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Love in the Cupboard
A quirky, uplifting, contemporary romantic comedy
Mari Jane Law
2023 Silver Medal
396 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Love in the Cupboard by Mari Jane Law follows the strangely endearing story of Faith as she struggles with love. Faith finds the man of her dreams in a dark cupboard, but she has no idea who he is. Faith hopes to find him again but instead, she meets Tom, a man she can hardly stand. However, it seems like Faith is the only one who despises Tom because everyone else in her life loves him. Little does she know; Tom is the man she met in that dark cupboard and fell in love with. But she doesn’t know it, and she certainly doesn’t know that he is also a Catholic priest. What will Faith do when she does find out? Will she give love and Tom a chance?
I loved every second of Love in the Cupboard! I finished the story and wanted to immediately start reading it again. Faith is hilarious, and the way things turn out for her is perfect. Mari Jane Law is correct in calling it a quirky romance because it is exactly that. Tom and Faith are two very different people with different values. Tom wants a wife, and Faith wants a partner who will love her and not lie to her. They complement each other, and there are sparks that neither of them can deny. Even when Faith hates Tom, she feels a connection with him. I loved the other characters as well. Hope is hilarious, while Gavin and Luke are the voices of reason but sassy. In short, it was perfection. I highly recommend this to all romance fans.
Love in the Cupboard by Mari Jane Law follows the strangely endearing story of Faith as she struggles with love. Faith finds the man of her dreams in a dark cupboard, but she has no idea who he is. Faith hopes to find him again but instead, she meets Tom, a man she can hardly stand. However, it seems like Faith is the only one who despises Tom because everyone else in her life loves him. Little does she know; Tom is the man she met in that dark cupboard and fell in love with. But she doesn’t know it, and she certainly doesn’t know that he is also a Catholic priest. What will Faith do when she does find out? Will she give love and Tom a chance?
I loved every second of Love in the Cupboard! I finished the story and wanted to immediately start reading it again. Faith is hilarious, and the way things turn out for her is perfect. Mari Jane Law is correct in calling it a quirky romance because it is exactly that. Tom and Faith are two very different people with different values. Tom wants a wife, and Faith wants a partner who will love her and not lie to her. They complement each other, and there are sparks that neither of them can deny. Even when Faith hates Tom, she feels a connection with him. I loved the other characters as well. Hope is hilarious, while Gavin and Luke are the voices of reason but sassy. In short, it was perfection. I highly recommend this to all romance fans.
Recommend this book:
Barking for Business
A Raunchy Small Town Mystery
E. N. Crane
2023 Gold Medal
276 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Nino Lobiladze for Readers' Favorite
Specialist Cynthia Sharp and her loyal partner Sgt. Winnifred Pupperson, K-9 had a horrible time serving in the US Army. Cyn is clumsy, and Winnie is too interested in finding snacks to be a service dog. Cyn and Winnie were investigating an alleged cookie theft when they destroyed a military Jeep. Unfortunately, it wasn't their first oversight while on service, and they both are dismissed from a Florida military base. Then, Cyn and Winnie arrive in Sweet Pea, Ohio, Cyn's hometown, to investigate Bingo money stolen from a local church. Something strange happens in this small town when Cyn runs into the mysterious Captain Jacks with a fake mustache. Also, what is handsome Sergeant Ian Cruz, with whom Cyn almost shared a kiss in Afghanistan, doing in Sweet Pea? Barking for Business by E. N. Crane, the first book of a series, is an excellent read for fans of humor, crime, drama, thrillers, and detective novels.
Barking for Business is funny and entertaining. E. N. Crane offers us spectacular intrigue with many plot twists and turns. I liked the characters' development. We follow the unfolding events from Cyn's point of view, and she gives us many humorous and keen observations regarding her hometown and its inhabitants. Cyn is smart and dedicated to her missions, justifying her school nickname, Cyn the Determined, which she hates. A good friend, Cyn, rushes to help her friend Mo when she gets in trouble, and her love for Winnie is unconditional. Crane creates an interesting dynamic between the characters, like Cyn and Mo's interactions. The author describes a compelling love triangle between Cyn, Cruz, and Cyn's school friend and now colleague, Larry Kirby. Crane lovingly creates the unique ambiance of a cozy small town with a well-researched background concerning Cyn's military past. The ending is full of action and perfectly completes the plot, making this first installment a good premise for a captivating book series.
