5 Super Fast Book Reviews

If you are in a hurry and need to decide if you should read a book, then consider one of these. We have condensed the reviews into simple statements that will help you find your next great read…or not.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay by J.K. Rowling

Being a huge fan of the original Harry Potter series and having not seen the movie for this screenplay, I was not sure what to expect. The artwork that was included was very well designed and had a cool tie-in with the story, so I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. The story, on the other hand, was very fast and did not seem developed to me. I was glad to get another story in the same world as Harry Potter, but the character of Newt was VERY underdeveloped. The character of Jacob really had personality and felt developed, in comparison to Newt it just didn’t make a lot of sense…after all, Newt is the main character. Overall, it was a good story and I am sure the movie is great too, just don’t expect

anything close to the originals.

Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs

Wow! I have been away from the Peculiar Children series for a while now, having finished them as they were released, so to discover this gem of a book was fantastic. I really enjoyed the majority of the stories and found that the illustrations were perfect, they really matched the stories well. It is not a very long book and is in some ways more of a collectors or fan item, but overall I am glad that this is out in the world! I hope that there will be more to come.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

I really liked this book! When it came time to give it a rating, it was no question that I would give it 5 stars! The characters are all very dynamic and keep you interested in the story and their individual well-being. Even the villain characters have such a strong personality that is built with great backstory weaved into the main story that it is hard not to like them for what they are. This author did a fantastic job creating an action packed and intense world that the reader grows to care for. I highly recommend this book.

The View from the Cheap Seats: Selected Nonfiction by Neil Gaiman

I highly recommend that you get or listen to the audiobook version of this book, or at least have both. I read about half of this book and listened to the other half. I enjoyed hearing Neil read his own words, they came to life in a way that they didn’t when I simply read them. There were many pieces of writing in this book that I didn’t understand much about, but the ones where I knew what he was talking about were very fun to listen to. I discovered more books to read (when will my TBR ever end?) thanks to Neil’s recommendations and I think it is an admirable thing of him to recommend artist and authors who perhaps don’t get the amount of credit that they should. His words are powerful and carry deep meaning, his personality somehow seeps slowly through the words and onto the pages, and this book leaves a lasting impression.

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Parts 1 & 2 by J.K. Rowling

This book is the script for the new stage play based on the world of Harry Potter. Go into this book knowing that and you will very much enjoy it. I knew that it was written as a script, so I was not disappointed to see how it was written. I always find that dialogue is my favorite part of most all stories, so to have a book of basically nothing but dialogue (and the occasional stage direction / setting info) worked out great for me. It is a fast read compared to some books due to the nature in which it was written. I found my mind filling in bits and pieces of the imagery all by itself due to my previous knowledge of the books and movies. If you’ve ever watched a Harry Potter movie, then your mind will fill in most of the details all by itself. The lack of descriptions was not an issue for me and I don’t think it would be for anyone familiar with the world in which the story is set. It was great to get to check in on some of my favorite character’s lives and gain a whole new perspective on some characters. I found myself really enjoying the two new and most notable characters. I really liked it for what it is and I think everyone who reads it should appreciate it for what it is rather than what they “want” or “expect” it to be.

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Library Of Souls by Ransom Riggs Book Review

Let’s start from the beginning with this book. The first two novels were brilliant and told the in-depth story of Jacob and all of the other brilliant Peculiars. This book was no exception to the greatness that is the writing by Ransom Riggs.

The book cover is terrifying and enchanting all at the same time. Featuring a winged Peculiar that begs the reader to learn more about the story by reading. There were many great points about this book and only a few things that I would have changed. Let’s start with the things that I would have changed.

There were a few times during my reading where I felt that there was too much unnecessary detail and the story was dragging on to reach an over 450 page count. I am not sure why Ransom Riggs felt the need to prolong this story in a way that seemed to sluggishly creep on at times, but it did happen.

