Movie Review: All Is Lost

*Shaking my head*...All I can say is that my thoughts while watching this movie were: "OMG. ALL IS TRULY LOST!!!!" I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Let me tell you what the story is about. Robert Redford is the only actor in the movie. He plays a nameless man that takes his yacht, the Virginia Jean, on a solo voyage in the Indian Ocean. All is well until his boat hits a big metal shipping container that is floating in the sea and rips a big hole in his boat. The darn container shouldn't  have been there in the first place! It's all down hill from there.

The entire movie is a one man show of how Redford struggles to survive as his boat takes on water. It kind of reminded me of The Life of Pi, but that had a lot of other actors in it. This one only had Redford. Essentially there was no dialogue either, unless you count a few shouts for "help", an expletive and a few words spoken into a radio that quickly goes dead.

You know, I would have thought that if you're on a boat in the ocean and need to be rescued, if a ship passes by, you're in like flyn. Not so fast. A big ship won't even see you. Shocking but true. If there is no one looking out at just the right moment, they'll pass right by you! They won't even hear your screams. So close, but yet so far...

Redford was pretty amazing. He had no one to play off of except the elements and the dire circumstances of the environment. I didn't know if I could stand spending almost two hours watching one guy who doesn't talk, go about his day trying to stay alive, but it does draw you in. I did get caught up in how he was going to make it--or not.

As the movie ended, a woman in the theater told me she didn't think he made it. She made an interesting argument which I hadn't considered and it made me question my original thoughts. I won't go into detail because I don't want to ruin the film with any spoilers. After all, the hold-your-breath-moment is whether he's going to make it out alive or not.

You decide. Then tell me what you believe!

Toodles!

Who's sorry now?

The president said he's sorry, but who's the sorriest? Him or the millions of people who have been kicked off their insurance plans? Him or the millions who have to pay more for less coverage.  Hey, I have nothing against the president on a personal level, but I don't have a lot of sympathy for a fellow who is arguably in the most important position on the planet with every imaginable resource at his command. With all the expertise available at his fingertips; every technological and policy expert willing to share their wealth of knowledge with him, this mess is the result? Is this disaster the best multiplied millions can buy?

You see, part of this problem is what happens when you don't respect money; when money seems to come from a infinite black hole, a bottomless pit. That's why government is so unconcerned and wasteful. They take money AKA revenue from other people. If they don't have enough or screw up, they just take more. The people are a faceless mass. There's no name or intimate knowledge of the people behind those dollars. They're just social security numbers. Pull up the number and exact more dollars when you need it. Or, you could always borrow and/or print it into the trillions.

To be continued...

Toodles!

I don't know about you, but it's scary to me!

What am I talking about? This whole healthcare debacle. What's scary? The fact that the government can take away an individual's ability to choose a health plan that best meets their needs and they're helpless to do anything about it. Yup. It pretty much looks like they have to suck it up and take it. People got the shock of their lives when they received letters saying they're insurance policies were canceled. "That's right. We're cutting you off. Go join the new insurance exchanges...if you can. If you dare!" I understand the jacked-up website isn't even secure. People's most personal info is at the mercy of whomever. Even a convicted felon can be hired as one of the navigators that "guide" people to choose the right policy. Identity theft, anyone?

Can you imagine? This is where your tax dollars are spent. They paid millions to a company that did  such a crummy job building a health web site for Canada, that Canada fired them. And what's the company's reward? "Hey, you! Come to the US of A and do what you seem to do best (mess up!) here." Um hum. Makes a lot of sense--not!

People in this country seem so oblivious. They're more interested in their mobile phones, computers and reality TV shows than what the people they elect  to office are doing to their lives. I'm afraid that by the time they wake up, it'll be too late. Measures will be in place that will bring them under the control of those with less than benign motives. Think it can't happen here? Think again. They're are a lot of changes taking place you couldn't even imagine just a few years ago. Anything is possible.

If you're a believer, pray. And if you're not, pray to become one. Become what?  A believer in the  Lord Jesus Christ as savior. He is a help in your time of need. Of course this is just a suggestion and you're free to believe what you want. I'm not like your elected officials. I won't force you to take what you don't want or feel you don't need.

It's getting scary out there...and it's later than you think.

To be continued...

Toodles!

