Book Review: Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection by Barbara Venkataraman

This is a delightful collection of “life” essays!

Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection
by Barbara Venkataraman

File Size: 2389 KB
Print Length: 71 pages
Publication Date: May 13, 2014
ASIN: B00KC7BNNY
Genre: Essays, Humor
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

For the first time, all in one place, the award-winning books, "A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities," and "I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course," PLUS seven bonus essays. What a collection! If this doesn't make you smile, then you're not even trying.
"A Trip to the Hardware Store"
These humorous essays explore such quirky topics as: disastrous home repairs, ("A Trip to the Hardware Store"), an unfortunate dinner party ("Dinner is Served"), the truth about lazy people ("Lazy Bones"), the weird life of a debt collector ("Your Account is Past Due") and obsessions with gadgets ("Gadget Girl"). Other essays examine how surreal the aging process is ("Where Did the Time Go?"), why you shouldn't judge a person by their job ("Beyond Belief"), and how to complicate simple transactions ("High Finance").
"I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course"
A collection of humorous insights into important topics ranging from annoying pet people ("I'm Not Talking About You, Of Course"), to analyzing your inner child ("Irrational Fears"), to living like the Amish in the aftermath of a hurricane ("A Jolt of Electricity"). Other essays examine just how much damage can be caused by a sneeze ("It All Started with a Loud Sneeze"), why it is so complicated to buy a tube of toothpaste ("Ask Me No Questions"), how a parent's obsessive hobbies can become an inescapable vortex ("Crazy Hobbies"), and why spending the night in a sleep clinic is like being abducted by probing aliens ("Nightmare at the Sleep Clinic").
If you don't see yourself in each of these entertaining essays, then I'm not talking about you, of course.

Review:
These are delightful vignettes that read very quickly. I imagine there is at least one topic in the group that most everyone could relate to. I would listen to one and nod my head with a smile. Then the next would resonate too! Some of the stories are tongue-in-cheek and some are laugh out loud delightful. The stories deal with family, friends, people at work and strangers.

I am a loud sneezer so I could appreciate "It All Started with a Loud Sneeze”. I have lived without electricity during a hurricane so I smiled at "A Jolt of Electricity". “Dinner is Served” was wonderfully funny. The hostess hopes to prepare special dishes for her friends until she realizes some have allergies, some have restrictive diets and they all have different tastes. What to do?

My absolute favorite though is “Words of Wisdom”. Barbara speaks with her usual humor of rushing to her grandmother’s bedside when summoned. She hopes for some true words of wisdom but is given a task instead. Only later does she recognize the gem of wisdom that Nana provided. It is just so lovely.

This is a short, quick read which will lighten your day and bring a smile to your face. Pick it up, make yourself your favorite side drink (coffee, tea, wine), kick off your shoes and be prepared to chuckle.

The author was kind to let me know when this came up free on Kindle. 
I am so glad! It qualifies for "Q" on my Alphabet Challenge.

Book Review: Extracted (The Lost Imperials Series Book 1) by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler H. Jolley

This is a suspenseful and engaging time travel sci fi story with steampunk elements.

Extracted (The Lost Imperials Series Book 1)
by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler H. Jolley

File Size: 8963 KB
Print Length: 323 pages
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing; 2 edition (August 15, 2016)
ASIN: B01H9CXU08
Genre: Sci Fi, Steampunk, Time Travel
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Two opposing factions of time travelers vie for control of the future in this thrilling steampunk series opener dubbed "Interesting" and "Unexpected" by Kirkus Reviews.
Lex and Ember—two time travelers with no memories of their lives before being recruited into the time war—are torn between the factions. When Lex accepts a mission that lands him deep within the heart of the Tesla Institute, he meets Ember, and the past that was stolen from them comes flooding back. Now armed with the truth of who they were, Lex and Ember must work together to save the future before the battle for time destroys them once again.
*This special edition contains expanded content and bonus material not found in the first release.

Review:
Ember and Ethan are time travelers with the Tesla Institute. Supposedly they have been trained to ‘protect’ the time line, particularly by stopping the opposition time travel group known as the Hollows. The Hollow travelers are made up of the cast offs from Tesla who have been patched up as best as possible, sometimes with brass or other non-human parts. Each side has different modes of travel although Tesla has more advanced tech. The leaders each claim that their group is protecting the true timeline.