Aside from the slow storyline at times and the few needless details, the only other thing that I would have changed was some of the photos. The majority of the photos were absolutely stunning and added so much to this already haunting series, but there were a few of the photos that didn’t fit the story very well and made me think that Ransom just saw a cool photo and forced the story to change a little to incorporate that photo. I didn’t get this feeling as much with the first two books.

Now on to the plethora of things that I LOVED about this book. First of all, the story has a great beginning, middle, and end. Second, the characters only get better and better in this book. If you loved Jacob and Emma before, you are sure to be even more attached to them in this addition to the series because their characters are even better than ever. I also really enjoyed the change in setting. Ransom was somehow able to create a completely and utterly dreadful setting that you can’t help but fall in love with. How is this possible? Excellent story telling, that’s how!

Overall, this book is one of my all time favorite books! No book is perfect, but this one comes pretty close! It took me a while to read, but then again, now that it’s over I wish I had more of it! Ransom Riggs is a very proficient writer and legendary story teller that our generation should be very proud of. I highly recommend this book and without any hesitation I give it a five star rating!

Overcome Shallow Writing

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Ever tried writing about something and caught a headache when expanding your thoughts and ideas? Ever been called a superficial writer? Have you ever battled strongly with writer’s block? If so, you’ve probably had a share of shallow writing. To my understanding, shallow writing is writing about something without giving out the purpose and exact meaning of the writing. When writing a novel, preface, or introduction, writers tend to give you a snippet and synopsis because they don’t want you (as the reader) to lose interest too quickly. Think about the first time you went swimming. You took the first three steps into the pool and though you saw others swimming in the deep portion of the pool, you stayed in shallow waters. You didn’t want to take the risk of drowning. Writers often feel the same way.

I strongly believe shallow writing comes with the fear of being drowned in criticism and losing a good reputation as an author. The deeper one goes into writing, the more emotion they display. They’re more vulnerable and bound to reveal personal aspects in their lives that they did not intend on revealing to the audience. Shallow writing is a give-and-take and it all depends on the author’s purpose. Sometimes, shallow writing is a benefit because the intent of writing is to summarize and give a brief description. Other times, shallow writing is inappropriate. Examples would be writing poetry, outlining a plot, and writing an autobiography. Readers expect to visualize pictures and events occurring in their minds. Reading is dull to them when there’s no suspense or nothing worth looking forward to reading.

So, how do I overcome shallow writing and how do I get over the fear of my reputation probably being destroyed? The simple answer is you have to take risks. Some readers you will win and some you will lose. Breathe, take chances, and expect positive outcomes! The more you give of your inner self, the greater the impact and influence will be upon you and the piece of writing. Do you like to watch the news? If so, you’ll notice how the news talks more about criminal activity rather than positive things in the community. Many people love hearing drama and dirt and are more prone to accepting you as an authentic writer by ridding out shallow writing. Be authentic, be real, be you, and enjoy writing in a way that satisfies your inner and outer self.

Find a quiet place, find a pen or pencil (your choice), grab some tissues, have a cup of coffee, and allow yourself to open up! Get rid of shallow writing and give your reader(s) the extraordinary!

Book Publishing 101

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1. Grammar & Editing – As you are constructing your book, make sure you do a Spell Check on the final manuscript. Check the sentence fragments and word tense. Make sure your document has 1-inch margins (Top, Bottom, Left, and Right). Set your manuscript size to the book size you desire (i.e. 5×7, 6×10, 8×10).

2. ISBN – In order to effectively market your book without being rejected from bookstores and online agents, you will need to purchase an ISBN. Bowker ISBN Agency handles the regulation of ISBNs. If you decide to purchase one through them, it will cost $125. Book publishers may offer you a discounted rate. If so, take the advantage.

3. Copyrights – No author is prone or vulnerable to theft. Protect your works by registering your claim/title with the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, D.C. You can purchase your copyright for $35 online through ECO or by printing out the forms under their local repository. Inside your book, do include a copyright page informing readers of copyright protection and infringement if they decide to steal your works.