Book Review: The TWISTROSE KEY by Tone Almhiell

“Nearly every creature who lives here was once loved by a child of Earth, and loved the child in return. That bond was so strong that when the animals died, they woke up here in Sylver to live a second life.”

This quote so aptly captures the magical wonder of The Twistrose Key, the debut novel by Tone Almhiell. If you’ve ever loved a pet that has passed on, and are willing to partake of more than a little adventure, this jewel of a story will capture your heart and your imagination.

Eleven-year-old Lin Rosenquist discovers a mysterious key when an unexpected parcel arrives to her home. She immediately connects with it and wouldn’t you know it, it opens the door of the cellar that’s been locked ever since her family moved into their rented home.

Hidden behind that cellar door lies Sylver, a world that is more amazing than even the creative mind of Lin Rosenquist can dream up. And what makes it the most amazing of all, is the discovery that her beloved Rufus is there. He’s the pet she lost in death and lies buried under the rosebush in the yard…or so Lin thought! 

Now Rufus and Lin must join forces to save the inhabitants of Sylver, but saying it won’t be easy is an understatement. Malicious forces are doing everything in their power to see that they don’t succeed. Can Lin fulfill her destiny and conquer the evil that threatens to overwhelm her, dearest Rufus and her new compatriots? You’ll have to enter the majestic, magical world of Sylver to find out.

And a magical world it truly is. The author exhibits a rich and fertile imagination, an ability to enchant both young and old. Age is no impediment to enjoying this story. The tale is as crisp and zesty as the cold and crystalline environ in which it is set. Readers should take their time and read with care to fully grasp and decipher the fresh mythology of the land of Sylver. It’ll leave you gasping, laughing and maybe shedding a tear or two.

Having lost two of my beloved girls, Boozie and Sweetie, I especially loved the premise behind this story. I don't know if the author has ever suffered through the death of a pet, but it was like she was in my head and knew how much one longs to see them again...and then she did something about it! It struck just the right note...*sigh*

Enjoy!

Toodles...

OMG! Here we go again. You've got to see this movie: CAPTAIN PHILLIPS

I remember when the real events of this saga were taking place in the news. I was so happy that Captain Phillips made it out alive. So, even before seeing this movie, I know he survives...or does he? He may make it out alive, but the question is: can he survive the horror and trauma of such an experience? And what about his crew? What happens to them? These are the questions that keep you rivited in your seat!

For those who don't keep up with the news or forgot, the story behind the movie is about when Captain Philips and his crew were accosted by pirates from Somalia and taken captive in the hopes of scoring a big ransom. These renegade pirates were in the news a lot a few years ago for taking big ships hostage and demanding payment from the country where the ship is based in order to get the crew back safe and sound. Countries paid up and these crooks made millions! I believe Captain Phillips and crew were the only Americans to fall into this situation. 

The movie is based on the book Captain Phillips penned about what happened. Before seeing the movie I read a review that said this movie has major tension. Truer words were never spoken. I'm telling you, I could barely stand it! I was exhausted and I hadn't moved a muscle! LOL!!! I couldn't wait for the movie to be over because I couldn't stand not knowing what was going to happen next. How much hell is Captain Phillips going to have to endure? Will the crew be found in their hiding spots?! Which one will lose his life? How? The captain and crew don't carry weapons because they're not a war ship, they just transport cargo. They were at the complete mercy of the pirates. It was terrible! It was freaking AWESOME. I see Oscar nomination for Tom Hanks again.

This is the first movie I actually joined the audience in applauding.

OMG. Don't miss this one...if you dare! LOL!!!

Toodles, ya'll! *wiping sweat from brow* Lol

Movie Review: SALINGER. The Documentary.

JD Salinger

There's a cool little movie theater near me that shows movies that are kind of artsy-craftsy and off the beaten track. I can usually predict which films are going to be shown there. They're not the big blockbusters, but have a "boutique" sensibility. A lot of elderly Jewish people patronize it. I joke that I'm often one of the youngest people in the theater. I join the old folks during the matinee, so I can pay the cheapie price. There have been some really good Israeli films there. This place is vintage and may have been built in the 30's or something. I really need to investigate it. I love this theater! When I saw Salinger, the documentary was playing there, I went over to check it out.

The previews alluded to Salinger being a big mystery man and I wanted to know the deal. I read Catcher in the Rye when I was in high school, but don't remember a lot about it.