Specialist Cynthia Sharp and her loyal partner Sgt. Winnifred Pupperson, K-9 had a horrible time serving in the US Army. Cyn is clumsy, and Winnie is too interested in finding snacks to be a service dog. Cyn and Winnie were investigating an alleged cookie theft when they destroyed a military Jeep. Unfortunately, it wasn't their first oversight while on service, and they both are dismissed from a Florida military base. Then, Cyn and Winnie arrive in Sweet Pea, Ohio, Cyn's hometown, to investigate Bingo money stolen from a local church. Something strange happens in this small town when Cyn runs into the mysterious Captain Jacks with a fake mustache. Also, what is handsome Sergeant Ian Cruz, with whom Cyn almost shared a kiss in Afghanistan, doing in Sweet Pea? Barking for Business by E. N. Crane, the first book of a series, is an excellent read for fans of humor, crime, drama, thrillers, and detective novels.
Barking for Business is funny and entertaining. E. N. Crane offers us spectacular intrigue with many plot twists and turns. I liked the characters' development. We follow the unfolding events from Cyn's point of view, and she gives us many humorous and keen observations regarding her hometown and its inhabitants. Cyn is smart and dedicated to her missions, justifying her school nickname, Cyn the Determined, which she hates. A good friend, Cyn, rushes to help her friend Mo when she gets in trouble, and her love for Winnie is unconditional. Crane creates an interesting dynamic between the characters, like Cyn and Mo's interactions. The author describes a compelling love triangle between Cyn, Cruz, and Cyn's school friend and now colleague, Larry Kirby. Crane lovingly creates the unique ambiance of a cozy small town with a well-researched background concerning Cyn's military past. The ending is full of action and perfectly completes the plot, making this first installment a good premise for a captivating book series.
Recommend this book:
Goldhammer
A James Flynn Escapade Book 3
Haris Orkin
2023 Gold Medal
251 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Maria Victoria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Goldhammer: A James Flynn Escapade Book 3 by Haris Orkin is the third installment in this amusing series about the adventures of James Flynn. Convinced that he is a secret agent for Her Majesty’s Secret Service, our hero meets Chloe, a beautiful young aspiring actress at the City of Roses Psychiatric Hospital. She had been sedated and involuntarily committed to the facility, claiming that a powerful Hollywood producer wanted her dead. Flynn needed a mission. He could not remember the last time he was operational so he made it his mission to save Chloe. What followed is a series of hilarious events that led to a dangerous confrontation between Flynn and Goldhammer with his private army. Can Flynn save Chloe and humankind from this sociopath determined to dominate the world by controlling people’s minds?
Haris Orkin’s Goldhammer is an entertaining action-packed novel that details the adventures of James Flynn. It is a satirical parody of Ian Fleming’s James Bond. James Flynn is a likable character and his determination is admirable. Things get even more fascinating when he partners with Alessandra. The circumstances of her involvement are decidedly comical but are nevertheless plausible. After all, it’s not every day that one finds a man washed up on the beach. Fast-paced, there is never a boring moment in the twists and turns of the story. Orkin’s writing style is descriptive and it’s not difficult to imagine the scenes in his narrative. This is a laugh-out-loud novel and I highly recommend it to readers looking for a good chuckle.
Goldhammer: A James Flynn Escapade Book 3 by Haris Orkin is the third installment in this amusing series about the adventures of James Flynn. Convinced that he is a secret agent for Her Majesty’s Secret Service, our hero meets Chloe, a beautiful young aspiring actress at the City of Roses Psychiatric Hospital. She had been sedated and involuntarily committed to the facility, claiming that a powerful Hollywood producer wanted her dead. Flynn needed a mission. He could not remember the last time he was operational so he made it his mission to save Chloe. What followed is a series of hilarious events that led to a dangerous confrontation between Flynn and Goldhammer with his private army. Can Flynn save Chloe and humankind from this sociopath determined to dominate the world by controlling people’s minds?