Lex and Stein are two of the Hollow travelers. Stein is lost in a mission and Lex is intent on going back in time to save her. The only way he can do that is to steal some tech from Tesla’s base. Lex and friends sneak into the center of Tesla. All time travelers lose their memories with their first trip in the time stream. When Lex and Ember come face to face they recognize each other and their memories return revealing secrets and lies.

The story is told in the alternating views of Ember and Lex. This provides insight to other characters as well as showing the differences in the team’s methods and motives. I was a little confused on the sides at first but once I identified everyone it became easier to follow. There are numerous interesting secondary characters and there are also Tesla journal entries that add some backstory details. The author blends in an interesting historical mystery. This included a beautiful prayer that I never knew about.

The authors deftly use the steampunk elements to enhance the story. The writing is crisp and moves well. I appreciated the 'clean teen' aspect. I also liked the clothing and dwelling details. The story is engaging with lots of action, suspense and some young romance angst. Although this story has an appropriate ending, the author leaves a last chapter teaser for another installment. I enjoyed the story and recommend it to those who enjoy steampunk, time travel and action.

I received this title through NetGalley. It qualifies for my NetGalley Challenge.

Books Received at FWA 2016 Conference: The Prometheus Saga and more!

As I noted on my Sunday Post, I attended the 15th Annual Florida Writers Conference in Orlando this past weekend.

I didn't win any of the park tickets but I did win two book baskets in the Silent Auction which benefits the Florida Writers Foundation.

Basket One:
I became particularly excited to win The Prometheus Saga Basket after attending a workshop with the panel of authors. Seven of the authors who shared their experience collaborating on a common theme with agreed upon guidelines. The collection contains 13 stories by 12 authors. (Each story in the collection is available as a separate Kindle read.) I was interested in the collection and it came with 10 other books from several of the authors!
I plan to read at least one of the stories for November Sci Fi Month.

These are the 11 books that I received from authors of The Prometheus Saga, which is at the top and center:

(Some links are to currently available editions so the covers may be different.)
Outside/back Row:
The Gullwing Odyssey by Antonio Simon Jr.
Indigo Man by M.J. Carson
Little Angel Helper by Bria Burton - I mentioned this author in Monday Mailbox; I also got to chat with her at table.
Brigands Key (Five Star Mystery Series) by Ken Pelham (Hardcover) - This author also taught a workshop that I attended.
The Prometheus Saga
Shadows And Teeth: Ten Terrifying Tales Of Horror And Suspense by Antonio Simon Jr. and Trevor Boelter
Solarcidal Tendencies by Martin Garrity
DragonFly (Missions of the DragonFly Squadron) (Volume 1) by Charles A Cornell

Inner/bottom Row:
Windrusher: A Street Smart Cat on an Epic Quest & the Adventure of a Lifetime by Victor DiGenti
Eternal Night by Jade Kerrion
Bring Down the Furies (Quint Mitchell Mystery Series Book 2) by Parker Francis

Basket Two:
I thought this title looked interesting and the author was in another panel workshop I attended.

Vicious Circle by Elle E Ire

After I picked up the basket the author came over to tell me something I hadn’t realized. The Bourbon is made with ale yeast sent into space! (See the gold, center label on the bottle.) I'm not really a Bourbon drinker but that is still cool.

I also won two books as a door prize:

Rehabilitation (no link found) and
A Question of God's Balance by Dr. Joseph c. Thek MD

A big thanks to all of these authors who added to my enjoyment of the event!

Sunday Post October 23, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 24, 2016

I am linking with Sunday Post at Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading now at The Book Date.
Thank you to Sheila for the years that she handled this meme.
Thank you to Kathryn for taking up the baton.

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

I left work early on Thursday to head to the Florida Writer's Association Conference in Orlando. The children's acquisitions editor met me there and we had a good time. I attended several interesting workshops and met a number of nice authors.
I received a couple of review titles. (See Monday Mailbox.)
I also acquired two book baskets at silent auction and won two books as a door prize. I will post that info tomorrow (Monday) after I get pictures.
I'll be working on catching up in office this week.
Our weather dropped into the 40s at home and even 52 in the mornings in Orlando. Quite lovely.

