BLOGGER TEMPLATES - TWITTER BACKGROUNDS »

Sunday, May 29, 2011

"Buddhism: The Essence" by David Tuffley


Synopsis – (from goodreads.com)


The distilled essence of Buddhism in plain English. Contains the essential truths that you can apply in your life.


~~~~~~~~~~


Rating: 5 out of 5

Genre: Beliefs (Buddhism)

It may seem strange for me to give such a high rating for a book that is only 33 pages. I do have my reasons.

First of all, this book is a simple introduction to bits of Buddhism. It is not meant to be a full explanation. It is simply a taste of what can become a full way of living. Second, it is only 33 pages. What do you expect to get from a short book?

Anyone looking for a lengthy explanation, this is a never-read.

It shows you "The Essence" of Buddhism. It also does not claim to explain it in its entirety or as much as one could explain something like this.

If you are looking for something new or different for what ever reason you are looking, this is a must-try. It is short enough to hold your attention and explains quickly the basics of this belief/way of living.

Friday, May 20, 2011

"Trapped" by Jack Kilborn (J.A. Konrath)


Synopsis – (from goodreads.com)

A group of city kids on an overnight camping trip get more than they signed up for in this non-stop, rocket right straight into terror. Imagine the worst thing that can happen to you.

~~~~~~~~~~

Before I rate this book, I have to mention that I read two versions of it. The first was the final edited version and the second was the uncut version. I will rate them together because they are essentially the same story. There are big differences from one to the other, but those will be discussed in the hidden spoiler section below.

Rating: 3 out of 5 (edited version)

Rating: 4 out of 5 (uncut version)

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Genre: Horror

As usual, Kilborn tantalized my ocular sense with gruesome acts and a spine-tingling horror story.

The edited version (EV) felt like the whole story was not being shared with the reader. This is likely due to the editing. The uncut version (UV) filled in the gaps that the EV left out. The UV also allowed for a story that made much more sense than the EV. There was one totally unnecessary addition made to the EV that made me keep saying, “There better be a point to this?”

The UV was very descriptive. I am not sure why the editors tore the book apart the way they did. It was so much better than the EV. It made a heck of a lot more sense than the EV. There was nothing to hate about the UV.

I understand I am being pretty vague here, but if I got into the details, I may give away some of the fun-tastical story. Please bear with me, especially if you have not read this book yet.

The UV has grammatical errors along with spelling errors, but this to be expected with an uncut, unedited book. Despite these small flaws, the UV was much more fulfilling to me as a fan of Kilborn (J.A. Konrath).

I recommend reading both versions simply to see the differences for yourself.

As for choosing my preferred version, it would most definitely be the uncut version. The story flowed much better and the original characters made it much more believable. I found myself saying, “Oh, now that makes sense!” In addition, the UV does not “feel’ like it is jumping from one person to another.

The EV felt like some of the characters were forced into the story unwillingly. The story felt jumpy. What do I mean? I mean that the story felt lacking in believability. It was not true to itself as far as story-telling goes. It was almost as if I was being lied to.


~!~Discussion and Spoilers Here~!~





!~*~Spoiler Alert~*~!

The first major and most important difference was the unnecessary baby.

~In the edited version (EV) there was a baby. It had no real purpose in the story and was more of a distraction that anything else. It really did not have too much to do with the story going on around it. It really felt like an afterthought. It was like pushing a square peg into a circular hole. It just did not fit properly.

~*~Seriously, any one of us who has children knows for a fact that a baby would not be that quiet with all that ruckus happening around it. (i.e. jostling, not eating regularly, being hung from a tree) It was very unnecessary.

~In the uncut version (UV) there was no baby. I was so thankful for that! It allowed for the characters and story to move in a more natural fluidity.

The next big difference was what actually happened to Sara when she was a child.

