Reviews
The inspiration for this page comes from the fact that it has been said that to be a good writer, one has to have read at least 1000 books. Likewise, to be a good storyteller, it is perhaps necessary to read 1000 stories. I would like to go further than just reading – I think that reading a story alone is not enough. One has to analyse it, review it and be able to critically appraise a story. This, then, will be the aim of this column but with an emphasis on all manner of storytelling. With that in mind, certain things need to be pointed out:
- As this website caters for storytellers, this column will feature all manner of storytelling.
- We accept reviews written by other storytellers as well. Please note that we do not pay for reviews.
- There is no specific genre of stories reviewed here.
If you’d still like us to publish a review you’ve written, please send an email to editor @ howtotellagreatstory.com
Tuesday, 02 October 2012 18:00
The Breast Cancer Survivor’s Guide by Dr Loh Siew Yim
Written by Aneeta Sundararaj
The Breast Cancer Survivor’s Guideby Dr Loh Siew Yim ISBN: 9-789831-005286Publisher: University of Malaya PressFormat: Paperback185 pages Price: RM42.00 The Breast Cancer Survivor’s Guide was designed for women who have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. The author’s main aim was to write a book which could be used by these women as a guide to understanding the disease, as well as encouraging the women to take a proactive role in treating, managing and living with the disease. Aptly packaged in a pretty shade of pink with the pink ribbon symbolising breast cancer awareness, this book has been neatly organised…
Published in
Reviews
Tuesday, 02 October 2012 17:51
Betrayal and Forgiveness by Linda Armstrong-Miller
Written by Aneeta Sundararaj
Betrayal and ForgivenessBy Linda Armstrong-MillerPaperback: 276 pagesPublisher: WestBowPress (November 16, 2011)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1449726682ISBN-13: 978-1449726683 Lisa is a brilliant, 30-year-old computer programmer recruited by ISF-Intel Securities Foundation, a contractor for the Department of Defense. At such a young age, she already has a patent on a software that the DOD is willing to buy from her at any price. Overnight, it has become the most sought-after program on the planet. Then one day she is kidnapped and badly hurt in the process. To avoid giving her captors what they want, she fools them by faking amnesia. What keep her alive are…
Published in
Reviews
Rip-OffBy Mar PrestonPaperback: 390 pagesPublisher: CreateSpace (May 5, 2012)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1475295367ISBN-13: 978-1475295368Paperback: 272 pages A burglar is found dead in an upscale condo in the beautiful beach city of Santa Monica. The murder seems to be linked to a series of high-tech murders that have been taking place in the area. Dave Mason of the Santa Monica Police department is called to the case. Soon, he suspects that the Chechens are connected to the murders, but how? While investigating in the Hollywood Russian community, he’s thrown into a vortex of dark suspects, embezzlement, explosions and FBI agents. When Dave and…
Published in
Reviews
Shadows of Kingsby Jack Whitsel Paperback: 272 pagesPublisher: Paladin Timeless Books (June 15, 2012)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 160619223XISBN-13: 978-1606192238 Two centuries ago, the Temple Initiates made up the Order of the Dragon, named after the Great Dragon Shyrdasa that once lived within Dragon Park. Legend told that a group of knights once helped the Dragon and her unborn young. As a reward for their valor, the Dragon awarded them secret knowledge, martial powers and magic. The Dragon also chose women throughout the Hugue to serve as Dragon Maidens, bestowing upon them secrets of draconic sorcery… Now, for the people of the Hugue,…
Published in
Reviews
