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Showing posts from October, 2021

The Subtle Art of Brutality - Ryan Sayles - A Short Summary & Review

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  A short summary of The Subtle Art of Brutality: A private "dick" (sorry, couldn't help it, you'll understand when you read the book) discovers the "burning" desires of a step-in father. My favorite Ryan Sayles quote from the book: " Crying and consonants, when that’s all you speak, are not good storytellers." Questions to ponder while reading the book: What makes a good cop? What makes a family? My thoughts about The Subtle Art of Brutality: A great piece of modern noir. SOOO many clichés!  I loved it! Richard Dean Buckner is one of the biggest pigs ever and it wouldn't be a good story if he wasn't one. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gall...

The Clergyman's Daughter - George Orwell - A Short Summary & Review

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  A short summary of The Clergyman's Daughter: Dorothy's "memorial" sojourn to the city. My favorite George Orwell quote from the book: "Why not take life as your found it?" Questions to ponder while reading the book: Have you ever had to go hungry? Why do you do what you do? My review of The Clergyman's Daughter: A good look into repression, poverty, and individual choices. A still relevant criticism of how we treat the poor. I am not sure that I agreed with Dorothy's final choice. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponso...

House of Earth: A Novel - Woody Guthrie - A Short Summary & Review

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  A short summary of House of Earth: Dreams of dirt houses during the Dustbowl. My favorite Woody Guthrie quote from the book: "Why has it just got to be dog-eat-dog? Why can't we live so as to let other people live?" Questions to ponder while reading the book: How do you feel about sharecropping? Would you be willing to build your own house? My review of House of Earth: A historical treasure. A long-lost Woody Guthrie novel brought to life by Douglas Brinkley & Johnny Depp. Rich in depression-era concepts and vernacular. *Note* There is sexually explicit content, that while contextual, is detailed and graphic. This may not be the best book for the young or faint of heart. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at...

The Last Lecture - Randy Pausch - A Short Summary & Review

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  A short summary of The Last Lecture: Let me say a few words before I go...... My favorite Randy Pausch quote from the book: "We cannot change the cards we are dealt. Just how we play the hand." Questions to ponder while reading the book: What matters most to you? How do you want to spend your final days? My review of The Last Lecture: Great words of advice. A poignant tale of mortality. Allow for a period of introspection following the book. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponsors, my  webshop , or by buying me a c...

A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens - A Short Summary & Review

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  A short summary of A Christmas Carol: A spectral evening teaches a Scrouge the meaning of Christmas. My favorite Charles Dickens quote from the book: "There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good humor." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Who would visit you? Where in your life do you need to find Christmas? My review of The Christmas Carol: Love! Love! Love! I hope I never need to see a ghost. Like The Gift of the Magi , the book comes out every Christmas. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by vi...

All The Forgivenesses - Elizabeth Hardinger - A Short Summary & Review

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  A short summary of All The Forgivenesses: The "depressing" trials and tribulations of Bertie Winslow. My favorite Elizabeth Hardinger quote from the book: "Got to stand it or bust." Questions to ponder while reading the book: Have you ever felt betrayed by your mother? Do you feel responsible for too many things? My review of All The Forgivenesses: Depression-era historical fiction fun. A truly engaging story. I wish I had one iota of Bertie's sense of responsibility and discipline. **************************************** a.d. elliott is a wanderer, writer, and photographer currently living in Salem, Virginia.  In addition to the travel writings at  www.takethebackroads.com , you can also read her book reviews at  www.riteoffancy.com  and US military biographies at  www.everydaypatriot.com Her online photography gallery can be found at  shop.takethebackroads.com #TaketheBackRoads Like my page? Please consider supporting my work by visiting my sponso...