4. Book Binding – The type of binding you choose for your book is very important. If you decide to choose paperback plastic cover, the cost will be cheaper. However, there is an advantage to hardcover. The binding doesn’t rip the pages and the book doesn’t become damaged by water, sunlight, or dust. Some authors choose to add the dust jacket inside and this also protects the pages inside of the book. One has to keep in mind that books are shipped and you never know what the machines could do to your books if they are plastic covers.

5. Cover Images – The front and back cover of your book is worth a thousand! Just one look could give the reader the wrong look. Personally, I choose to pick images that deal with the morale and main idea of the book. Get creative with your cover images and not have them plain. Make your book so appealing that when a person scrolls down the aisle, they stop to look at your book.

6. Wording on Back Cover – Many interested readers want a synopsis of your book and it’s important that you persuade them with the things written on the back. Place some testimonials of your book on the back cover and main quotes that are enticing.

7. Number of Pages – When I first started writing books, I did not take this into consideration. The amount of pages draws readers as well as repels them. If your book is too huge, a person may disregard it because of their busy schedule. Adversely, a person may enjoy a book with a small number of pages because they can read it in one setting. If you write poetry, consider the format of your book. Should it be done in volumes and collections? If you write fiction and creative stories, should they be split into characters or segregated by topical categories? Should there be a plot with suspense or a dry-cut informative message from the story?

8. Marketing – You are never in the business just to publish a book! You’re in the business to market your book! It’s an accomplishment to publish your book and receive the self-satisfaction of doing so. Yet, you want to sell your book and make royalties. You want money for your hard work and labor! It’s an expectation for authors and readers are also aware. Get into the habit of marketing your book and requesting your readers to rate and review it. Ratings and reviews carry the author a long way and establishes a fine connection between buying a book of worth and a plain old book.

Distraction-Free Writing: How to Handle Distractions

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I’m making it a habit to write daily; that is, whatever comes to mind. A person can write for years and become good at it. Yet, they suffer with distractions. Writers are not exempt from distractions. Every writer has a personal life outside of writing and they too, have to deal with this. It agitates me madly when I’m trying to write down my thoughts and a train passes by my place of stay. My neighbors, sometimes, family will play loud music or constantly knock on my door. Better yet, the phone seems to never stop ringing. No one is calling about something important and you think, “Couldn’t this wait until a later time?” Writing in a world filled with distractions is very difficult. It takes a lot of skill and technique to get beyond it. Today, I want to share some techniques with you that I think could help you as a writer, author, novelist, poet, lyricist, or whatever form of writing you enjoy doing.

My first tip is staying focused. Writing is considered a goal. There’s an end and a finish to it. You pick up your pen or pencil, apply it to paper, and then let your thoughts ride. The minute I notice a distraction, I speak to my inner self and remind myself to keep going. You can’t quit till you cross the finish line and feel satisfied with your writing piece.

The second tip I have to offer is taking a break. What! Are you sure? Yes, I am sure. You have to give your brain and thought process a break after a certain amount of hours. My rule of thumb is every four hours. During your break, leave your current setting and find a new atmosphere. Find a spot that’s calm and relaxing, such as a park. Remember to bring a notebook and something to write with. Don’t make it an intention to write because this is a break, remember? I am asking you to bring a notebook because you can run into something that intrigues you. I call this the test of the wills. Thoughts come and go, and you cannot expect your brain to remember the ones coming at you rapidly.

The third tip is finding the perfect timeframe. This is very difficult, though it sounds easy. Some writers have to write late at night when everyone in the house is asleep and all personal errands are done for the day. Other writers prefer to write in wee morning hours before any chaos hits the day. I have even seen some writers write in the middle of the day, during their lunch breaks from work, and at certain times designated for writing.