I really enjoyed this movie. What I appreciated about Salinger was his disdain for fame. In the world today, where so many people want their 15 minutes of attention, Salinger could care less! I love that. Authors today have to immerse themselves in so much social media and sometimes arrange there own signings and book tours, or at least they are highly encouraged to do so. Here's Salinger, a phenomenal talent, and he just wants to write his stories and live his life---undisturbed! He yelled at one fan, "Look. I'm a fiction writer, not a therapist!" LOL!!!

It was fascinating to see people's reaction to him. Fan's trying to track him down, the women he hooked up with....Did you know he had a thing for young girls? I mean really young. Like he's thirty and the girl is fourteen! He was married three times I think and one of them was an au pair of an acquaintance. He hooked up with a nineteen year old when he was in his fifties I believe. They moved in together, but he cut her off cold when she wanted children. He already had a 12 yr old son and a teen daughter and said he couldn't be bothered with that stuff any more...Lol...

I didn't know he was in WW2. He married a Nazi and brought her home to the US to his Jewish family. Let's just say that didn't go over too well and the marriage didn't last long! Crazy!



The film made me very interested in reading Catcher in the Rye again as well as some of his short stories that I wasn't familiar with. I ordered them from Amazon and await their arrival.

This documentary is pretty entertaining and enlightening. It's worth a look during a quiet and reflective evening.

Toodles!

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OMG. You've got to see this movie!

I read a review in the paper that spoke very highly of the movie, PRISONERS, so I decided to check it out. It stars Hugh Jackman and Jake Gyllenhaal. I've never watched a film with Jackman in it. I do believe he has a new fan. Boy, was I impressed with him in this film. And not only him. The entire cast was awesome. The film was awesome! This was one review that didn't exaggerate.
It's about the saga of two families. One white, one black. They're good friends and spend Thanksgiving together. But, the fun doesn't last long. The two young daughters from both families go outside to play.
They disappear.
And all hell breaks loose.




Hugh Jackman's character loses it. He's the father of one of the missing girls and this man means business. He's going to find his daughter by any means necessary...and I mean by any means! The other dad, played by Terrance Howard of The Butler, is pulled along for the ride...whether he thinks the means of accomplishing the goal is legal or moral.
That's one of the major themes of this film. What would you do for the love of a child? How far are you willing to go?

And what if you're wrong?

This movie was exactly two hours and thirty minutes. It's lengthy, but not a moment is wasted. It's almost agonizing, waiting to find out what happened to the girls. I heard several folks crying in the theater.
As a therapist, I often see the dark side of people. This film goes there and doesn't pull any punches.

You think you know people.

You don't.

There are people who do things for the sheer evil joy of it. You may know people like this and not even be aware of it. Yes. It is scary.

I could tell people were kind of thrown by the ending. A number of folks, including myself, stayed until the last credit to see if there was going to be a surprise scene or something. If you see the film, you'll know why.
You can't go wrong seeing PRISONERS. It deserves serious Oscar buzz in my humble opinion. If you see it, enjoy!!

Toodles!

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Book Review: SCORCHED by Mari Mancusi

Mari Mancusi takes on one of the less common creatures in young adult sagas: the dragon, and goes on a rip-roaring tear with it.

After a family tragedy, it’s just sixteen-year-old Trinity and her grandfather trying to hold it together and they’re hanging on by a thread. Grandpa is sure life is about to change when he finds what he believes to be a rare dinosaur egg, but it just leaves Trinity rolling her eyes. She’s accustomed to her grandfather’s eccentric ways. He’s right about one thing, though. Life is about to change, but in ways neither he nor Trinity could ever imagine. It all starts when Trinity hears voices in her head. Is she turning into her mother or is it coming from that egg? Two brothers from the future have their opinions about the matter and they’re diametrically opposed. Trinity finds herself right in the middle—with a dragon by her side. The only thing any of them is sure of is destruction, of man or dragon, unless someone figures out what to do. And time is running out.

Scorched has clearly infused some of the elements from The Terminator movie and made it it’s own. In case you think you’re imagining it, one of the brothers is named Conner and our protagonist, Trinity, makes reference to the movie several chapters in. Instead of this coming off as a warmed-over rehash, it feels like a cool insider joke. The author has carried you along to that point, eliciting flash points of familiarity. When Trinity casts that thought—something those familiar with the film may be thinking—it makes for a hearty and well-earned confirmation.

