Monday Mindset: (Y)OUR Independence

“I read a lot of chatter about women not celebrating Independence Day this year.

“I am not surprised”

Book Review: Mockingjay (Collins)

Mockingjay Author: Suzanne Collins © 2010 Publisher: Scholastic Press Genre: YA literature & fiction Sub-genre: Self-esteem & reliance, self-respect; Action-adventure & sci-fi Reviewer: Sara Book received by: Purchased by husband Synopsis: The revolution that President Snow eluded to in his threats to Katniss has come to life. District 13 is thriving and ready…

Book Review: Insurgent (Roth)

Insurgent Author: Veronica Roth © 2015 Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books Genre: YA Literature & Fiction Subgenre: Sci-fi & Fantasty, Dystopian, Values & Virtues Reviewer: Sara Synopsis: The five factions of dystopican Chicago have plunged into war, led by the ruthless and power-hungry leader of Erudite. Abnegation is largely in ruins, Dauntless is divided, and…

Book Review: The One and Only (Giffin)

The One and Only Author: Emily Giffin © 2014 Publisher: Ballantine Books Genre: Literary & Fiction Subgenre: Women’s Fiction, Domestic Life Reviewer: Sara Synopsis: Shea Rigsby, a thirty-something Texan, who lives and breathes football. She works for her Alma Mater and favorite team, Walker. Her boyfriend, Miller, is a former Walker quarterback and her best friend…

Book Review: Calico Joe (Grisham)

Calico Joe Author: John Grisham (© 2012 by Belfry Holdings, Inc) Publisher: Bantam Genre: Literature & Fiction Sub-genre: Sports, Coming of Age, Family Saga Reviewer: Sara Synopsis: Summer, 1973. The baseball season would prove unforgettable: Joe Castle, a quiet man from small-town Calico Rock with a mighty swing, rose from the minors on…

Friday Fictioneers: Something’s Missing

“Mis?” Wood floors creaked under his feet. Bart peered into the empty guest room. Missy stood facing the window, her hands pummeling the sides of the antique diving helmet. He raced across the room and yanked it off her shoulders. A tortured wail pierced the air. The scream died on her lips and she stared…

Friday Fictioneers: What Lies Deep

Churn, churn, rumble, surge. Words streamed out and crashed into me, like waves against a rocky shore. But I am not made of stone. Words, unlike water, don’t simply wash away. Everything changes. Even the stone, over time, gets worn down. Churn, churn, rumble, surge. My nerves are frayed. Sleep dances out of reach. At least now I know. The…

Friday Fictioneers: Mother of Manipulation

Mother of Manipulation: Realistic fiction, 96 words. The bloom edges up above the dry dirt. A splash of color, a dash of hope. Is it real this time? Will there be warmth and love? Or a snap back to the cruel climate, to experiences not soon forgotten? We’ve been here before. She, acting as…

Flying the Unfriendly Skies (Friday Fictioneers)

Fabric rustled and the hood was jerked off. Blinding light seared her retinas. A meaty hand gripped Jane’s left arm, forcing her onward. She glanced over her shoulder. The hand belonged to a thick man in black. He ignored her backwards look. The toe of her right shoe caught and she stumbled. His hand tightened,…

But The Fire Is So Delightful… (Friday Fictioneers)

“I’m cold.” “So stand closer to the flames.” “Are you serious?” “We’re going to be here awhile. No sense catching a chill.” “They told us to stay back.” She stared through me. “Perhaps you can sit in the ambulance. Go ask someone.” She turned back to the blaze. I clutched the blanket from the EMTs…