Roma, Undergroundby Gabriel Valjan Paperback: 342 pagesPublisher: Winter GoosePublishing (February 13, 2012)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0983676488ISBN-13: 978-0983676485 Alabaster Black is hiding from the United States Government. Over the past two years she’s had different identities. As a forensic accountant, she does forensic investigations of people’s finances in order to protect the country’s internal financial system and stop dangerous greed. But her latest report to secret organization Rendition ends badly and so now she’s on the run in Italy under yet another fictitious name: Bianca. In beautiful, historical Rome, she meets government investigator and amateur archaeologist Dante, member of Roma Underground, and soon…
Published in
Reviews
Tuesday, 02 October 2012 09:57
First Love: Just Once in a Lifetime: A Memoir [Paperback] by Violeta Barrett
Written by Aneeta Sundararaj
First Love: Just Once in a Lifetime: A Memoir [Paperback]By Violeta BarrettPaperback: 224 pagesPublisher: iUniverse.com (February 7, 2011)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1450279929ISBN-13: 978-1450279925 First Love, by Violeta Barrett is a well-written, heart-felt and honest memoir, one that reminds us that “true love never dies.” The author opens her heart and candidly shares with readers how she fell in love with her tour guide in Mexico during a holiday back in 1956. Not only that, but she also shares with us the 76 love letters that kept their relationship alive during the four years of their affair. Torn and yellowed, the letters speak…
Published in
Reviews
Cheerage FearageBy Kimberly DanaFile Size: 208KB Print Length: 106 pagesSimultaneous Device Usage: UnlimitedPublisher: Wild Child Publishing (March 26, 2012)Sold by: Amazon Digital ServicesLanguage: EnglishASIN: B007OZH5XO Kimberly Dana’s latest book will bring hours of reading pleasure to teen girls, especially those with a particular interest in cheerleading. Years ago, a murder was committed in a cheerleading camp: a beautiful teenager with beautiful red flowing hair was drowned in the lake. Rumors say the killer was her best friend. Now, ten years later, our witty protagonist Tiki Tinklemeyer is put in the same camp by her parents, who want their daughter to…
Published in
Reviews
The Realms of AnimarBy Owen BlackHardcover: 370 pagesPublisher: Outskirts Press (March 23, 2012)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1432786601ISBN-13: 978-1432786601 The Realms of Animar is an enjoyable read, one that will appeal to teens who are fans of fantasy and science fiction. Set in a world where people have two forms, one human and one animal, this is the story of Thane, a teenage boy whose life is suddenly turned upside down when his animal form unexpectedly transforms into something never seen before. Filled with inmmense power, he now holds the key to the future of Animar and to saving his people from struggle…
Published in
Reviews
Monday, 01 October 2012 20:03
Don't Cry, Daddy's Here - One Woman’s Journey to Recovery from Incest by Brinda Carey
Written by Aneeta Sundararaj
Don’t Cry, Daddy’s Here – One Woman’s Journey to Recovery from IncestBy Brinda CareyPaperback: 256 pagesPublisher: White Bird Publications; 1st edition (October 4, 2011)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0982802463ISBN-13: 978-0982802465Publisher: Twilight Times Books Don’t Cry, Daddy’s Here: One Woman’s Journey to Recovery from Incest is a deeply disturbing memoir. At the same time it is an important book, one that offers a strong message of hope and renewal to victims of this terrible crime. “My decision to write this book came from a deep desire to say, ‘You are not alone.’ I share some of my memories and some lessons I have learned…
Published in
Reviews
Monday, 01 October 2012 20:00
Griffin’s Fire (Book Two) by Darby Karchut
Written by Aneeta Sundararaj
Griffin’s Fire (Book Two)By Darby KarchutPublisher: Twilight Times BooksPublication date: April 15, 2012ISBN 10: 1-60619-212-4ISBN 13: 978-1-60619-212-2Format: trade paperbackNumber of pages: 200 Price: $15.95Genre: YA urban fantasy What happens when a moody teenage angel is forced to attend high-school? The answer is Griffin’s Fire. Griffin’s Fire is the second installment in Darby Karchut’s Terrae Angeli young adult fantasy series, published by Twilight Times Books. I didn’t read the first book in the series and have to say that I was a bit lost at the beginning of the story. Fortunately, not for long. Karchut provides only the essential bits of…
Published in
Reviews
More...
