DadTrends » Book Review

Chasing the Moon: Absurdism With a Capital “A”

Erik Wecks — Sat, 12 May 2012 09:00:03 +0000

Perhaps it comes from early exposure to Douglas Adams or eating too many Costco frozen burritos when I was in high school. (After reading Chasing the Moon, either seem equally plausible.) Whatever the reason, I love my humor with a healthy dose of the absurd. Chasing the Moon by A. Lee Martinez is absurdism at its best with a large helping of gourmet silly sauce on the side. Think Jasper Fforde meets H. P. Lovecraft and you get the idea.

The premise is quite simple. Diana needs an apartment; she is offered an apartment which is too good to be true. Against her better judgement she makes the Faustian bargain. Almost immediately she runs into a problem when a voice speaks to her from the closet which the landlord warned her strictly not to open. As she is considering her options the phone rings. A shortened version of the phone conversation with her new landlord is included on the back cover of the book:

“Inside that closet is an ancient entity known as Vom the Hungering. He’s actually a pretty decent sort, as ancient spawns go. But if you let him out of that closet, he will eat you.”
Diana lowered the phone, “You’re going to eat me?”
“Yeah, probably. Don’t suspect it helps anything if I apologize in advance.”

What follows next is a Beetlejuician romp through a world populated by bickering ancient spawn, quirky neighbors, and hilarious adventures. Nothing makes sense, but that is the point. In Diana’s world the human mind is forced daily to grapple with concepts and concerns that violate her reality. Hers is a world in which our existence hangs by the tiniest of threads and saving the world is a regular chore like fixing the boiler in the basement.

I really appreciated how Martinez crafted a world in which his main character’s natural empathy provides her with the ability to understand what others cannot. She takes the world as it is, and this gives her an ability to cope with the ridiculous. She learns not to panic. She just makes decisions and gets things done. This puts her way ahead of others who simply cannot deal with the abnormal world around them.

Act two is always the most difficult to pull off well in any book. Act one introduces the characters and premise. Act three resolves the tension. Act two is supposed to expand our understanding of the characters and increase the tension. That can be quite difficult to do. The tendency can be to let act two drag a little and that is the case for Martinez’s book. A few of the sub-adventures in act two have little or no relation to the main thread which ties act one and three together. These adventures are fun in themselves and can be amusing, but they feel a little episodic when they lack threads which tie them to the main plot.

Yet these are just quibbles. Diana, her monsters and often her landlord caused me to laugh aloud throughout the course of the book. Oddly enough, thinking about Diana’s ability to handle whatever came her way gave me the gentle poke in the ribs I needed to make sure I don’t get so bent out of shape when the absurd makes its appearance in my quaint existence. Most importantly, Chasing the Moon is just a wonderfully absurd bit of fun.

@ChickenSoup4TheSoul Giveaway – The Magic of Mothers and Daughters

dadofdivas — Tue, 01 May 2012 09:50:37 +0000

About the Book

101 Inspirational and Entertaining Stories about That Special Bond

Mothers and daughters. They are, at the same time, very similar and completely unique. This relationship — through birth, childhood, teen years, adulthood, grandchildren, aging, and every step in between — can be the best, the hardest, and the sweetest. Moms and daughters will laugh, cry, and find inspiration in this collection of entertaining, poignant, and heartwarming stories that remind them of their shared love, appreciation and special bond. A great gift for Mother’s Day.

Purpose of the Books

After 15 years of bringing real people and their stories together to touch the lives of others, Chicken Soup for the Soul® has gone beyond the bookstore to become a world leader in life improvement. Chicken Soup for the Soul is home to the largest catalog of user-generated, life-changing stories. Through books, movies, DVDs, online resources and other partnerships it brings hope, courage, inspiration and love to hundreds of millions of people around the world. Chicken Soup for the Soul authors and readers belong to a one-of-a-kind global community that shares advice, support, guidance, comfort, and knowledge.

About the Company
Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC, publishes all the latest titles in the famous Chicken Soup for the Soul book series which are distributed through Simon and Schuster, Inc. Since 1993, books in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series have sold more than 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages. Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing also licenses the right to use its famous trademark to high quality licensees through IMG, the world’s premier licensing agent. The company is currently implementing a plan to expand into all media, is working with TV networks on several TV shows and is developing a major Internet presence dedicated to life improvement, emotional support and inspiration. In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable and impactful books in the last quarter century. For more information visit: http://www.chickensoup.com/.