Scorched is an excellent example of how one can take a known pop cultural moment, gain inspiration from it and use it to weave a new work into something fresh and different. This novel doesn’t let you put it down for long. The crescendo builds as a consistent thread, pulling the reader along. You have to know what happens! Are one of the brothers lying? If so, which one? Why? Will Trinity regret trusting either of them and will it cost her the ultimate: her life and that of those she loves? You have to keep reading to find out.

This tale ends with a solid conclusion, but it’s clear the story is not over. Wherever it goes, if Scorched is any indication, Ms. Mancusi is sure to keep the excitement and the questions coming.

Scorched released September 3, 2013 by Sourcebooks Fire.

Toodles, ya'll!

Movie Review: Mortal Instruments--City of Bones

I've had The Immortal Instruments trilogy sitting on my shelf since spring and haven't had time to read them. I didn't let that stop me from seeing the movie today, though. After all, I didn't even know Twilight was a book until after I saw the movie!

For the few people in the world such as myself, that didn't have a clue as to what The Immortal Instruments is about, let me give you a quick rundown.

Teenager, Clary Fray, witnesses a murder in a club in NYC, but she's the only one who can see the participants. She soon learns that they are "shadowhunters" and she herself is descended from a long line of shadowhunters, also known as demon-slayers. Life only goes down hill from there. First her mother goes missing and then Clary finds herself fighting and warring in the midst of this invisible world that functions as an alternate universe along side the "real" world.


My friend, Pattie. of Books, Thoughts and a Few Adventures, told me The Immortal Instruments received some pretty sucky reviews. I was kind of surprised because the previews looked pretty interesting. Well, I've been influenced by reviews in the past and decided not to see some movies. Not this time. I had to know for myself. I'm glad I did.

I had such a good time! It's not perfect, but The Immortal Instruments is certainly entertaining. It made me interested in getting started on reading the books. I really need to do that because I got a little confused about some of the plot points in the movie. The Valentine character is on a quest to find the "eternal cup", but I'm not really sure why or what he plans to to with it. He did talk about it, but I missed some of what he said. There's a guy who was kind of in the role of Clary's guardian, but I'm sure there's more to him as well. I think some of my confusion is because there is so much going on in this movie. To say it's action-packed is an understatement. It was action turbo-charged!

Some of the dialogue was a bit cheesy, but there were laugh-out-loud moments too. I cracked up watching Clary's mother in a fight scene. Let's just say, that woman put a hurtin' on those guys! LOL!!! The Jace character was cute and the focus of Clary's affection. Her best-friend-wanna-be-more, Simon, was good looking too, but in a geekier kind of way. I could tell they had his character wear glasses to take the edge off his cute looks and give the upper hand to Jace.

The film kind of had a Harry Potter feel to it. Maybe it was the magical elements and the scenery. The imagery and set was dark, lush and very rich. The Valentine character reminded me of Valdomort.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this movie. I've heard that those who read the book were disappointed with some changes. See. That's the value of seeing the movie first. I don't have a clue as to what's been changed or left out. I don't have an image of the characters in my head. I either like the movie for itself or I don't. In this case, I really liked it and can't wait to see the next installment!

Toodles, ya'll!

Battle of the Book Covers: STAINED vs STAINED by Cheryl Rainfield

New Cover

I'm a big fan of Cheryl Rainfield. We met on Twitter and she's always been dear to my heart after  reading her book SCARS. It's based on her true life story of sexual abuse and terrible mistreatment and abuse during her early years. SCARS was published by a small publisher. Cheryl didn't anticipate the book making it into big bookstores. I was so excited to let her know when I spotted it in Barnes & Noble! Now Cheryl is moving up in the publishing world. Her newest book, STAINED  is being published by a major publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Young Readers! Yay! B&N has already signed on---and herein lies the rub: B&N didn't like the original book cover. They requested that it be changed.


Original cover

You may not realize it, dear reader, but a major book store has a lot of influence on a book's cover. If they don't like it, they can refuse to carry the book. That's a huge motivator to get a cover they're more comfortable with.

In this case, I think they're wrong. That's just my humble opinion of course. I'm looking at it from the simple position as a reader. STAINED is greatly influenced by Cheryl's personal experience with abuse. (Search for Cheryl's interview on this blog.) It's about a teen's experience when she is kidnapped and abused by her captor--both sexually and emotionally. Although Cheryl wrote her novel before recent events in the news, it's a ripped from the headlines echo of the crazy story of the man who kidnapped those four girls and held them captive for a decade.