Haris Orkin’s Goldhammer is an entertaining action-packed novel that details the adventures of James Flynn. It is a satirical parody of Ian Fleming’s James Bond. James Flynn is a likable character and his determination is admirable. Things get even more fascinating when he partners with Alessandra. The circumstances of her involvement are decidedly comical but are nevertheless plausible. After all, it’s not every day that one finds a man washed up on the beach. Fast-paced, there is never a boring moment in the twists and turns of the story. Orkin’s writing style is descriptive and it’s not difficult to imagine the scenes in his narrative. This is a laugh-out-loud novel and I highly recommend it to readers looking for a good chuckle.
Recommend this book:
And Then There's Margaret
Carolyn Clarke
2022 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
And Then There's Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is an entertaining story of midlife and mothers-in-law. Alison Montgomery has received the news that her father-in-law has passed away and now her mother-in-law is moving in - temporarily, she says. Alison should be glad to give her grieving mother-in-law, Margaret, a home but the truth is, she doesn’t like her. Margaret is manipulative and controlling and, while Alison tries her best, things come to a head when Margaret takes over her kitchen and her life, even giving Alison's daughter money to get away and throwing tantrums in public. Alison can only get through this with the help of her best friend and a bottle or two of Chardonnay. She has to juggle it all - her marriage, her adult children, midlife, and a meddling mother-in-law - it's enough to drive anyone to drink! Can Alison keep her temper? Will she and Margaret ever get on? Or should Alison just give up and walk away?
And Then There's Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is a hilarious tale that I'm sure many people can relate to. We've all heard the jokes and stories about mothers-in-law and, while some of them are perfectly nice, some are Margaret. This is an entertaining story that will have you in fits of laughter, although there is the bittersweet side of a woman coming to terms with the loss of her husband too. It's a well-written story with crisp, clear dialog that engages you from the start and characters that you can't help but relate to. It deals with real-life issues in a way so that you can understand and empathize with each character but I guarantee you one thing - you will pick sides in this story! With plenty of action and no small amount of humor, this is a great story to while away a few hours on a rainy day or on the beach.
And Then There's Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is an entertaining story of midlife and mothers-in-law. Alison Montgomery has received the news that her father-in-law has passed away and now her mother-in-law is moving in - temporarily, she says. Alison should be glad to give her grieving mother-in-law, Margaret, a home but the truth is, she doesn’t like her. Margaret is manipulative and controlling and, while Alison tries her best, things come to a head when Margaret takes over her kitchen and her life, even giving Alison's daughter money to get away and throwing tantrums in public. Alison can only get through this with the help of her best friend and a bottle or two of Chardonnay. She has to juggle it all - her marriage, her adult children, midlife, and a meddling mother-in-law - it's enough to drive anyone to drink! Can Alison keep her temper? Will she and Margaret ever get on? Or should Alison just give up and walk away?
And Then There's Margaret by Carolyn Clarke is a hilarious tale that I'm sure many people can relate to. We've all heard the jokes and stories about mothers-in-law and, while some of them are perfectly nice, some are Margaret. This is an entertaining story that will have you in fits of laughter, although there is the bittersweet side of a woman coming to terms with the loss of her husband too. It's a well-written story with crisp, clear dialog that engages you from the start and characters that you can't help but relate to. It deals with real-life issues in a way so that you can understand and empathize with each character but I guarantee you one thing - you will pick sides in this story! With plenty of action and no small amount of humor, this is a great story to while away a few hours on a rainy day or on the beach.
Recommend this book:
Once Is Never Enough
A James Flynn Escapade
Haris Orkin
2022 Honorable Mention
397 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite
Once Is Never Enough: A James Flynn Escapade by Haris Orkin pokes fun once again at the spy action genre in this second installment. The last time we saw James Flynn, he was under the illusion that he was a British secret service agent with a call sign of Double-O. This time, Flynn is in a mental asylum and is still convinced that he is a secret agent. Goolardo, his nemesis from the first book, has escaped from prison along with his henchman, Mendoza. They attempt to liquidate Flynn, and this triggers Flynn to snap into his British spy mode and be recruited by billionaire Sergei Belenki. Flynn’s mission is to prevent harmful information leaks that are perpetrated by Russia. Unbeknownst to Flynn, Belenki is hiding his own agenda, and it has something to do with a superior intelligence so far beyond our own that we cannot even begin to comprehend it. The world’s fate hangs in the balance, and its salvation is in the hands of a nut job.
