I need to be back for the nth time around

My books, which are piled neatly in my room, forced me to do back book blogging. I will be just doing some little adjustments in my blog and I will be back doing random talks about books and other stuffs that I like.

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(REVIEW) Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diary Volume 1: Origins

The Vampire Diares: Stefan's Diary Volume 1: Origins
Based on the novels by L.J. Smith
Publication Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Harper Collins

ISBN-10: 0062003933

Format: Softbound
Language: English
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Vampires
Book Description:

Set during the Civil War, against a backdrop of grand estates, unimaginable riches, and deadly secrets, three teenagers in Mystic Falls, Virginia enter a torrid love triangle that will span eternity.

Brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore are inseparable until they meet Katherine, a stunning, mysterious woman who turns their world upside down. Siblings turned rivals, the Salvatores compete for Katherine's affection, only to discover that her sumptuous silk dresses and glittering gems hide a terrible secret: Katherine is a vampire. And she is intent on turning them into vampires so they can live together-forever.

Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan's Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began. (Amazon)

RATINGS

3.5

Aside from the plot of this novel, what I liked most is how the writer wrote and depict his/her characters in way that makes you "feel and smell them". One example is the writers description of Katherine and how s/he let Katherine move in the environment the author prepared for her. She's so captivating, so real.

In the other hand I have a bias for not appreciating novels with vampires in it. I just don't like vampires to be portrayed as a creature capable of human feelings. I love to read about vampires who tore people's body, who breaks the neck of his/her prey and who torments people along their way. That's how I wanted vampires to be in the literary world. But still I understand how every people have different perspective/understanding of a vampire and let's see in its succeeding books if it can make me like vampire-based novels.

Over-all, this book is good and I'm looking forward to read the other 5 books as well.

Stefan's Diaries: Origins is the first book in the trilogy Stefan's Diaries. It is a prequel to The Vampire Diaries, and it is written by a ghostwriter. The book was released on November 2, 2010. The next in the trilogy is Stefan's Diaries: Bloodlust. (Vampire Diaries Wiki)

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON!

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2013 Gil Reads

1. The Brethren by John Grisham (borrowed, hard cover, April 17)
2. Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries Volume 1 Origins by L.J. Smith, Kevin Williamson, and Julie Plec (owned, Soft Bound, May 22)
3.Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries Vol 2 (Bloodlust), BAsed on the novel of L.J Smith (owned, Soft Bound, May 29)
4. Inferno by Dan Brown (owned, ebook, June 01)
5. Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami (on-going)
6. What I talk about When I Talk about Running by Haruki Murakami (on-going)

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Review: Kiss Me Quick, Before I Shoot by Guy Magar

In memory of Jacqui Magar. 

I loved the romance aspect of this book. So informative but yet it grips your emotion.

Kiss Me Quick, Before I Shoot
by Guy Magar

Publisher: Sea Script Company 

Publication Date: April 2011
ISBN: 978-0-9828663-4-4
Genre: Celebrity, Memoir, Romance
Book Description:

Kiss Me Quick Before I Shoot is a memoir about magic: the magic of making films and the magic of finding true love. If you love movies and you're a romantic at heart, this is your dream book.

"For me, there is no more magical a professional endeavor than making films," says Guy Magar. With production work spanning over 100 credits from shorts to TV shows to feature films, Guy Magar's behind-the-scenes stories range from his first producer turning out to be a Mafia assassin, to shooting in Egypt for the original series Battlestar Galactica, to directing a grunting Mr. T on The A-Team, to almost decapitating a young Drew Barrymore, and coming close to derailing James Cameron's career (or slowing it down as he proved way too talented for anyone to alter his storied destiny!)
Kiss me quick before I shoot was Guy's welcoming catchphrase to his wife Jacqui whenever she visited on-set, seemingly always just before he rolled cameras. And so this book is also about a deeper magic, the magic of finding your soulmate, your life partner.
But then, out of the blue, after 26 years into their marriage, Jacqui was diagnosed with leukemia. Guy put his film career on hold and his entire 24-hour life focus became to find the right, new cutting-edge treatment to heal Jacqui. 
This book is about daring to dream...and making dreams come true. Join Guy on a wild and thrilling rollercoaster ride as he shares the behind the curtain reveal of a Hollywood directing career, the intoxicating highs of finding and sharing true love, and the sweet triumph of survival and healing, all rolled into a unique and engaging memoir read which will become a favorite to curl up with (hot chocolate required) and to recommend to all your friends.