I enjoyed my reading and listening during the week. I finished two ebooks, and one Audible. I posted three reviews and the usual memes.

I had a nice time visiting other bloggers early last week.
My blog "shout out" tonight goes to Caffeinated Book Reviewer. Just in case you don't get to link up to the Sunday Post, I encourage you to visit her blog. It is always full of good reviews, some discussions, a few review opportunities and usually a coffee quip or image. :-) Plus the Sunday Post gets you links to lots of other good bloggers!
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• Sunday Post October 16, 2016/It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday October 17, 2016.

• Book Review: The Steam Man of the Prairies by Edward S. Ellis ; Vintage Sci Fi; my rating 4.0.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway October 21, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/27/2016.

• Book Review: The Soul Summoner by Elicia Hyder; Paranormal Suspense, Psychics; my rating 4.5.

• Audible Book Review: What Happens in London by Julia Quinn; Regency Historical Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Sharing Beyond Books #275 Comment Giveaway October 22, 2016. Open Worldwide. Ending 10/29/2016.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement October 23, 2016.

Finished Reading:
1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Extracted (The Lost Imperials Series Book 1)
by Sherry D. Ficklin and Tyler H. Jolley
This is a different time travel and steampunk.
Click on book title for full description.

2. eBook/Kindle

Quirky Essays for Quirky People: The Complete Collection
by Barbara Venkataraman
This is fun and quick.
Click on book title for full description.

3. Audible (TBR)

Heroes Are My Weakness
Written by: Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Narrated by: Erin Bennett
This is not quite the usual SEP.
Click on book title for full description.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle (NG)

Written in Fire (The Brilliance Trilogy Book 3)
by Marcus Sakey
I am half-way through this exciting conclusion.
For thirty years humanity struggled to cope with the brilliants, the one percent of people born with remarkable gifts. For thirty years we tried to avoid a devastating civil war. We failed.
The White House is a smoking ruin. Madison Square Garden is an internment camp. In Wyoming, an armed militia of thousands marches toward a final, apocalyptic battle.
Nick Cooper has spent his life fighting for his children and his country. Now, as the world staggers on the edge of ruin, he must risk everything he loves to face his oldest enemy—a brilliant terrorist so driven by his ideals that he will sacrifice humanity’s future to achieve them.
From “one of our best storytellers” (Michael Connelly) comes the blistering conclusion to the acclaimed series that is a “forget-to-pick-up-milk, forget-to-water-the-plants, forget-to-eat total immersion experience” (Gillian Flynn).
The explosive conclusion to the bestselling Brilliance Trilogy.

2. Audible (ABB-Narrator)

The Colonel's Lady
Written by: Laura Frantz
Narrated by: Laura Jennings
This sounds like an American Revolution romance I will enjoy.
I received this audio title from the narrator through AudioBook Boom.
Publisher's Summary
In 1779, when genteel Virginia spinster Roxanna Rowan arrives at the Kentucky fort commanded by Colonel Cassius McLinn, she finds that her officer father has died. Penniless and destitute, Roxanna is forced to take her father's place as scrivener. Before long, it's clear that the colonel himself is attracted to her. But she soon realizes the colonel has grave secrets of his own - some of which have to do with her father's sudden death. Can she ever truly love him? Listeners will be enchanted by this powerful story of love, faith, and forgiveness from Laura Frantz. Her solid research and deft writing immerse listeners in the world of the early frontier while her realistic characters become intimate friends.
©2011 Laura Frantz (P)2016 Laura Frantz

3. eBook/Kindle (Author)

Shadow Reaper (Shadowlands Series)
by Amos Cassidy
This is another title I received for free 
and am reading for October.
Only the bravest go over the Horizon...
Twenty years ago the barriers between worlds came down and our reality was swallowed up by the Shadowlands. Now we scavenge to survive, until one day there’s nothing left to reap. Starvation is around the corner, but I’m not the roll over and wait-to-die kinda girl. Nope, I’m going further than anyone has ever been and returned to tell the tale. I’m going into the Beyond, and I’m not coming back without a solution.
Dark urban fantasy with a post-apocalyptic twist.