Once is Never Enough is relentless both in action and humor. I think of it as Johnny English minus the vacuity. James Flynn appears to be deadpan serious so that he emerges as comedic in a world full of danger and intrigue. Haris Orkin has written a spy novel that makes an elaborate joke of the genre, and perhaps this is what we need right now considering the string of James Bond movies with all the serious bravado that famous British actors have projected into the character. James Flynn becomes a welcome alternative. As the action gets more furious, so does the humor. The story reveals Orkin as a humorous fiction writer as he indulges readers with a heavy-handed satire and such engaging inversions. It’s comedic action at its best, and I look forward to another James Flynn adventure.
Once Is Never Enough: A James Flynn Escapade by Haris Orkin pokes fun once again at the spy action genre in this second installment. The last time we saw James Flynn, he was under the illusion that he was a British secret service agent with a call sign of Double-O. This time, Flynn is in a mental asylum and is still convinced that he is a secret agent. Goolardo, his nemesis from the first book, has escaped from prison along with his henchman, Mendoza. They attempt to liquidate Flynn, and this triggers Flynn to snap into his British spy mode and be recruited by billionaire Sergei Belenki. Flynn’s mission is to prevent harmful information leaks that are perpetrated by Russia. Unbeknownst to Flynn, Belenki is hiding his own agenda, and it has something to do with a superior intelligence so far beyond our own that we cannot even begin to comprehend it. The world’s fate hangs in the balance, and its salvation is in the hands of a nut job.
Once is Never Enough is relentless both in action and humor. I think of it as Johnny English minus the vacuity. James Flynn appears to be deadpan serious so that he emerges as comedic in a world full of danger and intrigue. Haris Orkin has written a spy novel that makes an elaborate joke of the genre, and perhaps this is what we need right now considering the string of James Bond movies with all the serious bravado that famous British actors have projected into the character. James Flynn becomes a welcome alternative. As the action gets more furious, so does the humor. The story reveals Orkin as a humorous fiction writer as he indulges readers with a heavy-handed satire and such engaging inversions. It’s comedic action at its best, and I look forward to another James Flynn adventure.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/certified&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51jhFAmsgkL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Certified by Roger Wilson-Crane is a comedy-drama novel containing three inter-connected stories signifying three significant milestones in a man's life. Inspired by real events, the book follows an unnamed narrator who recounts three momentous events from his life. "One Unexpected Birth" follows the narrator as he finally finds the love of his lif...){kind=link}
Certified
One Unexpected Birth... One Hapless Wedding... One Bizarre Death
Roger Wilson-Crane
2022 Bronze Medal
316 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Certified by Roger Wilson-Crane is a comedy-drama novel containing three inter-connected stories signifying three significant milestones in a man's life. Inspired by real events, the book follows an unnamed narrator who recounts three momentous events from his life. "One Unexpected Birth" follows the narrator as he finally finds the love of his life after a string of dysfunctional relationships, only to face a blast from the past on the day he becomes a father. In "One Hapless Wedding", the narrator and his bride-to-be plan the wedding of their dreams in the beautiful locale of Puglia, Italy, only to witness Justin Timberlake, of all people, hijack their designated venue. In "One Bizarre Death", the narrator mourns the loss of a loved one and tries to navigate the unexpected circumstances following their death.
Infused with themes of love, loss, heartbreak, and hope, Certified is a humorous yet moving anthology that perfectly demonstrates how life has a way of pulling the rug out from under your feet when you're least expecting it. Author Roger Wilson-Crane's quick-witted dialogue and humor make the narrative a breeze to go through. I actually chuckled out loud quite a few times while reading about the hilarious situations the narrator himself found himself in, more often than not through no fault of his own. Apart from the humor, there is a lot of heart and emotional resonance to the stories. The characters are regular everyday people you will find easy to relate to. I had a wonderful time reading Certified. If you're looking for a grounded comedy-drama novel, I highly recommend it.
Certified by Roger Wilson-Crane is a comedy-drama novel containing three inter-connected stories signifying three significant milestones in a man's life. Inspired by real events, the book follows an unnamed narrator who recounts three momentous events from his life. "One Unexpected Birth" follows the narrator as he finally finds the love of his life after a string of dysfunctional relationships, only to face a blast from the past on the day he becomes a father. In "One Hapless Wedding", the narrator and his bride-to-be plan the wedding of their dreams in the beautiful locale of Puglia, Italy, only to witness Justin Timberlake, of all people, hijack their designated venue. In "One Bizarre Death", the narrator mourns the loss of a loved one and tries to navigate the unexpected circumstances following their death.