RATING

Four for the tenderness. This book really took me to where
it wanted to take me smoothly.

REVIEW

I really love the set of books that I read this time because even it's not in the mainstream industry these books still live to what a good book should be. These books deserved a public recognition because of it superb content. One of these is Guy Magar's Kiss Me Quick, Before I Shoot.

This book left me in my reading corner stunned and speechless as I came in its end. I know that this book is very wonderful but still no words can be heard from me nor words floating in my mind that will try to assess it. Wonderful is not enough I guess. For this book deserves more than that. This book deserves the a slot in the limelight of publishing and deserves to be marked as "A MUST READ OR ELSE YOU MISS 3/4 of YOUR LIFE" label.  

This is one of the books that I ever read whose emotion of the characters transferred to my physical being. This book is classy!

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Review: The Generosity of Strangers When War Came to Fornelli by Thomas A. Antonaccio

And after of months in idle, I had once again placed by fingers in review! Hope you read this book! Lovable character, heart-warming experience, and fantastic motivations. 

The Generosity of Strangers When War Came to Fornelli 
by Thomas A. Antonaccio
Publisher: Thomas A. Antonaccio
Publication Date: September 22, 2012
ASIN: B009FPS3FK
Format: eBook
Genre: Non-Fiction, War, Biographies
Book Description:

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is written in first person, free verse, and consists of a series of vignettes chronicling the real life experiences of a young girl and her family in war-torn Italy in the 1940s. The story is set in the town of Fornelli–a tiny hilltop community in Italy’s mountainous heart.

For Lucia and her family, life in Fornelli is anything but boring. Life is difficult, yet tranquil. But soon the war comes, and life in Fornelli is tranquil no more.

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is a true accounting from the eyes of Lucia, about faith, hope, and courage in the midst of war and its aftermath. It poetically conveys how even in desperate times people can open their hearts and rise above adversity.

RATING

Smooth, easy-going, and a light-in-the-heart novel.

REVIEW

This book, The Generosity of Strangers When War Came to Fornelli by Thomas A. Antonaccio, does away from the mainstream idea of how a war novel should be. This is different. I didn't expect this kind of presentation by the author. I thought that this is full of bombs, tanks, corpse and blood which, honestly, I hate very much. He did an unsual attack and doesn't turn out really as a war novel.

This book talks about the life of a little girl named Lucia (who turns out to be the mother of the author and the story of her in the early days) in times of war. Set in Italy, the author retells how the life of his mother's family, yes, it's a true to life story, in the greener side of it. True, that there's no such thing as "GREENER SIDE" of war but at least the author doesn't focus in the dark side. 

FORM

The kind of form that this novel has is so rare that we barely read other novels in the format (or I just haven't read so much). The form has its contribution in the development of the story because it opens a door for you  to connect with the character in the personal level. It also brings out the meaning that the author wants to tell his readers even by not telling it explicitly, word for word. The use of such form for this novel is justified. Not all writers can use a certain form with out justifying it to himself as to why he will use such. In the case of  Antonaccio, the form gives a more edge in his sword.

CHARACTER

The protagonist's name is Lucia, a little girl born in Fornelli, Italy. The way she was written and packaged was beautiful. A likeable and lovable character. Only few authors can make their characters likeable. Lucia, for me, tends to be my friend. I believe most of the people that had read this will relate to what I am saying. She is nice, friendly, and lovable. As I read the novel to it's end, the more I've been close to Lucia. I feel her fears, her desires, her craves, her need, her joy and all that she felt. A good and well written character makes your novel loved by your readers. I assume that writing of Lucia was prettily done because the author has a real basis to it, basis to how it behaves and all, looking it as if it is real.