~In the EV, she was playing with some cousins at her aunt’s house and then went to a near-by barn. Her boy cousin eventually coaxed her into an old trunk and locked her in. Sara was stuck in the trunk for several hours and was let out by the boy cousin. He then threatened her with a very big knife so she would not tell on him.

~In the UV version, there was no visit to an aunt’s house or cousins. This version had a kidnapper named Paulie Gunther Spence and a friend named Louise. Paulie had kidnapped Sara and Louise. He locked the two girls in a car trunk. He proceeded to remove Louise and do horrific things to her all the while describing to Sara his actions. He also described the knife he was using on Louise.

~*~I liked both versions, although, I prefer the kidnapping scenario because that would be scarier to me. As for Sara being locked in an old trunk by a cousin, well, eventually that aunt would notice she was gone and would go look for her. It is no less traumatic. But for this story, the kidnapping had more of an effect on me. It was a more suitable puzzle piece. It also made Subject 33 more of an important character in the UV.

A minor, but notable change was the Georgia and Lester scene in the beginning of the story.

~In the EV, Georgia and Lester did not have sex. She gave him a hand-job. She did not even consider having sex with Lester at all.

~In the UV, these two did have sex. She wanted it and Lester was more than willing to oblige.

~*~The reason I wanted to note this was because it made sense to have them have sex. She was already a nutty-freak herself. She had no sense of self esteem and simply having anyone want her in any way was a definite bonus in her eyes. This version allows for a better connection between the two of them later in the story. It was a nice addition!

Another big change was the General and Kong.

~The EV had a General named Tope. He had been watching the island via satellite and had business with the doctor.

~The UV had a director of a prison system from China involving the same business with the doctor.

~*~The base story of how these guys were involved were similar in both versions. They both wanted to have Plincer’s serum to gain control over the world. I prefer the UV version because Kong is everything that true American’s despise since 9/11. What could be more evil than someone from another country plotting to kill everyone in another country?! Scary!

***My comparison is only that of the hatred of Americans, by the book’s character Kong, and wanting to get rid of them by any means necessary. It’s a story and my opinion about the story, not about China, Americans or 9/11. Relax, it’s a book review.***

There are other changes, but the ones above are the most worthy of a mention.





Wednesday, May 18, 2011

"A Daring Twist" by Leigh Ellwood


Synopsis – (from goodreads.com)

A Dareville short! It's Karaoke Night at the local Cinco de Mayo celebration, but Red Marbury is singing the blues. When a gorgeous barfly named Miguel offers to cheer him up, Red comes to realize he can still enjoy the fireworks.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 2 out of 5

Genre: Short Story, Erotica

This is another short erotica. I must say a disappointing one at that.

I was expecting a bit more erotica in this story, but was let down big time. Yes, there was an erotic scene within this story, but it fell flat. It was very brief and left a lot to be desired.

It is a quickie-read.

If you are looking for a detailed experience, this is a never-read.

"The Mailman's Tale" by Carl East


Synopsis – (from goodreads.com)

Mailmen have always got a story or two to tell, however not too many are quite like this one. ***This tale is graphic in nature and is meant for adults only*** Enjoy

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 3 out of 5

Genre: Short Story, Erotica

This was a nice and short erotic story. The erotica could have been a bit more descriptive and a bit longer. It felt a little rushed, but that is usually the case, in my experience, with most short stories.

If you are looking for a quickie, this is for you.

If you are looking for something with a lot of detail, this is a never-read.

Saturday, May 14, 2011

"Needing Nita" (To Serve and Protect #3.5) by Norah Wilson


Synopsis – (from goodreads.com)

Attorney Nita Reynolds is hot for Det. Craig Walker, but he's given up asking her out. She doesn't date cops...until a doctor's call makes her re-examine her priorities. Believing she has a brain tumor like the one that killed her father, she vows to make love to Craig Walker while she still has her full faculties. By the time the doctor realizes he's mixed up the scans, she's in way too deep.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 5 out of 5

Genre: Short Story, Erotica

I am currently in the middle of a horror and wanted to switch things up. This story sounded interesting so I tried it on for size. It fit like a glove. Even though it is a short story it is well written. I did not realize it was part of an ongoing series. I am glad it is. I just may read the others to eat up time or break up the monotony of my horror/splatterpunk desires.