Monday, 01 October 2012 19:57
Getting out of Dodge City Heading For L.A. On the Atchison, Topeka and Sante Fe by Dr.Clifton E.Marsh
Written by Aneeta Sundararaj
Getting out of Dodge City Heading For L.A. On the Atchison,Topeka and Sante FeBy Dr.Clifton E.MarshPaperback: 144 pagesPublisher: PublishAmerica (July 11, 2011)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1456089439ISBN-13: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Getting Out of Dodge City, Heading for L.A. on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe is a short novel that reads like a memoir and that will appeal to those interested in black American history and the dynamics of poor black American families from the early 1800s to the 1960s. The story begins in 1821 with our narrator talking about the origins of the Atchinson, Topeka and the Santa Fe railroads, how they replaced the…
Published in
Reviews
BlueprintBy Lynnette VaughnAuthor’s website: http://www.lynnettevaughn.com/blueprint_home Blueprint is the story of one soul’s journey in planning her last incarnation on earth and what happens when friends take over. The novel opens with Arielle and Raphael in Heaven as they discuss Arielle’s upcoming and last incarnation. Raphael, who’s been her soul mate for thousands of years, offers to help her plan it and she accepts. He suggests that they get their 12 special friends in Heaven involved. To accomplish this, they decide to invite them all for dinner. At dinner, the friends take turns making suggestions for Arielle’s final life: a healer,…
Published in
Reviews
A Satan CarolBy Alan Steven KesslerPaperback: 242 pagesPublisher: Wild Child Publishing (June 26, 2012)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 1617980528ISBN-13: 978-1617980527 A Satan Carol by spiritual horror author Alan Steven Kessler combines elements of the macabre and parody/satire to explore the concepts of free will and evil. Not having read in this horror subcategory before, I was intrigued when I received a copy of this ebook for review. The story begins in 1848 Ireland during a time of intense famine. A poor, nearly starved boy dies in the countryside, releasing a ‘golden soul,’ a special soul full of kindness and healing power. Had he…
Published in
Reviews
The Eden Paradoxby Barry KirwanPaperback: 476 pagesPublisher: Summertime Publications Inc (October 15, 2011)Language: EnglishISBN-10: 0982369840ISBN-13: 978-0982369845 The Eden Paradox, by Barry Kirwan, is an enjoyable read that will be relished by fans of science fiction. Fifty years into the future, the earth has been maimed by war and is near collapse from heat exhaustion. Scientists have already found the vaccine for AIDS and robot soldiers have quelled rebel invasions. The 3-year long World War between the United Secular Nations and the ‘Big Five’ Religious Front countries has left half a billion dead and a shortage of food (beef has hit…
Published in
Reviews
Latest Posts
-
Sakshi
Written by Aneeta SundararajI have been in a state of ‘emotional unwell-being’ for seven years. There, I’ve said it. Why? Well, after my father died, I believed that if I reached out with love to ‘good friends’, counsellors, suitors, and relatives, there could be pockets of joy to offset my grief and loneliness,…
-
The Creative Industry Needs to Look at Things Differently Post Budget 2022
Written by Aneeta SundararajOn 29 October 2021, the Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz tabled Budget 2022 in the Malaysian parliament. RM50 million has been allocated for the arts and culture industry. This comes after a year and a half after the entire industry came to an absolute standstill. With…
-
‘The Covid Positives’ – life lessons learnt from the pandemic by Phanindra Ivatury
Written by Aneeta SundararajAfter a long drawn battle with the biggest catastrophe in our living memory, global humanity is finally getting to see some quintessential ray of light at the end of the treacherous tunnel in the form of COVID-19 vaccines, currently being rolled out to all parts of the globe. A ‘COVID-19…
-
Chaos of Whole Books
Written by Aneeta SundararajIs it possible to read several books at once? Aneeta Sundararaj finds out.When I was a child, my cousin used to boast that he could read four storybooks at a time. As an adult, when he invested in an e-Reader, he continued to boast that he could…
-
Writing for You? Or for Me?
Written by Aneeta SundararajWriting for You? Or for Me? ‘You must always write with your reader in mind.’ This was one of the first pieces of advice that I received when I began my writing career. Honestly, I found this extremely hard to do because more often than not, I couldn’t picture my…