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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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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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!

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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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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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Book Review: Storylandia 1-6: A Wappshot Press Journal of Fiction

I've decided to have a compress review on Storylandia's issues. ^^ I really had a fun read on all of the issues.

 Storylandia 1-6

A Wappshot Press Journal of Fiction

Publisher: Wappshot Press

Format: eBook

Genre: Fiction, Anthology

RATING

WONDERFUL!

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Book Review and Giveaway: Literary Heroin: A Twilight parody by Jess C. Scott

 Literary Heroin
by Jess C. Scott
Publisher: jessINK
Publication Date: 4/13/2012
ISBN: 978-1-4349-0998-5
Format: eBook
Genre: Fiction, Satire, Parody, Humor

Isobel's fanfiction dream comes true when Edwin and Jacobus materialize out of thin air. But the two hunks secretly have the hots for each other...

Excerpt:

Ms. Isobel Swann, the English teacher, looked at her star pupil.

"So, what did you think of Twue Wuv?" Isobel asked with a sweet smile.

"I learned that it's okay to feel the way I do: that my life has no meaning unless I have a boyfriend," gushed Stephenie, Renesmee's BFF.

Stephenie was overweight but enjoyed dressing provocatively. She thought the guys couldn't handle her. Most of them were scared off by her seductive ways and non-stop approaches towards anyone in class who owned a pair of testicles.

"A real man is like the perfect vampire-boy and all the perfect guys in Twue Wuv." 

(Jess C. Scott Site)

RATING

WONDERFUL!

REVIEW

A very entertaining piece of work by Jess Scott, where every detail of the Twilight Saga, and in YA in general, was sliced out letting the "true meat" be exposed for public viewing. This is the best parody I've ever read. High five!

I never left where I started and without interruption, I've read this half a day. Honestly! It leaves me struck. Jess Scott smartly chooses her words to really give an electrifying effect to readers when read. Literary Heroin is not only criticizing Twilight (and HG) but there's something more to it. This is a work that will instigate revolution against literary mediocrity and mundane novels, including disgusting fan fictions too. A movement against greedy publishers who are much more interested in making money than that of instilling true art to every book they publish. Jess Scott perfectly relayed his sentiments against poorly made books and mundane fan fictions.

I highly recommend this to all people who love books and who hate bad literature!

JOIN Literary Heroin FREE eBook GIVEAWAY!!!

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Review: Secret Feelings by Abdulla Kazim

 Secret Feelings
by Abdulla Kazim
Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc.
Publication Date: 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4349-0998-5
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fiction, Romance, 

Where do you go to find purpose and the inspiration to continue meeting life’s daily challenges? From his youth, Noordin Ahmed was filled with turbulent sorrow and self-pity. As a result of his cold past, he felt his life was not worth living, and he asked God to grant him death on his twenty-fifth birthday. But, God did not fulfill his request. Instead, Noordin came across a certain book, The Alchemist, which spoke to his heart about the brightness of life and the need to make it worth living. He decided that only one thing could bring about light and happiness to his cold, dark existence: the love of a woman.
So, Noordin set out on his quest to find love. A naïve, noble man who had never known the touch of a woman, Noordin first approached a co-worker in innocence, and she quickly rebuked his proposal of marriage. Next, he set his sights on a beautiful stranger, whose life was also lacking in love. Will Noordin be able to find what his heart seeks in the stranger Angeline? Will he find the courage to continue on his quest for love, even when his secrets and those of others are finally revealed? Read Secret Feelings, by Abdulla Kazim, to find out. (Dorrance Book Description)

RATING

Good.

REVIEW

Secret Feelings by Abdulla Kazim is one of the romance novels that tinges every nerve in my body. It makes me hate and love and laugh. Every character really grips in myself and like a coffee stain, it is very hard to get it away till now.

Noordin, one of the main characters, reminds me of a friend who is so desperate to have a love affair. He reminds me of a friend that I laugh about because he tries to court every girl he knew and I pity him for that. Really! He is so desperate that I fear him, for he also tries to get my love. So bad right? Like Noordin, a creation of Mr. Kazim, he makes me pity and hate him too. He is desperate to have a love affair but he is so slow in getting the girl he wanted. He won't speak up to the girl! Noordin makes me irritated. Honestly. If I will be asked, this is a good sign, for Kazim really got the emotion and the feeling of the reader. Other characters, Liv, Angeline and Sarah, also got my emotions. Good job there by Mr. Kazim.

But what makes the rating a little low is due to the fact that I, personally, was bothered as to how the words were arranged. True! It doesn't affect the story but it seems so awkward to me. However, everything is fine.

Available at:

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Books and Everything: A New Face

Dear Readers,

Starting this 14th of May 2012, Hail Gil will be catering another "branch" of  interest which is BOOKS! I'll attempt to have this blog not just an Opinion and News blog but also a Book blog. This, then, will undergo a one-month phase experimentation whether or not I can sustain Hail Gil as both an Opinion and Book blog. Your feedback are appreciated the most and will be considered in the assessment.

Yours Truly,
Gil

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