I want you all to succeed in your writing. The very last tip I have to offer is grabbing a cup of coffee or tea. Drinking something hot stimulates the mind and pushes you to continue writing down your thoughts when distractions are near. Please do not flatter yourself into thinking that you will not have to deal with distractions when you write. Distractions come in many forms; down to the sound of forceful wind. It’s how you handle them and how well you use emotional intelligence to balance your attitude about the distractions.

Good luck and promote “distraction-free writing” wherever you go!

How to Write a Book Review

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Being a book reviewer for the last two weeks and having many of my books reviewed by others, I tend to see a lot of commonality in reviews. Mistakes, gestures, and things that are just inappropriate for a book review. It is one thing to tell someone that their book is great and others should read it. It’s practically a cliché at this point. Reviewers have to make prospective readers thirsty and energized in interest to the point where they want to purchase the book. Book reviews have the same flavor and sensitivity as a sales pitch.

How do I write a book review? Where do I start? How long should it be? Common questions with various answers! I only speak, in this blog post, from personal experiences as a book reviewer. When you begin writing a book review, start off by thanking the author for their publication. You can include if you won the book through a giveaway, but know that this is a necessary evil. After being complimentary, start addressing the overall design of the book. What feeling did you get when you looked at the front cover? Does the title give off the main idea? Are the designs on the front and back covers an act of symbolism? Does the small wording on the back cover heighten your interest to open the book? These are the things prospective readers want to know.

The next portion of your book review should address the grammar and punctuation. Yes, something not often placed in reviews. It’s imperative that you get someone else to check your grammar and punctuation. Go through an editor or agent, if you have to. You’ve read the book. So, did you have to stop and almost stutter because the fragments were not revised properly in the sentences? Did the author wean off-topic for a long time without reeling you back into his/her main purpose? Prospective readers and book reviewers look for the author’s purpose, focus, and moral in every story. At this point, you can begin considering the format and layout of the book. Was the table of contents outlined correctly? Were page numbers included? Was the book entirely too long with unnecessary information in chapters? Was the font and alignment of each page hard to conceptualize? Think about this when writing your book review.

These pieces to a book review are great, but the most crucial and last component of the book review should be recommendations. Make the sales pitch! State the type of audience who should be reading the book and address any internal/external feelings they may run into. Is the book full of adventure and suspense? Is it religious? Are profane words and derogatory remarks made in the book? Why is this so important? The prospective reader wants to know if they’re the right audience! For instance, I’m a poet and when I read reviews for poetry books, I want to know if the books are centered on the same themes I write about and read about. If I was a counselor and the book is full of adventure, but doesn’t hold a dramatic event requiring counseling for someone, this may not be the book for me. Make your recommendations and state why such audiences are the right candidates.

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In closing, have fun with your book reviews! Don’t make it into an assignment or required duty. Don’t treat it as some book report or an exhausting activity one does when finishing a book. Write your review while you’re in a happy mood and when you think and concentrate on the interesting pieces of the book. Even if the book is terrible, don’t come right out and say, “This is the worst book to buy.” Mention the author’s weaknesses and give suggestions on how they could become strengths. Don’t tear down your author publicly, but address horrible matters through private communications.

Good luck and I look forward to seeing some of your book reviews out there!

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries: Pride and Prejudice Meets the Present

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries Logo

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” This is the line that begins the timeless Jane Austen classic Pride and Prejudice. Most literary critics would think of this line as a reflection (or a satire) upon relational values of Jane Austen’s time and place in history, but to the average reader, it sets the premise of the love story it is today known to be. However you read Jane Austen, this year celebrates two hundred years of existence for Pride and Prejudice. Perhaps it’s a truth universally acknowledged now that a lot has changed in society since Austen wrote it. Being so far removed from Austen’s time in this day and age certainly puts a damper on fully understanding this beloved classic, but The Lizzie Bennet Diaries brings it all to the twenty-first century.