The base story is a typical man likes woman and woman likes man but they playfully pick on each other. Some bad news is reported to the woman and she decides to go all out and give in to her desires. Later, she finds out the bad news was a mistake. Oh no! Now she has this escapade she experienced to deal with. How will it end? Read it.

The sex scenes were pleasantly described so one could perfectly picture them in the mind.

Very nice and easy read. I recommend it for a quickie…no pun intended.

Friday, May 13, 2011

Discussion Group on GoodReads.com

I have created my own discussion group on Good Reads dot com. Why? I can not stand some the groups that are on there. They make a new topic for something specific...it lasts awhile...then it goes straight to chit-chat. It completely strays from the topic at hand and never returns.

I made my own.

Please feel free to visit or even join the group!

Hope to see you there.... Abysmal Misery

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

"Meat" by Joseph D' Lacey


Synopsis: (from goodreads.com)

A nightmarish vision of a very twisted food chain-you'll never look at meat in the same way again.

Abyrne is a decaying town, trapped by an advancing wilderness. Its people depend on meat for survival, meat supplied by the processing plant on the edge of town. Meat is sanctified and precious in Abyrne, eaten with devout solemnity by everyone. A feud smolders between the town's religious and secular powers-whoever controls the food supply controls everything, and conflict is imminent. But a handful of people suspect Abyrne is evil, rotten to its religious heart, and they are prepared to sacrifice everything for the truth. What goes on in the meat processing plant? Where does meat really come from? The townsfolk are hungry. The townsfolk must be fed.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 2 out of 5


Genre: Apocalyptic, Horror, Science Fiction, Dystopia

I was expecting a horror book, but instead I got a book that, I felt, was preaching to me. The subject matter could be horrific providing it really happened, but it did not.

This book left me feeling ripped-off and praying for its end to near almost halfway through the book. I also found myself falling asleep, literally, during most of it.

I am extremely picky about my books and this one came highly-recommended. I gave this book two stars because it had the potential to be a great horror. The extra star came from the story not being bad, but it absolutely could not hold my interest for more than 4-5 pages at a time. I just do not like being preached to throughout a book that I bought to read for fun.

I really wanted to like this book, but it flopped to appease my expectations.

I recommend this book to vegans, vegetarians and those who are thinking about becoming either. D'Lacey preaches quite a bit about not eating meat.

I do not recommend this book to anyone looking for a good horror. This is a never-read. You will be disappointed.

*review published with permission on http://narwo.com/archives/1619 *

"Off Season" by Jack Ketchum


Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

A family of savage murderers preys on unsuspecting tourists on a small island off the coast of Maine.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 2 out of 5


Genre: Horror, Thriller

"Off Season" was simply OK. It was not thrilling or suspenseful in any way. Ketchum's writing style caused me to re-read many of the sentences to be sure I understood what exactly he was saying.

I got lost at times. It could have been because the story bored me through most of the book. This was probably not Ketchum's fault as the editors tore his original to shreds during the editing process.

If you are looking for something exciting, this is a never-read. If you are looking for something to read because there is nothing else available, this is the book for you. I do not think Ketchum's style is for me. Live and learn.

"Bunnies" by Justin Cawthorne


Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

Some friends lie to you, keep you safe from the horrors of the world, give you gifts that mean nothing. Katarina isn't one of those friends. With Easter just two days away she makes her way to her best friend's house with a gift that means the world to her. It's a gift her friend will never forget. For as long as he lives.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 2 out of 5


Genre: Short Story, Horror

A quick story about a girl who "talks" to her bunnies. She is considered "weird" by the kids at school, but she does not care. All that matters to her are her pet bunnies. I would not mess with her though.