Facts About The Reach of The Books

Total retail sales of Chicken Soup for the Soul branded merchandise have topped $1.3 billion.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul book series of over 200 titles has sold over 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages.
In 2008, Chicken Soup for the Soul became the best-selling trade paperback series in the history of publishing.
Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of the world’s most well-known brands– 88.7% of the US public not only recognizes the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, but knows what it is (source—Harris Polls).
Chicken Soup for the Soul holds the world record for having the most titles on the New York Times bestseller list at one time.
Chicken Soup for the Soul receives millions of monthly media impressions, with cross-promotion relationships in place with top media brands like King Features, Woman’s World, BeliefNet and others.
Many of the world’s leading consumer brands have looked to Chicken Soup for the Soul for co-branding opportunities, including American Idol®, Coke®, NASCAR®, Marriott®, Campbell’s®, Arby’s®, Golf Digest® and others.
Time Magazine called the Chicken Soup for the Soul series the “Publishing phenomenon of the decade.”
In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable and impactful books in the last quarter century.
In 2008, Chicken Soup for the Soul and dick clark productions entered into an agreement to develop a television series based on the brand.

My Take On The Book
This was a heartwarming book that especially as you get close to mothers day you will appreciate. There are so many great stories of the bond that mothers and daughters share and you will be drawn in by the warmth of the bond and of the connection that this bond tends to bring forth. The book was well written and as is the case with all of these books, you will probably find yourself getting a bit emotional when reading some of the stories, as this is what they are supposed to do! This was a great book that I would recommend to all!

Giveaway

How would you like to win a copy of this book? I will be giving away 3 copies to lucky readers! All you need to do is subscribe to Dad of Divas OR Follow on Google Friend Connect. The contest will run for one week and will end on May 8, 2012.

Bonus Entries

Blog about my Giveaway by linking back to this post (1 entries per blog post. Please leave each entry in separate comments with your URL link in order for it to count)

Grab my badge to your sidebar

Subscribe to the Dad of Divas Reviews Site
Sign Up for the Divadom Newsletter
Follow me on Twitter (@dadofdivas) (leave username in comment)
Share this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or any forum, including the name of the prize and a link to this post. Here I’ll make it easier on you, copy and paste this:” @dadofdivas is giving away 3 @ChickenSoup4TheSoul The Magic of Mothers and Daughters Books -http://dadofdivas.com/giveaway #win” (Then leave the link to your post. One entry per place per day)
Like Dad of Divas on Facebook (Leave username in comment)

Like The Ultimate College Preparation Blueprint on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TheUltimateCollegePreparationBlueprint (Leave username in comment)

This contest will run until May 8, 2012 at approximately 11:59 pm Eastern.

Winner must be a resident of the U.S or Canada.

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site’s Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.

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@ChickenSoup4TheSoul Giveaway – Family Caregivers

dadofdivas — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:10:33 +0000

About the Book

Do you have a family member who requires constant care? You are not alone. This collection offers support and encouragement in its 101 stories for family caregivers of all ages, including the “sandwich” generation caring for a family member while raising their children. With stories by those on the receiving end of the care too. These stories of love, sacrifice, and lessons will inspire and uplift family members making sacrifices to make sure their loved ones are well cared for, whether in their own homes or elsewhere.

Purpose of the Books

Facts About The Reach of The Books

Total retail sales of Chicken Soup for the Soul branded merchandise have topped $1.3 billion.
The Chicken Soup for the Soul book series of over 200 titles has sold over 112 million copies, with titles translated into more than 40 languages.
In 2008, Chicken Soup for the Soul became the best-selling trade paperback series in the history of publishing.
Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of the world’s most well-known brands– 88.7% of the US public not only recognizes the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand, but knows what it is (source—Harris Polls).
Chicken Soup for the Soul holds the world record for having the most titles on the New York Times bestseller list at one time.
Chicken Soup for the Soul receives millions of monthly media impressions, with cross-promotion relationships in place with top media brands like King Features, Woman’s World, BeliefNet and others.
Many of the world’s leading consumer brands have looked to Chicken Soup for the Soul for co-branding opportunities, including American Idol®, Coke®, NASCAR®, Marriott®, Campbell’s®, Arby’s®, Golf Digest® and others.
Time Magazine called the Chicken Soup for the Soul series the “Publishing phenomenon of the decade.”
In 2007, USA Today named Chicken Soup for the Soul one of the five most memorable and impactful books in the last quarter century.
In 2008, Chicken Soup for the Soul and dick clark productions entered into an agreement to develop a television series based on the brand.