B&N felt the original cover was too graphic. Really? The girl is shown being held captive. You totally know what this tale is about immediately. With the recent kidnapping revelations, it's an immediate draw. It's not like the cover model is showing her nude body. I think they're playing it too safe. Like I said, I know it would definitely catch my attention on the shelf, but I'm not a publishing professional, just a humble reader.

In any case, add it to your reading list. It releases October 1,  2013.

What do you think? Which cover do you like best?

Toodles, ya'll!

My selection for Waiting on Wednesday...

Waiting on Wednesday was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It's a great way to learn about new books coming out.

I learned of this book from a feature in the newspaper. As a cat lover, I was immediately fascinated! A Street Cat Named Bob is about an awesome cat that lives with his owner, James, in London. James was a down-on-his-luck, hopeless drug addict until he met Bob. James was homeless and played his guitar for money. At the time, Bob was a mess too. He was terribly flea infested and ill. James used what little money he had to get Bob treated and brought him along as he played his guitar on the streets of London. Life began to change---for both of them!

People were very interested in Bob. Look at that face! Wouldn't you be?! They began to give James more money and he was encouraged to better his life---for himself and for Bob. A publishing professional passed by and the rest is history! James and Bob got a book deal and A Street Cat Named Bob was published in the UK. It's now in the US and I can't wait to read it!

I LOVE CATS!! Did I say that before?!? Lol...

A Street Cat Named Bob released July 30, 2013 by Thomas Dunne Books

Get your cat on, ya'll!!

Toodles!

A Bargain! I Couldn't resist!!

Who doesn't love a bargain, especially for something you love? Well I certainly do. I simply adore the romance trilogy, The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han. It's the most exquisite love story and so deliciously written. It's full of angst and emotions, all jumbled and rolled around like a sticky, sweet french pastry with lots of sugar! Lol...I'm waxing poetic, no? Hee hee hee...I can't help it. This series is soooo good! I love it so much, I had to see the author when she did a signing at Books of Wonder in Manhattan. The placed was packed, so I wasn't the only one feeling the love!

I have all three books in the trilogy as keepers---cause they're definitely keepers. I'm going to read all three of them again---as soon as I get time! Lol...I also bought another set of the trilogy, had Han sign them and held a giveaway at that time, too. I love the series so much, I had to place them in a reader's hands.

Jenny Han signing my books!

Imagine my surprise the other day when I was in Walmart and spotted the trilogy---all together in one volume! Awesome. Genius!! It's an exclusive edition only available in Walmart. I had to buy it. I almost wanted to buy two, but I had to control myself. It was only a little over $10.00 for all three stories! What a freakin' crazy bargain. I think I'm going to give this to one of my friends who has really gotten into reading YA because of me. Her twin daughters will probably fight to read it first. They usually do. They call me the "book lady". Lol...

Don't cha just love a bargain?

Toodles, ya'll!

Mailbox Monday

I was really surprised to find these books in my mailbox this week! Many thanks to St. Martin's Griffin for their generosity. I received two books by Amanda Hocking: SWITCHED and TIDAL. SWITCHED even has a never-before-published short story included which is cool. Two stories in one!



FATED is the first book in the Soul Seekers series by Alyson Noel.



The fourth and final book is kind of unusual. The name fits: CHARM & STRANGE by Stephanie Kuehn. I've never heard of it. Just looking at the cover makes me super curious to find out what's going on!



Until the next time, ya'll.

Toodles!


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My selection for Waiting on Wednesday...

Book One

Boy! It's been forever since I did a Waiting on Wednesday post! Life's been incredibly busy these days, but I'd like to get back in the routine---somewhat! Jill at Breaking the Spine started this meme and I've missed it. For my return performance, I've selected the first book in a new series by Lauren DeStefano: Perfect Ruin, The Internment Chronicles.

I became a fan of DeStefano after reading Wither, The Chemical Garden trilogy. She has a lyrical, and lovely style of prose, plus her stories have an unusual and odd sensibility. The author even looks a bit mysterious and quirky in her photos; like there are a lot of strange stories floating in that head of hers. I for one, am curious to know what they are. This newest series sounds like it has that odd, creative vein running through it. Check out the description...