STORY

The story is good yet I'm not satisified. At first, it doesn't give the feel of excitement to turn another page. No shocking and attention grabbing scenes. But as you go along, you will understand that the novel is not about the kind of work that you had in mind. You will to consider some things because of the nature of it. I love the story. I love how it flows. However, there are lapses that we may spot. Parts that you feel so awkward with and you will now start thinking why the author had written it that way. 

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I'm back and always be!

After I've lost the ebooks that I should be reviewing for this year, I'm happy to announce that I will be on this blog again reviewing books and featuring authors. :) That's right, Hail Gil on the move again... Later, I will be reviewing The Generosity of Strangers When War Came to Fornelli by Thomas A. Antonaccio.

Read the synopsis below. The review to be followed later.

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is written in first person, free verse, and consists of a series of vignettes chronicling the real life experiences of a young girl and her family in war-torn Italy in the 1940s. The story is set in the town of Fornelli–a tiny hilltop community in Italy’s mountainous heart.

For Lucia and her family, life in Fornelli is anything but boring. Life is difficult, yet tranquil. But soon the war comes, and life in Fornelli is tranquil no more.

The Generosity of Strangers: When War Came to Fornelli is a true accounting from the eyes of Lucia, about faith, hope, and courage in the midst of war and its aftermath. It poetically conveys how even in desperate times people can open their hearts and rise above adversity.

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THIS CAN'T BE

I HATE THIS!

ALL THE EBOOKS THAT I WILL BE REVIEWING WAS GONE! IT WAS LOST! GRRRRR!
THEREFORE, I GONNA START ALL OVER AGAIN! THIS IS BAD..

(sorry for the caps)

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Book Review: Point Deception by Jim Gilliam

Point Deception
by Jim Gilliam
Publication Date: Dec. 21, 2010 
Publisher: BookLocker

ISBN: 978-1-60910-620-1

Format: Paperback
Language: English
Genre: Fiction, Autobiography, Military
Book Description:

Surviving the mean streets of New Orleans in 1956, young Tim Kelly begins a young Indiana Jones style adventure by lying about his age to join the Coast Guard at fourteen.
Almost a decade later, Kelly transfers to San Francisco where he immediately runs afoul of his new executive officer. In lieu of a court martial Kelly volunteers for combat duty in Vietnam where three of his friends are killed in a friendly fire incident. Deeply mourning the loss of his friends, he releases his rage in an Air Force officer's club and is punished with a less than honorable discharge.
Back in the U. S. Kelly embarks on a new career as an undercover narcotics agent, entering the shadow world of drug and human trafficking sponsored by his old friend and mentor Rodolfo Guzman, a kingpin in the powerful Campeche drug cartel. His failure to check in with his handler alerts a team of Texas lawmen who embark on an illegal, clandestine, armed incursion into the sovereign territory of Mexico to either rescue Tim or recover his body. It is a bold and dangerous plan. Not even the most elite units of the Mexican federal police dared attack Rodolfo Guzman's hacienda--a renegade state within a state that did not answer to the Mexican government.
Will the rescue team arrive in time?
Jim Gilliam's novel moves like a freight train through a tight, spellbinding storyline. An engaging and fast-paced suspense thriller, Point Deception is a riveting page-turner, based on true events.

-Book Locker

RATING

REVIEW

Point Deception is a debut novel of Jim Gilliam. Like Tim, the author ran away from their home and joined the USCG (US Coast Guard) at the age of 14.

