Book Review: River Queens by Alexander Watson

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Book Title: River Queens
Book Author: Alexander Watson
Format: Manuscript Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (⭐⭐⭐⭐)
Source: Author

I am excited that I am getting back on track with my book reviews that are long overdue. I just finished reading River Queens by Alexander Watson. River Queens is about the journey of two men and their dog in the once unfamiliar world of boating. When these men go from being owners of an antique and renovation building to randomly transforming a wooden boat from looking like a nightmare gone wrong to a dream yacht named Betty Jane, I knew that this book would probably be like none that I have ever read.

It is said that a true river man searches the earth until he finds his very own river. A search that is as personal as it is for a mate.”- page 222 in River Queens

Even though I was lost with the boating terms sprinkled throughout River Queens, I appreciated the dose of reality about relationships with family, your significant other, and random people, whom you meet. The back of the River Queens contains a dictionary to understand the boating world terms that Watson’s use to further illustrate his point. The boating terms sometimes distracts and confuses the reader. So, readers can definitely appreciate this feature.

Throughout River Queens, Watson presents the rawness of life, especially from the viewpoint of a homosexual couple. With this text, Watson shows the normalcy surrounding people not accepting his relationship with his partner, Dale, as romantic and not just friends, while illuminating the beauty of a wonderful relationship with man’s best friend, a Dalmatian dog named Doris Faye. I like how Watson does not give an illusion that the relationship that he has with Dale is dreamy and perfect. Watson lets the reader know how decisions impacting the well-being of both must be discussed and addressed. I like how Watson shows the good, the bad, and ugly when you are embarking on a new and unfamiliar adventure, while in a relationship.

The reader learns so much about Watson and Dale in River Queens. Watson and Dale’s desire to renovate Betty Jane and trek across the rivers of the United States illuminates the importance of resilience, determination, and discipline. The time, effort, and commitment that Dale and Watson have to renovate Betty Jane amazed me, and I think it is truly remarkable and commendable. Watson does not focus primarily on sharing the wonderful aspects of the trek on the rivers, but he highlights in River Queens many instances of doubt, regret, physical and mental turmoil, and so much more. I think that everyone can benefit from reading this text because there are so many life lessons.

About  River Queens

Two men who have absolutely no business buying a boat, do; have the forty-five foot cruiser hauled to the Arkansas River; and plan to cruise down the Arkansas, up the Mississippi, and up to Ohio to re-settle in Cincinnati. But re-rigging the boat in the remotest part of eastern Oklahoma takes more time than they thought; the Mississippi isn't necessarily a river savvy boaters push up; and well, life, with its responsibilities and obligations, keeps poking its nose in. The summer vacation jaunt becomes an odyssey of epic proportions.

About the Author

Alexander Watson is an entrepreneur, an adventurer, and author. He has salvaged his families from bankruptcy, renovated derelict rental properties into Class A apartments; and restored a vintage motor yacht to its factory-new shine. In 2008, he sold it all to pursue a chance at life on the river.

Alexander's grandparents are responsible for his writing ability and his wanderlust. His grandfather who, as pioneering air-conditioning engineer, tamed the summer heat from the Sonora, across the Caribbean, to the Negev and beyond; he journaled obsessively. His Nan sent postcards and letters. But to get, Watson had to reciprocate. He still sends cards & letters whenever away from home. Watson’s book, River Queens: Saucy boat, stout mates, spotted dog, America tells of the extraordinary people found only on our nation’s rivers. Watson now lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with his partner and his dog, a black standard poodle named Kohl.

Links:

Author's Website: https://www.riverqueens.us
Sample read: https://www.riverqueens.us/sample-chapter-page
Goodreads Book Page:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42086062-river-queens
Goodreads Author Profile: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2942092.Alexander_Watson

Quote of the Day

Romance without finance don't stand a chance. - Anonymous 

Book Review: The Future Has A Past by J. California Cooper

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Book Title: The Future Has A Past
Book Author: J. California Cooper
Format: Paperback
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Source: Public Library

My first exposure to J. California Cooper was in 2011. Life at this time for me seemed plagued with misfortune and sadness. Nothing appeared to be going right. I was going through a horrible divorce. At this time, reading was my best escape. I read about as much then as I did as a child.

I transferred to Wingfield High School for the Spring Semester. One day, my duty assigned included an extended period in the library. I decided to grab a random book off the shelf. I chose the book, A Piece of Mine, by J. California Cooper. Before getting the book off the shelf, J. California Cooper's work was unfamiliar to me. I am so glad that I was exposed to her then. I have read quite a few of her books and just can't put them down. Her storytelling skills demonstrated in. her books leave you feeling like your grandmother just gave you a wealth of knowledge that you need to store for later.

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Recently, things have been kind of difficult for me, and I felt that I needed a J. California Cooper book to make me feel better. So, I made a special trip to the library to find a book that I haven't read by J. California Cooper. My library did not have any of her books, and I was so disappointed. However, I requested two books from other libraries in the county system.  