The ending left a lot to be desired though.

Good read if you only have a few moments to yourself during a lunch break or waiting for an oil change.

"Graves' by Justin Cawthorne



Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

In a small town, a grave stone appears on a lonely mans lawn. He is found dead the next day. The grave stone begins to appear on other neighbor's lawns and the mystery begins...

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 2 out of 5

Genre: Short Story, Chiller

A head-stone appears one day and people start dying. It sounds kind of boring, yes? It was a bit boring, but I think it was due to it being a short story. The plot could be developed into a wonderful story if it were longer. It is predictable.

"Endurance" by Jack Kilborn (J.A. Konrath)


Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

From the author of AFRAID comes a non-stop descent into madness, murder, and living nightmares. When four female triathletes are forced to stay at a creepy bed and breakfast in the middle of the West Virginia woods, they had no idea of the horrors in store. They are forced to fight for survival against an evil as secret as it is terrifying--and some of them won't get out alive..

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 4 out of 5


Genre: Horror

This book reminded me of "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" mostly. It was a quick and easy read. The story builds the more you read. Some may think it is slow in the beginning, but it picks up sooner than you think.

There were pretty many suspenseful parts leaving me looking at my closet to ensure it was closed. I'm just glad that my bed is flat on the floor so I did not have to keep looking under there too! I love stories like this that make you check your locks and windows 2-4 times before even considering going to bed.

I do not scare easily, but this book did have me double-check various rooms and doors in my house. I love when stories can get to me in that fashion. It is not often that they are able to do that. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel a little paranoid after each reading session.

An Inn, off-set in the backwoods, is the setting for this paranoid-horror ride. Blood, incest, deformities, torture, and former presidents of the United States are poured into your soul as your read each page. A very fun read!

"Strawberries" by Justin Cawthorne


Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

Strawberries. Delicious, tasty, juicy strawberries. What could possibly go wrong...?

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 4 out of 5


Genre: Short Story, Horror

I was only going to give this short story 3 stars, but the ending changed my mind.

People are going crazy over these delicious strawberries. They are even fighting one another for them. What's so great about these strawberries? Take a chance and read this quick story to find out.

The story was interesting, but the ending made me like it even more.

I love strawberries! ;)

"Lap Dance" (Naughty Nooners Series) by Sally Painter


Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

Cat’s last task in the Extreme Challenge is to give a lap dance to a stranger. Simple—until she landed on Grant Evanston’s lap. Now she’s a pulsating wreck each time she rubs against him. The new challenge is to not have an orgasm in front of everyone.

Grant needs a woman to accept his true gargoyle form before sunrise or he’ll be imprisoned in stone for another twenty years. His extreme challenge just became to not rip the scant costume from the curvaceous Cat. The sexy redhead has set him on fire and there’s only one way this teasing lap dance can end.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 2 out of 5


Genre: Erotica, Short Story, Paranormal

It was only 25 pages and a very quick read. The story has potential if it were longer. The story was alright, but not quite my cup of tea. Creature relations bore me a bit.

"The Bighead" by Edward Lee


Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

Who is he? What is he? An inbred homicidal pervert? A supernatural psychopath? Who or whatever he is, he's on a roll now, raging out of the Virginia backwoods and leaving in his wake a trail of blood, guts, and disgust far beyond the limits of your reckoning. Never before has a work of fiction dared to delve so deeply into the realms of perversion, sexual dementia, and bad taste.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 4 out of 5


Genre: Horror

I was not sure what I was getting myself into when I purchased this book. This is only the second book from Lee I have read. I was not sure what to really expect after reading various reviews of this book. In short, I liked it. I took 1 star away due to numerous editing errors that should have been fixed during the editing process.

The story jumps around between various characters of the story. Following the different stories can get a bit tedious, but they all tie in together nicely in the end.