The novel wanted to show to its readers, especially to non-US citizens, that in spite of US over-whelming power in the world, US can't still end the illegal Mexican trades happening within US-Mexico border. This novel also shows mother-son relationship at times when a father is out or lost within the sight of the family. Independence is the value that is being highlighted and I love the way how the author portrayed this value. Another value that I like most is the heaviness of fighting for justice and for the betterment of many despite of the fact that Tim treated Rodolfo like his own father but still agrees to be an undercover narcotics agent against Rodolfo.

Though the author should have paid much attention to the military part (because this is I how see the book at first), but maybe, aside from the adventures and military actions, the author wanted to put importance on HOW the protagonist strives for independence to do the things that he really wanted to do in his life.

According in this book, the author also will be publishing a sequel to this. I am still looking forward to read his incoming book.

Good job.

Available at

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GIVEAWAY: Finding Your Road To Success by Patrick Daniel

 Finding Your Road to Success
by Patrick Daniel
Publisher: PDCA Publishing
Publication Date: 2010
ISBN: 978-0-9867060-0-4
Format: eBook and Paperback
Genre: Non-Fiction, Inspirational

'Finding Your Road to Success - How to get there without getting lost' is a self-help motivational type book filled with many inspiring stories, famous quotes, great lessons, and personal experiences.

The book is interactive in the sense that it gets you thinking about your life. As you read, you find yourself analysing exactly where you are in your life, versus where you would like to be. And with each page you read, the more you will discover about who you are and what true success really means to you.

If you are looking for a book with great tips and tools on how to achieve ultimate success, then 'Finding Your Road to Success - How to get there without getting lost' is the book for you.

THE AUTHOR

Patrick Daniel is the author of 'Finding Your Road to Success - How to get there without getting lost', a self-help motivational and inspirational book aimed at shattering the notion that success is a myth.

Patrick became something close to independently wealthy by the tender age of 30. But what is even more admirable about Patrick is that he realized at a young age that true success is achieving goals that are more than monetary.

As a successful chartered accountant and owner of his own accounting company, the author's credentials are unquestionably well suited for this book.

'Finding Your Road to Success' is a must-read for anyone who needs a shot of optimism. "Life is filled with solutions, not problems" is at the core of Patrick's "glass half-full" attitude, and you'll find this attitude with every turn of the page.

JOIN Finding Your Road to Success FREE eBook GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Congratulations!!!

I am very happy to inform everyone that Hail Gil is now spreading its scope and has been accommodating  more readers and authors. There are a number of books coming in my door and a way impressive number of emails from authors telling that they want Hail Gil to host some book giveaways. ^^ Let's give everyone a round of applause.

Because of that, next week, I will post two book reviews and also two book giveaways! Isn't that wonderful? And hopefully I can convince these authors (who are giving their books away) to post a short word for you guys! (I bet they would.)

Hopefully, months from now, aside from doing reviews and giveaways, I would be able to host book tours as well! Woooh! That's a tough job, I guess. But all are possible with your help guys. Let's all have a momentous reading experience.

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HAIL GIL Plan!

Good Evening.

I am now currently planning to widen the scope of this blog and in attaining this I will incorporate more reader and book-lover features. BLOG TOURS and more GIVEAWAYS may be one of the features. I am really looking forward on this feat.

But for the meantime, do like my Facebook page and follow my Tweets so will remain updated.

^^

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Book Review: Catching Fire by Suzzane Collins

Catching Fire
by Suzanne Collins
Publication Date: September 1, 2009
Publisher: Scholastic

ISBN: 978-0-439-02349-8

Format: audio book
Language: English
Genre: Fiction, Dystopian, Romance

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

RATING

Four for the effortt

REVIEW

Well. What do we have here? A bloody skirmish among existing victors, and Peeta and Katniss is back again to compete and to survive to Quarter Quell. The arena was intellectually designed to arouse excitement for the people in the Capitol. This book really highlights the theme of independence, rebellion, and government.

Way to go!