The Lizzie Bennet Diaries portrays the Austen classic in a very contemporary way, and still remains true to the tale. It is a one hundred episode blog series on Youtube that is hosted by the headstrong, independent Lizzie Bennet. In each short episode she unfolds a dramatic scene from Pride and Prejudice with her intelligent best friend, Charlotte Wu; her perfect sister, Jane; their wild-child sister, Lydia; their restless, southern-bell mother and aloof father; the rich and sweet Dr. Bing Li, and many other characters from the novel. Whether you’re a fan of Jane Austen, or you’re trying to understand what’s going on in Pride and Prejudice, it is fun, enjoyable, and easy for anyone to follow. The modern aspect is a big help in understanding the plot and dated references.

Though rich, single men may not always be seeking marriage these days; nor might unusual women be anxious to snatch them up, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries bridges the two century time span to enlighten and entertain students and lovers of classic literature. All the modern aspects of the series, like the web-blogging medium, the colorful characters, and the pop culture craving for drama, are tuned to reflect the classic novel, which makes great entertainment for the literary enthusiast, a wonderful supplement or resource for studying Pride and Prejudice. The Lizzie Bennet Diaries introduces the classic to modern times.

Tellez Tells All

On the rise YouTube user, TellezTelevision sat down to give us an exclusive interview telling all about how her creative process works! Turns out this creative genius is fueled by Vitamin Water and the happenings of her everyday life. From covers of popular songs to originals written by her, the videos you will find on her YouTube channel are creative and professional to say the least! While she is in the early stages of her career we here at Toast Pop can already see that she’s going places fast! Whether she’s tweeting her fans or replying to comments, you will find that she not only appreciates the support, but turns it into the driving force behind her work. Go ahead and check out the exclusive interview with Tellez only available on Toast Pop!

CLICK TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW!

 

A Whimsical Twist on Practical Houseware

Wolfum creator Annabel Inganni spent nine years in apparel design before her designs took an interesting turn in 2010. Inganni is now creating household items like linen napkins, bookends, and coasters, but her flair for the unique provides a whimsical and stylish twist to these seemingly traditional pieces.

Los Angeles based Wolfum makes simple, everyday products from organic cotton, recycled poly twill, and FSC certified walnut. Quality materials mean lasting items, and lasting items mean less replacement and waste. If that wasn’t enough, bold patterns and colors like sage, olive, and navy adorn each hand-made product.

Wolfum’s collection of unique linens have a timeless appearance, with patterns that could have easily been taken from a trunk of beloved vintage items or used to embellish a modern tabletop. Wolfum’s colorful animal bookends and wall hangers also add a fanciful feel the the collection. Tigers, rabbits, coyotes, and a slew of other creatures in a variety of delightful patterns and colors would be perfect for a child or adult.

Whether it’s a mix-and-match collection or a coordinated set, Wolfum products are Inganni’s answer to a boring room. U.S. made and built to last, Wolfum’s whimsical products can be purchased at California shops like ST&NDARD GOODS and La La Ling, as well as Wolfum’s website.

Moleskine

There are very few things that we get in life for free, and one of the most valuable is the opportunity to have good taste. I truly believe and live by that sentence spoken in my own words. I believe that design and a taste for it can be acquired but is best if you are born with it. There are very few people who understand how fundamental it is for something to look good, but the people at Moleskine really understand!

Moleskine is a brand of book that can be used for writing, sketching, watercolor, planning, etc. They have many different lines that suit the users needs. These books have a professional and high quality feel and an obvious perfection when it comes to the overall look of these books. I myself have multiple Moleskine books that I use for sketching, writing, and other various things. They not only look good, but are some of the most functional products of it’s kind on the market.

Very few companies pride themselves in achieving such quality, but the ones that do deserve recognition, and Moleskine is one of the most prominent. It even shows in their offices. Simplicity is not overrated and too many companies and products feel that it is. When you go back to the beauty in minimal efforts you truly achieve a good taste in design.