I really do not wish to spew out a 'back-cover" review. So, I won't.

If you are looking for a smooth read, this is a never-read for you. It jumps around a lot from many different characters. There is also a lot of redneck-speak which, at times, can be hard to read and even decipher. If you are still intrigued, then be warned that there are almost constant rape-situations and various disturbing sexual acts that many may not be able to stomach. This book is pretty sick.

Another must mention, there is much talk about God and other religious subjects that may turn even the most open-minded believers into outraged readers. If you feel you cannot handle blasphemy of the Catholic Church, this book is a never-read.

I could hardly put this book down when I had to do real-life things. I was always thinking about it when I was not reading it and wondering what was going to happen next while I was reading it. It is not for everyone. If you like to dabble in the unknown or the sickening, try this book on for size. It may leave a disgusting taste in your mouth.

Be warned!

(This was the book I was reading when I was having my demon nightmares.)

"The House" by Edward Lee


Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

THE PIG: The traditional tale of a man with big city dreams and how one wrong deal can put you in the woods filming porn with junkie whores, sexual freaks, psycho mobsters and, oh yeah...a pig.

THE HOUSE: Melvin has come to investigate the so-called haunted house. Soon his dreams smash head first into the memories of a man sentenced to film the most atrocious sex acts imaginable.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 4 out of 5


Genre: Splatterpunk, Horror

This book has two stories, "The Pig" and "The House". The first story begins in 1977 and the second continues the first but many years later. With that, I will review them separately.

"The Pig" was pretty much disgusting and not for any animal-lover. It is a definite never-read for animal lovers! If you can take a lot of animal cruelty and beastiality, then give "The Pig" a read. It is not only about that, but does have a considerable amount of rape and other grotesque acts incorporated into this story about a man who simply wants to make movies.

I must admit, this is my first Edward Lee read and so far I am impressed. Although, "The Pig" ended too abruptly for my liking. Hence, minus one star.

"The House" is a continuation of "The Pig". This story held my interest for the duration. I could not put the book down for anything. I sat and read it in one sitting, which is rare for me. The is no beastiality in this story, but there are many crude sexual acts that can be considered disturbing. Again, a man who simply wants to do his job, as a journalist this time, is put into a tight situation in the same house that "The Pig" was setup in. All the previous stories intertwine into this amusing yet stomach churning tale of ghostly sickness.

I recommend this book to those who can stomach and/or enjoy the disturbing and grotesque.

"Naked Lunch" by William S. Burroughs


Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

Naked Lunch is one of the most important novels of the twentieth century. Exerting its influence on the work of authors like Thomas Pynchon, J. G. Ballard, and William Gibson, on the relationship of art and obscenity, and on the shape of music, film, and media generally, it is one of the books that redefined not just literature but American culture. Reedited by Burroughs scholar Barry Miles and Burroughs's longtime editor James Grauerholz, Naked Lunch: The Restored Text includes many editorial corrections to errors present in previous editions, and incorporates Burroughs's notes on the text, several essays he wrote over the years about the book, and an appendix of 20 percent all-new material and alternate drafts from the original manuscript, which predates the first published version. For the Burroughs enthusiast and the neophyte, this volume is a valuable and fresh experience of this classic of our culture.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 4 out of 5


Genre: Classic, American Literature, Contemporary

This book is not for very many people. It is very confusing and it jumps around in a lunatic-type way. If you are into thinking and being talked to by a book, this is your book. If you are looking for a story, this is a never-read.

I read about 15 pages of this book and had a look of extreme confusion on my face the entire time. It went from one crazy story to another. One story had nothing to do with the previous story then it jumped back into a previous story with additions. Are you dizzy yet?

I went online to read reviews of this book to see if I could be enlightened as to what the heck was going on and if I was missing something. I had to read A LOT of reviews. Even the reviews were a swirling mass of confusion...sort of like Alice in Wonderland but ten times as screwy! I found a review that told it like it was.