When I received my notice, I raced to the library to get my book. The librarian informed me that the books were not on the shelf. I am working on being patient and not easily irritated, but I couldn't help it. I needed these books. I needed to feel better. I wanted the books. She only found one of the books in the back. Was someone trying to save my books for a friend? These books are not popular books, but still, I was surprised. So that day, I only walked away with The Future Has a Past. I had to wait for the other one to arrive. 

I often do not like reading short stories because sometimes I become so engulfed in a story that I am filled with disappointment when it stops, usually before I am ready for it to finish. Yet, J. Califonia Cooper's short stories are well worth the read. The Future Has a Past is a collection of four short stories that illuminate how true love can happen when you least expect it and no matter what you have experienced in your past.

"You got to watch life, cause it's moving all the time, every minute!"

The first story, The Shooting Star, is full of the reality that if children aren't given love as a child, they spend their adult life searching and suffering for that same love. Lorene's life and its quick demise remind you of how people can recognize your weaknesses and prey on you.

"Learn a little about what love is."

A Filet of Soul is the second short story in The Future Has a Past. Luella's gullibility to Silki is probably a familiar story to some many women. Everyone else could see Silki as the crook he was, but Luella's inexperience and desire to feel important and loved by someone blinded her from the truth. Even though she paid tremendously, there was a ram in the bush for her. Silki's departure was the best thing to happen to Luella. She would have never met Sidney.

"She just working herself to death for them useless grown kids of hers."

The story, The Eagle Flies, is about Vinnie. She is a single mother, who has spent her entire life being overworked to support her children. Even though her children are adults and living their own lives, Vinnie continues to sacrifice her needs and to overwork herself. Her blind desire to support her adult children conceals how much her children are taking advantage of her.

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"We have a whole life apart from you and you didn't think enough of use to look and see it."

The final story, The Lost and Found, is about Irene. She is a single mother of two boys. The surprising ending tickled my soul. Witnessing the demise of a womanizing arrogant man at the hands of the only woman, who truly loved him, gave me great pleasure. I won't give away the details, but I would recommend that you read it to see how this story unfolds.

I must say this book gave me just what I needed. When I finished it, I could not help but be pleased. I smiled and held it closely, while silently thanking her for sharing her talents with us. I am grateful.

The wisdom etched within the lines of this text will make you want to write it down, agree with it, tweet it, and appreciate it. J. California Cooper's books appeal to every type of reader, especially one who enjoys a good story. I wished that I would have gotten to meet her or even the chance to listen to her.  Check out the YouTube video above to see who J. California Cooper was.

Book Review: Cast No Shadow by Brandon Dragan

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Book Title: Cast No Shadow
Book Author: Brandon Dragan
Format: Paperback
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I am long overdue for posting book reviews, but I am steadily getting on track with catching up on my reading. Adjusting to teaching full time has been both challenging and rewarding. I am excited about sharing this first book review in the month of February. Perhaps the excitement stems from the fact that my birthday is tomorrow. Who knows!? I hope you enjoy this book, as much as I did.

Cast No Shadow surprisingly presents a fascinating short story filled with excitement and action. The short story is a tale about Beau, who happens to be an undercover vigilante. Think modern day Robin Hood. He unexpectantly invades criminal operations and takes their money, while destroying the operation from being functional.  

The love affair between Beau and his wife, Annabelle, quickly reminds of Erykah Badu songs "Other Side of the Game" and "Danger." Even though Annabelle recognizes the flaws in his occupation, she supports him because she loves him. The couple has one son, Cal, whom Beau shows how a father should act. 

After the most recent rendezvous, Beau becomes a little paranoid. His paranoia impacts his ability to function as a "normal person." As a result, his family does not know how to interpret his unusual behavior. When one of his colleagues becomes hospitalized, and another commits suicide/murder,  Beau instructs his wife to pack up the family. Before they can leave, the plot thickens unpredictably.  Then, the Cast No Shadow ends.

I rated Cast No Shadow 4 out of 5 stars because of the ending. The ending leaves you wanting more. I enjoyed reading the book and like the uniqueness of Dragan's writing style, which is different from what I am accustomed to reading, even as an English professor. This book is ideal for individuals, who like action thrillers. If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can read Cast No Shadow for free. 

Book Blurb: Set deep in the heart of 1980’s Texas, Cast No Shadow tells the harrowing tale of Vietnam veteran, husband, and father, Beau Moreland. By day he helps his elderly neighbors and watches his son’s baseball practice; by night he hunts drug gangs. In his quest for justice and a more peaceful life for his loved ones, Beau inadvertently sets off an unstoppable chain of events which will hurtle his family toward a startling and breath-taking conclusion.