My Take On The Book
Before you begin to read this book, make sure you read the introduction by Joan Lunden. If you are a current caregiver or know you will be one in the near future, her experiences with her mother and the sharing of her experiences will help you find peace in the journey you are or will be experiencing.

I am going to share just two of the stories with you. All of these stories were told by real individuals of their journeys as caregivers.

The first one is called “Love Unconditionally with No Guarantees” . This true story was written by Sharon Babineau who became a caregiver for her husband who was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease and her daughter who died of cancer at the age of 15. Her story is one of unconditional love, cherishing each moment of life and being fearless. Sharon is an amazing woman who I would love to meet and have as a friend.

The next selection is called “Changing My Expectations”. It is written by Kathleen H. Wheeler. Kathleen’s story is about the challenges she faced as her mother’s Alzheimer’s progressed. She realized as her mother’s physical being deteriorated and she needed more care, that her expectations for her mother’s abilities to do things had to change. She had to find ways to be with her mother and do things with and for her that met the stage her mother was in at the time of her visit. When you read this it may help you to find peace in the small activities you can do with your loved one that ultimately will bring you joy and maybe them too.

Each story in this book holds possible answers for those of us who will be caregivers. You never know when you will be called upon to help with a family member. To know others have had similar situations and are able to find the love and compassion needed too, should give us all the hope we need to face the challenges we may encounter.

Giveaway

How would you like to win a copy of this book? I will be giving away 3 copies to lucky readers! All you need to do is subscribe to Dad of Divas and let me know why you would have an interest in this book to be considered. The contest will run for one week and will end on April 26, 2012.

Bonus Entries

Blog about my Giveaway by linking back to this post (1 entries per blog post. Please leave each entry in separate comments with your URL link in order for it to count)

Grab my badge to your sidebar

Subscribe to the Dad of Divas Reviews Site
Subscribe to Dad of Divas by Email
Follow me on Twitter (@dadofdivas) (leave username in comment)
Share this giveaway on Twitter, Facebook or any forum, including the name of the prize and a link to this post. Here I’ll make it easier on you, copy and paste this:” @dadofdivas is giving away 3 @ChickenSoup4TheSoul Family Caregivers Books -http://dadofdivas.com/giveaway #win” (Then leave the link to your post. One entry per place per day)
Like Dad of Divas on Facebook (Leave username in comment)

This contest will run until April 26, 2012 at approximately 11:59 pm Eastern.

Winner must be a resident of the U.S or Canada.

Winners are chosen at random, if you want all your chances counted, make sure you leave individual comments, not all of them in one!

Winner has 48 hours to contact me or another name will be chosen.

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New to the Divadom or to Dad of Divas Reviews?

Please Subscribe to my RSS Feed! Subscribe in a reader

Questions?Drop me a line at dadofdivas@gmail.com

Review of Max Lucado’s Fearless

Buck Rogers — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:19:00 +0000

I am not much of a reader of Christian books, non-fiction or fiction. I read the first couple of the Left Behind books but that was years ago. Thank to Thomas Nelson Book Reviews, I had the opportunity to review Max Lucado’s Fearless.

Lucado is a Bible-believing preacher. Therefore his writing is going to refer his readers to the Bible. He’s going to take the examples of Bible and guidance/instruction based on those. Lucado’s writing is upfront and frank. No hidden meaning here or searching for hidden messages.

Fearless starts out with a story of the author brother. His brother was troubled by his fear and insecurities. He was a recovering alcoholic. The whole premise of the Fearless is that we all have fears and if we didn’t have them how much better our life would be. For example, I fear that I am not going to be a great parent or make enough money to support my family. Max Lucado examines 13 ways we need to “fear not.” At the end of the book there are questions for group discussion.

If Christian writing is for you, I recommend Fearless because it is so inspirational. He mentions several ways to change fear into faith without coming off too preachy. Change is scary and if you have a change coming up in your life or currently experiencing one then pick up this book and change your perspective.

Check out the video of the Max Lucado doing a Q&A

Other helpful links:
Preview Fearless by Max Lucado
Fearless Times -Max Lucado’s website

Review of Max Lucado’s Fearless

Buck Rogers — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 16:19:00 +0000

Check out the video of the Max Lucado doing a Q&A

Other helpful links:
Preview Fearless by Max Lucado
Fearless Times -Max Lucado’s website