It stated, and I'm paraphrasing here, that there is no order to this book. You must read this book with an open mind and simply let each section process on its own. This means that one story is not a continuation of another. They are separate delusions not meant to be shared with the other delusions. A reader can open the book in the middle and begin there without missing anything. There is absolutely no order to this book.

As a first time read, I would read the articles in the back (Naked Lunch: The Restored Text Edition) FIRST, to understand what is happening in the beginning, if that is where one would start.

I understood the book and was able to see the brilliance of the book after reading the various articles at the end. It may seem like a bunch of babbling nonsense.....but it is not supposed to make sense. He is a junkie, telling stories/delusions of a junkie. If you have ever known a junkie, majority of what they say while high makes no sense most of the time. This is a great example and looking-glass into how some drug abusers may see the world while high.

This is a very difficult read especially for those of you who are expecting a story-type book. This is not a story...it's brilliant babble.

I would have to say that I hated to read this book but I love this book. It makes you think and it makes you crazy. I am so glad I did not stop reading this book. Accepting the chaos allowed for me to open my mind even further than it already was.

"High Life" by Matthew Stokoe


Synopsis - (from barnesandnoble.com)

A cult classic—visceral LA noir.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 5 out of 5


Genre: Mystery, Noir, Splatterpunk

I did not read very much, until now. I have decided to pick up reading as my new hobby. My friend and former English professor suggested this book as my first real read in my new hobby. Wow, what a story to begin with!

This story reads nice and the pace is steady. The story itself starts out with an interesting character named Jack. He goes through various situations that are sick, twisted, demented and at times grotesque. There is incest, necrophilia and other disgustingly interesting acts.

This book is grotesquely sexy as my taste in subject matter can be a little off compared to others. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has the taste for demented twistedness with a side of gruesome sickness.

"Cows" by Matthew Stokoe


Synopsis - (from goodreads.com)

One of the most outrageous, original, and insightful books ever written on the subject of alienation and societal decay, Cows is a violent, blood-soaked nightmare--a tale of love, self-empowerment, and talking cows that will haunt you long after the last page is turned.

A selection of Dennis Cooper's Little House on the Bowery series.

~~~~~~~~~~

Rating: 4 out of 5

Genre: Horror, Bizarro

Head-shaking, walking-away-from, face-palm is how I will begin this review. This book is disturbing and disgusting. If you are an animal lover (as in PETA-like) this is a NEVER-EVER-READ. If you like the sick and twisted, pick this book up and savor the grotesque flavor Stokoe delivers.

A man lives with his abusive and horrifically-disgusting mother and works in a slaughter house. His girlfriend lives upstairs from his mother and has her own disturbing hobby which, in the end, will make you feel like your jaw has been lying on the floor for hours.

Watch out for the cows too!

I really like this book. It was slow at certain points but the story kept drawing me closer and closer. If you liked "High Life" you will like "Cows" in a different yet disturbingly-similar way

Deviant Muse Library: Shhh!...and Welcome.

Welcome to my library. Here you will find reviews of books I have read. There will be many I dislike and others that I absolutely love.

I spend much of my time on Good Reads dot com, Amazon dot com and Barnes and Noble dot com. I compare hundreds of reviews before deciding on a new book to read. I feel it is necessary to see the positive, negative and even indifferent reviews of the book I may purchase. I never only look at the positive. That is the first and one of the biggest mistakes a reader can do, in my opinion.

I must tell you that I am a picky reader. I have a tendency to become bored very easily. An author that can hold my attention throughout their book is a superb author in my eyes. Let me add that just because an author did not hold my interest with their story does not necessarily mean it is a bad book or that they were a bad author. It just means that I was not interested in or held captive by their story. As I have mentioned, I am very particular!

Feel free to comment or add your own input to my reviews.