Infused with themes of love, loss, heartbreak, and hope, Certified is a humorous yet moving anthology that perfectly demonstrates how life has a way of pulling the rug out from under your feet when you're least expecting it. Author Roger Wilson-Crane's quick-witted dialogue and humor make the narrative a breeze to go through. I actually chuckled out loud quite a few times while reading about the hilarious situations the narrator himself found himself in, more often than not through no fault of his own. Apart from the humor, there is a lot of heart and emotional resonance to the stories. The characters are regular everyday people you will find easy to relate to. I had a wonderful time reading Certified. If you're looking for a grounded comedy-drama novel, I highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Ruby Roy and The Murder in the Falls
Ruby Roy Mysteries Book 1
Rima Ray
2022 Silver Medal
232 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Ruby Roy and The Murder in the Falls is a work of fiction in the mystery, suspense, and adventure subgenres and serves as the first installment in the Ruby Roy Mysteries series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Rima Ray. The book follows college professor Ruby Roy, an imaginative-if-clumsy woman, who loves a good murder mystery tale. After she finds the dead body of her Chair, she is plunged into a real-life murder mystery as she tries to get to the bottom of who killed him and why, aided ably by her husband, Cleo.
This was a highly engaging and exciting opening installment in what I hope is a long series of mystery novels, with a central web of mystery that grows deeper and more complex as the story unfolds and Ruby pulls at the threads until it perfectly crescendos with one last big twist in the tale. Author Rima Ray wastes no time in establishing her pedigree as a producer of dynamic and clever mysteries, and Ruby is a refreshing vision of a detective to work the case to completion. I loved the balance between the darkness of the crime being investigated and the gentle humor generated by Ruby’s quirky and imaginative approach to investigation. Overall, Ruby Roy and The Murder in the Falls is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often takes itself too seriously, bringing a likable and fun detective to life without compromising on the grit and drama that makes a mystery thriller exciting.
Ruby Roy and The Murder in the Falls is a work of fiction in the mystery, suspense, and adventure subgenres and serves as the first installment in the Ruby Roy Mysteries series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Rima Ray. The book follows college professor Ruby Roy, an imaginative-if-clumsy woman, who loves a good murder mystery tale. After she finds the dead body of her Chair, she is plunged into a real-life murder mystery as she tries to get to the bottom of who killed him and why, aided ably by her husband, Cleo.
This was a highly engaging and exciting opening installment in what I hope is a long series of mystery novels, with a central web of mystery that grows deeper and more complex as the story unfolds and Ruby pulls at the threads until it perfectly crescendos with one last big twist in the tale. Author Rima Ray wastes no time in establishing her pedigree as a producer of dynamic and clever mysteries, and Ruby is a refreshing vision of a detective to work the case to completion. I loved the balance between the darkness of the crime being investigated and the gentle humor generated by Ruby’s quirky and imaginative approach to investigation. Overall, Ruby Roy and The Murder in the Falls is a breath of fresh air in a genre that often takes itself too seriously, bringing a likable and fun detective to life without compromising on the grit and drama that makes a mystery thriller exciting.
Recommend this book:
 by Kate Darroch is a superb Paris-based murder mystery with a swift, captivating plot and a powerful ending. It is 1970 and close friends Màiri and Lianna are on a short holiday in Paris before traveling to Istanbul where Màiri has taken up a prestigious position at a high school. Shortly after their...){kind=link}
Death in Paris
Màiri Maguire Cozy Mysteries
Kate Darroch
2022 Gold Medal
250 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite
Death in Paris (Màiri Maguire Cozy Mysteries) by Kate Darroch is a superb Paris-based murder mystery with a swift, captivating plot and a powerful ending. It is 1970 and close friends Màiri and Lianna are on a short holiday in Paris before traveling to Istanbul where Màiri has taken up a prestigious position at a high school. Shortly after their arrival, a dishonest taxman is murdered and Lianna is accused of the crime. Convinced of her friend’s innocence and determined to see Lianna released, Màiri sets out to discover who the killer is. With Major Ellis Peverel’s support and her excellent observation skills, Màiri gets closer to the truth. But a group of criminals is after her and a key suspect is concealing important clues regarding the murder.
