each sonnet is commendable, adeptly reflecting both the ordinary and extraordinary elements of daily life. The themes she explores are widely relatable, offering a mirror to our collective experiences.

Sonnets from Suburbia: More Candles Than Cake emerges as a unique and thought-stimulating collection. Penny Peyser’s application of the sonnet to comment on the intricacies of modern existence is as innovative as it is insightful, offering readers a fresh lens through which to view the everyday world.

Pages: 92 | ASIN : B0BVRW9TB4

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