October 2, 2016 - I have really enjoyed reading Isaiah with all of its prophesies. I remain up to date with Reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I will also be listening (sometimes) to the companion commentary online.

I posted three reviews which keeps me up to date with four still due for the coming week.

I am still requesting audio titles as I can always squeeze listening in!
I continue reading author titles with one in current reading this week. I added new requests to the list so it is back up to nine again.
I am reading the last of my older NetGalley titles so my shelf will be at six for Sci Fi Month.
I still hope to read some Sci Fi TBRs in November although I also picked up some new titles at the conference.

We continue to add upcoming releases at eTreasure's NetGalley page.
The next fiction title will go up on NetGalley this week while we release one to Kindle and one to Print.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

I still have new review requests to consider.
I received a new audiobook review title this week and I accepted a couple requests and titles from authors.

I picked my two September credits from Audible, plus one extra.
I picked up the usual healthy number of free kindle titles -- Note these are in my Amazon library, NOT on my Kindle until I download and transfer them.

Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

The Colonel's Lady
Written by: Laura Frantz
Narrated by: Laura Jennings
This sounds like an American Revolution romance I will enjoy.
See full description under Currently Reading above.

I have signed up for a 2017 blog tour new release 

by author Stephen Manchester.

(I will post more when I get the book.)

I saw a Christmas title he had and asked to review it for December. He was kind to send me:

 The Thursday Night Club: A Tale of Christmas Spirit

by Steven Manchester

I sat with author Don Donovan at lunch on Saturday.
He shared the first two titles of his Miami Crime series for my review:
Who'll Stop The Rain: (Book One Of The Miami Crime Trilogy)
"In this first entry in The Miami Crime Trilogy, Don Donovan has spun a tale of separate South Florida characters whose lives are woven together into a web of money, betrayal, and murder."

Against the Wind (Book Two of The Miami Crime Trilogy)

"In Miami, crime never sleeps. Drugs, prostitution, money laundering, murder … it's all in a day's work."
These sound like nitty, gritty crime thrillers.

I downloaded a title from another author I met who gave a good class on marketing/social media. She is also one of the authors in the basket I will post tomorrow (Monday). This story is still free as of Sunday.

AOB (Return to Earth)
by Bria Burton

Won

Two as door prize - to be posted on Monday.

Purchased

I selected my 2 Audible credits plus one additional for $1.99 because I already had the Kindle version:


The Zoo at the Edge of the World
Written by: Eric Kahn Gale
Narrated by Julian Elfer
(A "Z" title that looks like fun I can share with my grand kids.)


We Are Legion (We Are Bob): Bobiverse, Book 1
Written by: Dennis E. Taylor
Narrated by Ray Porter
(With a husband named "Bob", I couldn't resist!)


A Quiet Life in the Country: A Lady Hardcastle Mystery, Book 1
Written by: T E Kinsey
Narrated by Elizabeth Knowelden
(A "Q" title that I like the looks and sound of.)

Free

I only added 46 free Kindle titles to my library. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.

Sunday Words of Encouragement October 23, 2016

Our Sunday School Teacher was doing a wrap-up on the study of Romans a few months ago. Paul’s message was given to remind the Jews that God created Israel by choosing one man, Abraham, and bringing him out of darkness. Abraham was obedient and surrendered to God’s will. Abraham became the father of Israel which is God’s chosen people and special nation. But the people repeatedly suffer for their disobedience. God is always willing to accept the repentant sinner – that is His Grace. But men continued to disobey… they did not see fit to acknowledge God. Romans 1:28.

In Chapter 2 Paul reminds us that God loves us, but loves us too much to leave us as we are. He wants to lead us to a radical life style! Jesus’ death on the cross made righteousness available for any who would believe. We must learn to trust only God to set things right. We hope against hope (Romans 4:18) because only by faith are we saved from the wrath of death.

I chose this song video today: Hope for "Every Man" by Casting Crowns

A Verse for Today:
Acts 2:21 (NIV)
21 And everyone who calls
on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Thank you Lord for giving us a Hope of eternity in Your loving presence.