I loved how well Màiri’s background in Glasgow is developed. I found the characters compelling and the story-telling humorous. Màiri and Lianna make an amusing pair and I found their conversations entertaining. I got to understand Màiri better as the lead character through her voice which is used to narrate the events. The story’s pace is fast and the surprising revelations kept coming as I turned each page. I also found the action scenes gripping and loved that the tension in the story is maintained from the beginning to the final page. Kate Darroch's stunning cozy mystery, Death in Paris, is a must-read for fans of the genre who will love its entertaining, realistic characters and riveting mystery. I loved the story and will be looking out for more of Darroch’s books. Highly recommended!
Death in Paris (Màiri Maguire Cozy Mysteries) by Kate Darroch is a superb Paris-based murder mystery with a swift, captivating plot and a powerful ending. It is 1970 and close friends Màiri and Lianna are on a short holiday in Paris before traveling to Istanbul where Màiri has taken up a prestigious position at a high school. Shortly after their arrival, a dishonest taxman is murdered and Lianna is accused of the crime. Convinced of her friend’s innocence and determined to see Lianna released, Màiri sets out to discover who the killer is. With Major Ellis Peverel’s support and her excellent observation skills, Màiri gets closer to the truth. But a group of criminals is after her and a key suspect is concealing important clues regarding the murder.
I loved how well Màiri’s background in Glasgow is developed. I found the characters compelling and the story-telling humorous. Màiri and Lianna make an amusing pair and I found their conversations entertaining. I got to understand Màiri better as the lead character through her voice which is used to narrate the events. The story’s pace is fast and the surprising revelations kept coming as I turned each page. I also found the action scenes gripping and loved that the tension in the story is maintained from the beginning to the final page. Kate Darroch's stunning cozy mystery, Death in Paris, is a must-read for fans of the genre who will love its entertaining, realistic characters and riveting mystery. I loved the story and will be looking out for more of Darroch’s books. Highly recommended!
Recommend this book:
Oh Daddy Chronicles
Barry Robbins
2021 Gold Medal
257 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
The Oh Daddy Chronicles by Barry Robbins is described as “a contemporary political satire” that “takes current events and explains what we thought was unexplainable.” The book, however, thrusts much deeper into the heart of satire and, in reality, is a total lampooning of President Donald J. Trump, the Trump family, and those who back and enable them. Perhaps we have in author Barry Robbins a new and more direct version of Douglas C. Kenney, co-founder of the National Lampoon magazine and the National Lampoon Radio Hour, or even the great writers who collaborated to produce the famous and hilarious British movie, The Life of Brian. Regardless of comparisons, Barry Robbins has written a satirical look into a man who will surely be remembered in history as the absolute worst American president... by far (as he himself often claims)!
The Oh Daddy Chronicles has no plot, per se. It isn’t set up in the three-act format used in stories or novels. Instead, it’s a series of episodes that describe visits and conversations by a variety of people in Trump’s circle of family, friends, and subservient employees/government officials. Readers who have “followed” Trump through love or hate (there seems to be no middle ground with him) will recognize many of the scenes and characters as depicted all across television and social media. At the very least, Trump’s inability to talk in complete sentences, misuse of word definitions, and his psychologically impaired mind is proof positive of the verisimilitude that forms the foundation for this satirical look at “Forty-Five.” I thought some episodes a bit over the top, the inanity far beyond imbecilic, until I realized that the scenes were perfectly aligned with the reality of the man and the situations. For me... no fan of Trump, the book was a refreshing laugh a minute read that helped me overcome my overwhelming desire to strangle the man or throw a vase through the television every time he appeared. This is Saturday Night Live, in written form, on steroids!
The Oh Daddy Chronicles by Barry Robbins is described as “a contemporary political satire” that “takes current events and explains what we thought was unexplainable.” The book, however, thrusts much deeper into the heart of satire and, in reality, is a total lampooning of President Donald J. Trump, the Trump family, and those who back and enable them. Perhaps we have in author Barry Robbins a new and more direct version of Douglas C. Kenney, co-founder of the National Lampoon magazine and the National Lampoon Radio Hour, or even the great writers who collaborated to produce the famous and hilarious British movie, The Life of Brian. Regardless of comparisons, Barry Robbins has written a satirical look into a man who will surely be remembered in history as the absolute worst American president... by far (as he himself often claims)!
