12 • Thursday, March 6, 2014
The Standard
ENTER LAUGHING The Early Years by Neil Crone
Well Read
Well Read Books may be ordered on-line at apassionatepen@gmail.com or by contacting Pauline Kiely @ 705 344-0997. Most books can also be purchased at local bookstores.
BROKEN DREAMS & SECOND CHANCES by Kat Mac
What began as a creative outlet during a difficult time has been exceptionally well received by fans of this new author. If you enjoy the works of either Catherine Cookson or Maeve Binchy, then you may wish to consider reading Broken Dreams and Second Chances. Although this fictional book is loosely based on personal experiences it is a story many of us can identify with. The main character, Kate Martin, is a young mother who slips into depression somewhere along the way. It isn’t because she doesn’t love or appreciate her family, and it isn’t because she isn’t exactly where she wants to be. Just somehow she gradually became what Oprah Winfrey coins, “A Shlumpadinka.” A woman who has become invisible, lost herself, given up; due to the strain and stress of being a caregiver to everyone else. Separate characters are introduced in their lively youths. Each shares coming of age experiences and scars which they carry forward into their forties. Then individual stories merge into one as characters come together on the island of Antiqua where hope and healing is experienced and lives are changed forever. Broken Dreams & Second Chances by Kat Mac is 364 pages, 6 x 9 inch paperback, costing $20. E-version available
WHEN WINTER COMES by J. Plenderleith
In her coming of age novel, When Winter Comes, author Jeannie Plenderleith brings many facets to light. What becomes apparent to readers is that our youth of today face many new difficult challenges and pressures due to shifts in society and developments of technologies. Today’s world offers little or no privacy, and many of us may be going too fast to notice our children who are indeed paying a price. Although they have more material possessions, access to resources and education than previous generations the peer pressure and social media can be at times unforgiving and detrimental during personal crisis. In her touching story Plenderleith reminds us that our youth are simply young people doing their best to succeed at making it through the transition from child to adult. Like all of us they learn that decisions come with consequences, and that in some cases these have to answered for - for the rest of our lives. Social expectations, difficulties, hardships, and pecking orders are clearly identified and exposed by the main character, Sara. She is a relatively new kid in town attempting to hide her fears and pain behind her camera, but is in actuality the main focus. 400 pages - available in e-version only $3.99
Kudos to Canadian actor and writer Neil Crone for his award winning newspaper columns and most recently his book titled, Enter Laughing. Crone is both a gifted speaker and author that I had the absolute pleasure of hearing at a Writers Community of Durham Region breakfast meeting some years back. I have ever laughed so hard as tears streamed down my cheeks before or since. I remain inspired by this man who openly and honestly shares his real life experiences including those with cancer and chemo. There is absolutely nothing funny about this subject matter, but Crone holds his audience in awe while candidly discussing his experiences with comical interjections during his most difficult time. This author has a way of pulling us in. Whether on stage or in his writing he makes us feel like we are part of his circle. When I read Crone I get that warm feeling I had while watching, Little House on the Prairie or The Walton’s back in the 70’s. He has the ability to capture those little segments and fragments of quality and compassion that make life’s journey both surreal and genuine. Enter Laughing - The Early Years by Neil Crone is 6 x 9 inches, 300 pages, and the paperback version costs $19.95 E-version available
JESTERS INCOGNITO by Harrison Wheeler
Folklore describes jesters as entertainers of kings, queens, and the high court in Old English Times. These characters were believed to be of sharp mind, possess cunning wit, and an ability to amuse with simple tricks. Some references indicate that it was they who ruled the nation from behind the king’s throne. Jesters Incognito is an unusual journey of a modern day jester; and author, Harrison Wheeler exercises his vivid imagination in his mainstream novel set in a fictional world. Written for the young and adult fans of humour and sci-fi this story is set on the streets of Roxy City where a young mercenary king takes up the throne at MogulMedia. This media king decrees the Law of the Green Light, spilling blood on his entertainment empire, and obliterates creative freedom for all. He enshrouds his country in silence, instilling terror in anyone who dares break it. When the talented Vincent settles for a job driving taxi after having his ambitions squashed he suffers from a severe case of Doldrums. Vincent observes in misery a plugged-in, pre-programmed society come and go from behind the wheel of his cab. Desperate, he downloads an app one fateful night that plants a delightfully cunning idea in his brain: break the law, perform offline, become a jester, and overthrow the king. Jesters Incognito by Harrison Wheeler is 447 pages, 6 x 9 inch paperback, costing $14.40. E-version is available
TALK TURKEY WITH URQEY By Rod Urquhart
As the editor of the agricultural newspaper, Voice of the Farmer, for over 18 years, Rod Urquhart learned to “Talk Turkey.” His monthly columns generally addressed an array of political concerns, current affairs, or issues and challenges that Canadian Farmers in Southern and Eastern Ontario were faced with. Urquhart consistently exercised his journalistic freedom of speech; at times this got him in trouble, other times it won him awards. His columns generally reflected his moods: if he was riled he ranted, if he was sad he’d touch your heart, other times hilarious. Currently he is semiretired after a 40-year career, but Urquhart remains as editor of Horse Talk, an equestrian magazine published out of Port Perry. Talk Turkey with Urqey is a collection of his short, short stories. At times subject matter is serious; but for the most part it is comic antidotes of his life and adventures with his wife of 26 years, and their beloved pets and companions. Chapter 1 titled, Why Bald Men Have More Fun, sets the pace for this light read intended to brighten or enlighten anyone’s day. Talk Turkey with Urqey by Rod Urquhart is 94 pages, 6 x 9 inch paperback, costing $14.95
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