"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream."
---C.S. Lewis
I believe that dreams, and goals to make those dreams come true, are the things that make the difference between existing or living a joyful life. We should always be satisfied with what we attain while we look to achieve our next goal. Before I reached thirty-five, I was a public speaker, a public relations director of a large non-profit, and a business owner. Each job helped me grow as a person and gave me a wonderful sense of accomplishment. None fulfilled me completely, so I kept on looking. When I walked into my first classroom as an English teacher, I knew I was home.
I loved my years as a teacher and debate coach, and when I left I realized my career dreams had finally been fulfilled, but that nagging part of my soul that wanted to write was still hanging on, and I decided that I needed to satisfy that dream. I am still working on my great American novel, but that is not as easy as James Patterson makes it seem. This blog and the several reviews a week go a long way in satisfying my urge to write. It didn't turn out exactly as I planned, but it is fun knowing that people all over the world are tuning in each week. Sometimes I have to use google translate to read some of the letters that you send me, but that makes it even more exciting.
I had hoped this would be more of an interactive page, where you all would send in reviews and comment on reviews others send in. I pictured having a section where you would even send in your short stories, poems, etc. to share with us, but I am not getting that kind of response. Interestingly enough, I am getting more and more readers each week, and many of you send notes to me at madderlyreview@gmail.com, but not many respond in the comment sections.
I am happy though, and will take this blog wherever you want it to go. I am having some trouble with the subscription link though. I have gotten quite a few requests to be put on the list, but your email address is not attached. If you are not getting weekly notifications even though you sent in a request, please resubmit making sure to put in a working email address. If you would prefer, just drop me a note at madderlyreview@gmail.com and request to be put on our list. I would also love to read any suggestions you might have to make this page even better.
The two books I read and reviewed this week were a little difficult for me to finish. The book Behind Closed Doors is possibly the most shocking new psychological suspenseful thriller you'll read this year, by B.A. Paris, was about a woman being emotionally abused by her husband. It is a very well written book with a likable protagonist and gut wrenching scenes that left me wondering how people live under those conditions. I chose the book because one of you suggested it to me, but it made me sad. If you can stay removed enough to read this type of book, this is probably one you should read.
On the other end of the spectrum, Hook, Line and Stinker (A Lily Thistle Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Maggie West was a little too silly for me. I know Cozy Mysteries are supposed to be light, and I have actually gotten to like some of them, but this was a bit over the top for me. The writing seemed to be on a young adult level, and the main character was a bit flighty for a middle-aged teacher. It did have its moments though and helped me through a particularly sleepless night
Okay all of you readers out there...I am really looking fore some reviews for my guest page. It doesn't have to be long...just tell us what you think. It might just help you work on fulfilling your dreams.
As always, complete reviews of these books follow this blog.
Happy reading,
- Beverly
---C.S. Lewis
I believe that dreams, and goals to make those dreams come true, are the things that make the difference between existing or living a joyful life. We should always be satisfied with what we attain while we look to achieve our next goal. Before I reached thirty-five, I was a public speaker, a public relations director of a large non-profit, and a business owner. Each job helped me grow as a person and gave me a wonderful sense of accomplishment. None fulfilled me completely, so I kept on looking. When I walked into my first classroom as an English teacher, I knew I was home.
I loved my years as a teacher and debate coach, and when I left I realized my career dreams had finally been fulfilled, but that nagging part of my soul that wanted to write was still hanging on, and I decided that I needed to satisfy that dream. I am still working on my great American novel, but that is not as easy as James Patterson makes it seem. This blog and the several reviews a week go a long way in satisfying my urge to write. It didn't turn out exactly as I planned, but it is fun knowing that people all over the world are tuning in each week. Sometimes I have to use google translate to read some of the letters that you send me, but that makes it even more exciting.
I had hoped this would be more of an interactive page, where you all would send in reviews and comment on reviews others send in. I pictured having a section where you would even send in your short stories, poems, etc. to share with us, but I am not getting that kind of response. Interestingly enough, I am getting more and more readers each week, and many of you send notes to me at madderlyreview@gmail.com, but not many respond in the comment sections.
I am happy though, and will take this blog wherever you want it to go. I am having some trouble with the subscription link though. I have gotten quite a few requests to be put on the list, but your email address is not attached. If you are not getting weekly notifications even though you sent in a request, please resubmit making sure to put in a working email address. If you would prefer, just drop me a note at madderlyreview@gmail.com and request to be put on our list. I would also love to read any suggestions you might have to make this page even better.
The two books I read and reviewed this week were a little difficult for me to finish. The book Behind Closed Doors is possibly the most shocking new psychological suspenseful thriller you'll read this year, by B.A. Paris, was about a woman being emotionally abused by her husband. It is a very well written book with a likable protagonist and gut wrenching scenes that left me wondering how people live under those conditions. I chose the book because one of you suggested it to me, but it made me sad. If you can stay removed enough to read this type of book, this is probably one you should read.
On the other end of the spectrum, Hook, Line and Stinker (A Lily Thistle Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Maggie West was a little too silly for me. I know Cozy Mysteries are supposed to be light, and I have actually gotten to like some of them, but this was a bit over the top for me. The writing seemed to be on a young adult level, and the main character was a bit flighty for a middle-aged teacher. It did have its moments though and helped me through a particularly sleepless night
Okay all of you readers out there...I am really looking fore some reviews for my guest page. It doesn't have to be long...just tell us what you think. It might just help you work on fulfilling your dreams.
As always, complete reviews of these books follow this blog.
Happy reading,
- Beverly
Click on the book cover to order a title mentioned in today's blog:
  |
  |