The Oh Daddy Chronicles has no plot, per se. It isn’t set up in the three-act format used in stories or novels. Instead, it’s a series of episodes that describe visits and conversations by a variety of people in Trump’s circle of family, friends, and subservient employees/government officials. Readers who have “followed” Trump through love or hate (there seems to be no middle ground with him) will recognize many of the scenes and characters as depicted all across television and social media. At the very least, Trump’s inability to talk in complete sentences, misuse of word definitions, and his psychologically impaired mind is proof positive of the verisimilitude that forms the foundation for this satirical look at “Forty-Five.” I thought some episodes a bit over the top, the inanity far beyond imbecilic, until I realized that the scenes were perfectly aligned with the reality of the man and the situations. For me... no fan of Trump, the book was a refreshing laugh a minute read that helped me overcome my overwhelming desire to strangle the man or throw a vase through the television every time he appeared. This is Saturday Night Live, in written form, on steroids!
Recommend this book:
Cooking for Cannibals
Rich Leder
2021 Finalist
371 Pages
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Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Cooking for Cannibals by Rich Leder is a horror-comedy novel that revolves around an introverted scientist, Carrie Kromer, and a freshly paroled expert meat butcher looking to parlay his skills into a new career as a chef. When Carrie steals the recipe for an age-defying serum, the effects are as miraculous as her late conception and she's able to work her experimental magic on the elderly. Meanwhile, Johnny Fairfax is being extorted by his shady parole officer who pitches an offer that's accepted by Carrie but by a group of young-again nursing home patients? Not so much. When the LAPD comes sniffing around their kitchen, the budding romance almost-couple are able to cook up an answer that might save them from prison, but does little to stop a fixer who is out to take back the miracle capsules Carrie absconded with.
I'm not sure how a story that takes place almost entirely in a nursing home could be cool and funny, but somehow Rich Leder makes it so in Cooking for Cannibals. The entire third-person narrative that moves between Carrie and Johnny brings to life two people who are polar opposites, except for their link to a life of crime. Carrie is new to the felonious world that Johnny has spent most of his adult life in, yet they seem to complement each other in a way that feels authentic. This is no small feat given that Carrie's strait-laced and intelligent upbringing is a wild contrast to Johnny, who is covered neck to toe in tattoos. Leder's writing is clean, tight, and entertaining. It is dripping with wit and just enough sarcasm to keep the story moving with a smile without stepping over the line into trying-too-hard territory. Cooking for Cannibals is the book that would be born if the Santa Clarita Diet and A Cure for Wellness had a child, and I have no doubt it will be well-received by all who are fortunate enough to read it.
Cooking for Cannibals by Rich Leder is a horror-comedy novel that revolves around an introverted scientist, Carrie Kromer, and a freshly paroled expert meat butcher looking to parlay his skills into a new career as a chef. When Carrie steals the recipe for an age-defying serum, the effects are as miraculous as her late conception and she's able to work her experimental magic on the elderly. Meanwhile, Johnny Fairfax is being extorted by his shady parole officer who pitches an offer that's accepted by Carrie but by a group of young-again nursing home patients? Not so much. When the LAPD comes sniffing around their kitchen, the budding romance almost-couple are able to cook up an answer that might save them from prison, but does little to stop a fixer who is out to take back the miracle capsules Carrie absconded with.
I'm not sure how a story that takes place almost entirely in a nursing home could be cool and funny, but somehow Rich Leder makes it so in Cooking for Cannibals. The entire third-person narrative that moves between Carrie and Johnny brings to life two people who are polar opposites, except for their link to a life of crime. Carrie is new to the felonious world that Johnny has spent most of his adult life in, yet they seem to complement each other in a way that feels authentic. This is no small feat given that Carrie's strait-laced and intelligent upbringing is a wild contrast to Johnny, who is covered neck to toe in tattoos. Leder's writing is clean, tight, and entertaining. It is dripping with wit and just enough sarcasm to keep the story moving with a smile without stepping over the line into trying-too-hard territory. Cooking for Cannibals is the book that would be born if the Santa Clarita Diet and A Cure for Wellness had a child, and I have no doubt it will be well-received by all who are fortunate enough to read it.
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