Available at

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Book Review: Desert Harvest by Wando Wande

Desert Harvest
by Wando Wande
Publication Date: December 31, 2011

ASIN: B006OEVPB4

Format: eBook
Language: English
Genre: Fiction

When her mother walks out of the family, Mille struggles to raise her siblings at a ranch in the Sonoran desert. Of course, her father is no help. Everyone in town calls her mother a whore. How long can she cope before insanity swallows her whole?

Read here the bounty of the Desert Harvest. A short story.

RATING

Four for the effortt

REVIEW

Not the usual but reflects more or less about life.

I haven't laid my eyes on such work like Desert Harvest of Wando Wande. Though there are minor lapses but still a good story to read. I wonder what happen next? ^^

Available at

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Delayed Reviews

Gosh! Its been two Mondays now that I haven't reviewed any books. :( It's quite sad for my part but I can't figure out why I've done such miserable action. But however, I'll promise that I resume the doing reviews (especially that my Mom gave me a new cellphone where I can read my ebooks even I'm away from my PC). ^^ Stay tune for more books to be reviewed. :D Okay??

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Guest Post: Heather Huffman, Author of Jailbird

Writing Time Management
by Heather Huffman

I was recently asked during a radio interview how I manage my time as an author, a mother, an anti-slavery activist and a homesteader. Nights like tonight, when I’m a week behind on blog posts and I have a half-made chicken tractor sitting in my front lawn, it feels like I don’t manage my time well at all.

With so many proverbial irons in the fire, it’s crucial for me to manage my time well. I think most families feel that way these days. Here are the three things I’ve found to be the most helpful when trying to manage my exploding to-do list.

1) Track it all. It might sound overly simply, but it took me a few months of floundering and forgetting to figure that one out. Now I keep my current to-do list on a white board next to my desk, along with a whiteboard calendar I use to keep track of all the book promotions, interviews and blog posts for a given month.
2) Respect your writing time. Don’t let television, chores, or the tyranny of the urgent steal your writing time. It’s hard to find the time to write some days, but if you don’t fight to protect that time you’ll find that years slip by with nary a paragraph written. And don’t wait until you feel like writing to do it. I try to sit and write every day, even if I have no clue what I’m going to say when I sit down. I figure bad writing can be fixed, and it’s better than a blank page.
3) Say no. I’ve never understood writers who felt they could simply release their novel and have readers flood to them, especially given the how many books there are to choose from. I tended to err on the other side – if my book manager suggested something, I was game to try it. If she didn’t suggest something, then I brought it up. I found that I’d quickly overwhelmed myself.
Even the most organized person has their limits, and their will come a time when you can’t squeeze one more word out of your brain. Don’t push yourself too hard.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Huffman writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense with strong female
leads who refuse to lose hope. She sees her books as a way to not only entertain, but also to
raise awareness of the realities of modern day slavery. She shares the passion of her resilient
heroines to make a difference and so dedicates both her time and a portion of her book royalties
to organizations that fight against human trafficking.


Heather was born and spent her early childhood in Florida, but now calls the beautiful state of
Missouri home. Her greatest joy, aside from writing, is to hit the road with her three boys for
adventures unknown.
***
She is the author of Throwaway, Ties that Bind, Jailbird, Suddenly a Spy, Ring of Fire,
Tumbleweed and Devil in Disguise. You can find out more about her writing and charitable work
onwww.heatherhuffman.net

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Daily Quote 06/16/12

“There is no book so bad...that it does not have something good in it.” 

― Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote

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Daily Quote 06/14/12

God is in the sadness and the laughter, in the bitter and the sweet. There is a divine purpose behind everything — and therefore a divine presence in everything.

-Neale Donald Walsch

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Daily Quote 06/13/12

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” 

-Dr. Seuss

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Book Review: The Bridge of Deaths by M.C.V Egan

Thank you M.C.V Egan for the dedication you wrote on the copy of your book. Hope to read more of your works in the future. 