On the floating city of Internment, you can be anything you dream. Unless you approach the edge.
Morgan Stockhour knows getting too close to the edge of Internment, the floating city in the clouds where she lives, can lead to madness. Even though her older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. If she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in her best friend, Pen, and in Basil, the boy she's engaged to marry.
Then a , the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially once she meets Judas. Betrothed to the victim, he is the boy being blamed for the murder, but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or whom she will lose.

Yup. Sounds sufficiently odd and strange to me! I'd love to score a copy from the publisher ( are you listening Simon and Schuster? Lol...) I like collecting this author's books as keepers. The covers of her novels are interesting too.

Perfect Ruin, The Internment Chronicles, releases October 1, 2013.

Toodles, ya'll!

Mailbox Monday!

I can't believe it, but I've never read a Melissa de la Cruz book. Not for lack of interest. She's a prolific writer and her Blue Bloods series sounds good. Somehow, I just never got around to any of her books. Probably because I have so many books to get to! I found her latest in my mailbox this week: Winds of Salem, a Witches of East End novel. It's a LifeTime series. I don't know if it's started yet because I'm behind on my TV watching too. My thanks to Hyperion for their generosity and their push to get me to read some of her stuff! Lol...Witches of Salem will be released 8/13/13.




I also received Scorched by Mare Mancuso. Dragons...Umm...doesn't that cover look awesome? The girl pictured is coming up against two brothers (cute I'm sure...lol), one who wants to save the dragon and one who wants to destroy it. She and the dragon look kinda chummy to me...We'll see...I'll be digging into this one soon. My thanks to Sourcebooks Fire. Scorched will be released on 9/3/13.




I'm really looking forward to reading The Twisted Key by Tone Almhjell. I learned about this book from Laini Taylor, author of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series (which is freaking awesome, btw!). She met Tone Almhjell through her blog and they became friends. Laini referred her to her literary agent, I believe, and the rest is history. We now have The Twisted Key! The cover looks so magical and the story sounds so as well. There's a strange key that opens a secret door and leads to a strange world. If you're an animal lover like me, it sounds delicious because in that world, the inhabitants were once beloved pets or tamed wild animals. My thanks to the publisher for passing this on! The Twisted Key releases 10/22/13 from Dial.

Toodles, ya'll!





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Book Review: THE RETURNED by Jason Mott

This book came to my attention because it is getting a lot of buzz. The Returned is being adapted as a TV series by ABC. I read interviews by the author and was intrigued by the premise of his story: What would happen if people began to return from the dead? Your loved ones and maybe some who were not so loved. What would you do? Why did this occur? I had to find out, so when the opportunity to read The Returned presented itself, I jumped at the chance.

Harold and Lucy Hargrove are shocked to find their son, Jacob, who died on his eighth birthday in 1966, standing on their doorstep. They don't know what to make of it. Is he a miracle or a devil? People all over the world are asking themselves the same questions, with varied and mixed reactions!

I watched the trailer for this book and the whole feel was weird and maybe a tad creepy. I didn't know what to make of the story myself, so I had to plunge into it.

As I read, I keep waiting for the big answer. Why was this happening? That question was in the back of my mind the whole time. As the story proceeded, I found it interesting, but I became a bit disappointed because it was not turning out to be the big, epic, grandiose tale I was expecting. It was proceeding along rather quietly and I was able to put it down several times. It stayed in the back of my mind, though, and I knew I had to finish it. I had to know where it was all leading.

The tale begins to pick up speed. An entire murdered family "returns" and some people are not happy about it. They are intent on sending them back to the grave. Lucy and Harold Hargrove have other plans. The whole world is in a tizzy. Governments have to decide what to do with these newly "undead" people. It may not be what you would expect. The world reaction certainly threw me for a loop.

You really have to read this story for yourself. The author developed his idea for this story after he dreamed about his deceased mother returning from the dead. It was his hope that this book would be thought-provoking and indeed help people to consider their own feelings and perhaps deal with unresolved issues considering their dearly departed.

I found myself in tears for one brief moment and I believe I understood the author's intent. We each have to confront the end of life and what that means for each of us.

The Returned is epic in an unexpected and gentle way. It sneaks up on you and pulls you into exploring death and ultimately the meaning of life. Read it.

The Returned releases August 27, 2013 by Harlequin Mira.

Toodles, ya'll...