For more information about Brandon Dragan and his work, visit his website: http://www.brandondragan.com 

Book Review: Date Like a Woman by Kai Nicole

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Book Title: Date Like a Woman
Author: Kai Nicole
Format: Paperback
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Date Like a Woman highlights Kai Nicole's often "unconventional dating beliefs' to make a date a more pleasurable experience for women. What intrigued me the most about this book is that Kai Nicole was not focused on teaching a woman how to date for the goal of getting married, which is often the focus of dating books for women. Kai Nicole's approach centered on making sure that women understood how to date as a means of enjoying the dating experience.

Each chapter of the book highlighted an important aspect of dating, which often has conflicting viewpoints. For example, Chapter 2, entitled Managing Expectations, provided steps for women to channel their expectations when it comes to dating. I personally found Chapter 7 to be the most intriguing. The title of Chapter 7 was "What You Can Learn from Strippers and Groupies." I liked this chapter because Kai Nicole emphasized how it is essential to understand details about an individual to fully know how to deal with him, which is what strippers and groupies are skilled at doing.

Kai Nicole's writing style helps to convey her ideology in a friendly non-threatening manner. She isn't preaching to the reader and forcing on the reader that her dating approach should be law. She writes as if she is your friend, whom you are chatting with at a Girl's Night Out Sleepover party. She shares her dating approach based on how she dates.

I believe Date Like a Woman provides a fresh approach to dating. Some of the techniques shared aren't feasible for several reasons, but many are practical that can be implemented today. For women, who are returning to dating science, this book is a great tool to encourage the enjoyment of dating rather than the chore of dating.

For more information about the author and the book, visit the website: http://www.datelikeawoman.com 

 

About the Author

Image retrieved from Author's Website

Kai Nicole holds degrees from Harvard University and Howard University School of Law.

She has worked in law, entertainment, technology (Silicon Valley), and has done business development consulting for multiple entrepreneurs.

A native Washingtonian, she has also lived in Boston and Atlanta. Kai is currently residing with her family in the suburbs of San Francisco.

Book Review: Beneath the Same Stars by Phyllis Cole-Dai

Rating 5 out of 5 Stars

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Beneath the Same Stars: A Novel of the 1862 U.S. – Dakota War by Phyllis Cole-Dai is a well-written historical fiction account of The Dakota War of 1862 from the viewpoint of Sarah Wakefield. Cole-Dai’s depiction of such a tragic historical event highlights the strained and often horrendous relationship with Native Americans, the superiority complexes that encouraged violence and other vices, and how a woman questioned the actions and motives of those involved.

Because of Cole-Dai’s ability to change a historical event into such a brilliant tale, I became fascinated with understanding the historical context of The Dakota War of 1862. Cole-Dai combines storytelling with history using authentic language and engaging descriptions. Before reading Beneath the Same Stars, my knowledge of The Dakota War was minimal, but this book prompted me to research what I could find about this heartbreaking event.

Through the point of view of Sarah Wakefield, Cole Dai’s presents an intriguing tale that makes one question ideologies that shaped and transformed the evolution of the United States. I like how Sarah is not your typical woman during the era of the 1800s. She’s like a rebel that attempts to “live her best life” regardless of what is occurring around her. What do I like about Sarah this most? I don’t think that I can pinpoint one significant thing. She dressed like a man to escape. She challenges flawed ideology about race and gender. She makes you examine your own understanding of the role of class. Sarah demonstrates how selflessness can transform the lives of people around you.

Even though this is a fictional account of The Dakota War, Cole-Dai engages you in the text as if it genuinely happened just the way she wrote it. The beginning of the book starts off a little slow, but I encourage you to stick around until the end to truly discover Cole-Dai’s talent as a writer. Despite being set in 1862, the reoccurring themes of courage and challenging self-serving ideologies are applicable in the present day, especially with the discussion of current events. Within this text, there is a quality of characters, unlike anything you have ever read.

With the Thanksgiving Holiday quickly approaching, I believe that you will enjoy reading Beneath the Same Stars and gain a very thought-provoking view to analyze the history of the United States. I love that Cole Dai seems to silently invoke in the reader a desire to be open to differences that people possess and to appreciate the complexity of history to make effective change. I am glad that I was able to read this text, and I hope that you take the time to read it as well. I promise you that you won’t be disappointed. 

Check out the Beneath the Same Stars Book Trailer.

About the Book

August 18, 1862. On the Sioux reservation in southwestern Minnesota, Indians desperate for food and freedom rise up against whites in the region. Sarah Wakefield, the wife of a physician, is taken captive with her two babies. Their fate falls into the hands of the warrior Ćaske, with whom she has slim acquaintance. As war rages, little does she know how entwined their lives will become.

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Beneath the Same Stars is the gripping story of two people, caught between worlds, who are willing to do almost anything to defend those they care about—including each other. But the drama is bigger than themselves. Tragic forces have been set in motion.

Stay Tuned

I haven’t posted on my blog or here lately. Changes are being made to my blog posting schedule and reading schedule. I will be updating reviews, book suggestions, and so much more. Stay tuned for posting in November. See you soon!