The Bridge of Deaths
by M.C.V Egan
Publisher: Author House
Publication Date: 2011

ISBN: 978-1-4634-1041-4

Format: Paperback
Language: English
Genre: Fiction, Historical, Mystery

Follow Bill and Maggie in London 2010 as they explore the events of August 15th 1939. When at the brink of World War II, an English plane crashed and sunk in Danish waters. Five deaths were reported: two Standard Oil of New Jersey employees, a German Corporate Lawyer, an English member of Parliament, and a crew member for the airline. Bill and Maggie find a conceivable version of the events.

RATING

4-star for the effort and time spent in making for this book! Kudos!

REVIEW

Well documented!

M.C.V Egan is the most hardworking author I've ever known. From the little piece of paper and photos to telegrams in year 1939, she compiled it with ease and smoothness. She has a very good research skill. Bravo! The story? Ms. Egan never compromised the plot of her novel though she embedded archive documents in it. Kudos!

Looking forward to read more of Ms. Egan's novels.

Available at:

Paperback                 Kindle 

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Guest Post: Gregory Allen, Author of Patchwork of Me

Summer Escapes

By Gregory Allen

People see these few months we get each year as a time to escape our usual daily lives and go on a vacation. They plan (sometimes for months) exactly where they want to go to create the best possible holiday/vacation they can. I’ll admit I’m always jealous of my friends that teach and get those months off. They will fight with me about how hard they work during the other months and they deserve to escape their classrooms; but secretly I am jealous I can’t spend every summer day in front of the television or immersed in a good book. But the rest of us must be happy with that one week we may get away or a long weekend to go to the beach.

Escapes don’t need to be held for those warm months when people like to shed their clothes and bake in the sun. There are so many ways one can turn off the daily routine and do something different throughout the year.

Watch a good movie. Turn off that phone, put in the latest DVD of a movie you missed when it was released and allow yourself to forget the world for a moment. Or actually get out of your house and go sit in that large dark room that smells of popcorn and be swept away by the latest blockbuster (or better yet – an indie film by an unknown filmmaker). Just do remember that silence is golden so for the sake of all: cell phones off!

Let yourself travel in a book. There is nothing like turning your back on the laundry piling up or the dishes in the sink to be transported somewhere else by the words of a well-loved author. Our minds are the best escape we have. We paint the pictures. We set the scene. We cast the characters. And we get to enjoy the moments inside those pages (or on your favorite digital reader) when it is just us and the book. Now more than ever, there are so many choices for excellent books out there. I personally love to discover a new author (thank God for social media sites) and try them out. See where they’ll take me and just let myself take a personal vacation for a few hours.

Live theater. I absolutely love it. I realize I have the luxury of living near New York and can get to a Broadway show (always with discounted seats, I might add), but that doesn’t mean others can’t do the same. Look in your local papers to see what the community theater in town is presenting. Or the high school. Or a touring company of a show. There is nothing like watching people perform live as you never know what may happen. And as you sense the audience around you and you all collective enjoy the experience, the escape you can get from it is well worth the price of admission.

So don’t always long for the good ol’ days of summer. Plan those escapes throughout the year so you allow yourself more chances to ‘get away’. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gregory G. Allen is the author of PATCHWORK OF ME, WELL WITH MY SOUL, PROUD PANTS: AN UNCONVENTIONAL MEMOIR, and CHICKEN BOY: THE AMAZING ADVENTURES OF A SUPER HERO WITH AUTISM. He has had short stories and poetry published in: New Town Writers' anthology Off The Rocks 14, Loch Raven Review, Muscadine Lines: A Southern Journal, The Oddville Press, Word Catalyst Magazine, Rancor'd Type, Home & Holidays and is a contributor of articles and blogs to several online sites. Allen has been in the entertainment business for over twenty years as an actor, director, writer, and producer and is an award-winning musical theater writer with over ten original musicals produced. Allen currently manages an arts center on the campus of a college in northern New Jersey.
www.ggallen.net | www.facebook.com/author.gregory.g.allen

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