Review

Book Review: “Lady Slippers: A Memoir” by Melissa Deetz

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Rating: 4 stars

Headline: Bernice Dietrich’s charming memoir showcases a life lived to the fullest

Review:

A good deal of memoirs are written in response to a triggering incident, covering only a fraction of someone’s lived experiences. There is, however, something quite homely about memoirs that paint a full picture of an individual, especially if it is reflective of a life well lived.

Lady Slippers very much falls into this second camp of memoir. Written by Bernice Dietrich (completed and published by Melissa Bini), the book covers the full 102 years of Bernice’s colourful life. Born and raised in 1920s Staten Island, America, Bernice’s life was bookended by two pandemics with a World War in between. Told through her own words, Bernice paints a colourful picture of the experiences she had growing up, falling in love and forging a family of her own. As she documents her experiences Bernice’s words draw in subtle cultural and political changes, including the changing American healthcare system that went through a rapid pace of evolution throughout the 20th century, from the advances in medical treatment to the erosion of local community services. Bernice’s tale takes the reader up until 2007, when she stopped her memoir. She would go on to live for almost 15 years more, sadly passing away in 2022.

The final third of the book picks up where Bernice left off in 2007, with family members from younger generations contributing their tales of growing up with Bernice as a family figurehead. There you see the charming flipside of outsider perspective, how the family viewed her as a proud and active individual with a passion for travel and sports.

Reading this book you feel as if Bernice is in the room with you, recounting her tales besides a roaring fire. It’s a comforting feeling that comes through on every page. And while Bernice’s tone of voice and writing style does make the pacing a tad slower, it does make for a more gentler, steady read.

A calm and methodical memoir, Lady Slippers is a charming memoir that will make you want to pick up a journal and start living your own adventures.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Lady Slippers: A Memoir” by Melissa Deetz

Purchase Link: “Lady Slippers: A Memoir” by Melissa Deetz (Amazon)

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Poetry Review: “Lyrical Voices” by Lakella Taylor and Frankie L. Fipps

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Rating: 3 stars

Headline: Exploring themes of family, faith, and nature, “Lyrical Voices” is a good collection that needed a bit more variety to stand out

Review:

Lyrical Voices is the new poetry collection by joint collaboration Lakella Taylor and Frankie L. Fipps. Written in a distinctive first person style, poems within this book’s 140 pages include close study on a variety of key themes, including the role of family, faith and nature.

Taylor and Fipps’ poetic styles work well together within conventional approaches, with most poems written as non-rhyming, single stanzas lasting between a quarter to a full page. A highlight within the collection is “Favorite Tune”, which is written to give the impression of a fast tempo, high energy, environment where the speaker is recounting the joy of listening to their favourite song. All of the poems are well thought through and written in a meaningful way, with strong religious undertones feeding through onto the page. Doing so builds a strong sense of Taylor and Fipps’ backgrounds and creative inspirations.

Even though it represents a collaboration between two poets, Taylor’s work dominates the lion’s share of Lyrical Voices, with her poems featuring 123 times, versus Fipps, who includes only 16 of his own. With such a limited involvement, it is questionable as to whether Taylor should have published this book in her own right.

There is also the question of formatting. About halfway through the alignment of the poems switches, from left alignment to centred, with no clear reason as to why stylistically this decision has been made. As a result the change comes across as abrupt and as if two collections have been forced together at some point during the publishing process.

Given the collection spans over a hundred pages in length, the first person perspective becomes quite repetitive after a time. That is not to say the poems themselves are bad, but a differing third person viewpoint would have helped elevate the collection and allowed for expansion of character development and the events and landscapes they interact with.

Lyrical Voices is good, but there are areas where it could have been better. It needed more variety in its approach and better formatting to stand out in a crowded poetry market. Possible food for thought for the publication these two poets turn their attention to.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Lyrical Voices” by Lakella Taylor and Frankie L. Fipps

Purchase Link: “Lyrical Voices” by Lakella Taylor and Frankie L. Fipps (Amazon)

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Book Review: “The Giant’s Ladder: The Science Professional’s Blueprint for Marketing Success” by Elizabeth Chabe

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Rating: 5 stars

Headline: Featuring real-world case studies, this guide is a must for marketeers in science

Review:

With the rise of the internet, social media and dwindling attention spans, the economy of attention has never been more valuable. In Elizabeth Chabe’s own words: “At the distinct risk of sounding self-serving…In an era where humanity faces unprecedented challenges such as climate change, resource scarcity, energy deficits, food security, and global health threats, the role of science marketing stands at a critical juncture.”

In her new book, The Giant’s Ladder: The Science Professional’s Blueprint for Marketing Success, Chabe provides a step-by-step guide for those in the field of scientific research looking to promote their research to a wider audience. From how best to communicate, to knowing where to focus energy to get the best return on investment, Chabe’s “seven rung” guide covers all the essential material needed for any would-be marketer.

It is worth noting Chabe’s credentials. A recognised strategic consultant in the fields of science and technology, her previous work in the field has gone on to feature in The New York Times, Popular Science and Entrepreneur, amongst a string of other popular titles. Her (and her team’s) experiences supporting scientific firms to achieve funding goals are dropped in throughout, providing real world case studies which help support the broad discussion topics presented.

As books go, this is expertly written, with a clear and engaging writing style that strikes the perfect balance between formal and informal. Content is presented nicely on the page through mixed use of tables, bullet points, diagrams and block paragraphs, and is communicated in succinctly with key they takeaways listed at the end of each chapter. The varied style helps keep the book engaging cover-to-cover.

While it is overstated to say that this book will solve all the world’s problems, anything that contributes towards the cure is no bad thing, especially when it comes packaged like this. The sooner more news feeds on social media become less bogged down in clickbait trivia and destructive wars, and more on the drive toward a sustainable and peaceful world, the better.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “The Giant’s Ladder…” by Elizabeth Chabe

Purchase Link: “The Giant’s Ladder…” by Elizabeth Chabe (Amazon)

Author Website: https://elizabethchabe.com/

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Book Review: “The Complete Guide to Goats” by KC Kent

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Rating: 2 stars

Headline: “The Complete Guide to Goats” offers comprehensive goat-raising advice but lacks effective formatting and author credibility

Review:

I am a country girl at heart. Eighteen years growing up in the rural surroundings of the English Cotswolds will do that to anyone. Books on farmyard creatures? Right up my street.

The Complete Guide to Goats by KC Kent does exactly what it says on the cover, providing would-be goat enthusiasts with a comprehensive guide on all elements of ownership, from the sustainable benefits and the importance selecting the right goat breed, to how to care for and make a commercial enterprise out of them. Across eleven chapters and nearly 160 pages, Kent’s guidance leaves no stone unturned when it comes to would-be goat enthusiasts.

While this is a highly informative book, the layout and formatting of the guidance itself may form an accessibly blocker for some. Throughout this guide, there are no illustrative examples to support readers and the copy is presented in dense and varied fonts (in some places text appears to have a 1.5 line spacing, in other places single). The indentation of bullets, where used, is also too deep, resulting in copy filling up more space than is probably needed.

Another element that is crucially missing is a introductory biography of the author. There is a throwaway comment made halfway through the introduction of Kent having raised goats for many years, but there seems to be a missing link to add authenticity. To perhaps put it somewhat more bluntly, what makes Kent’s guide better than the competition, more importantly still, how can readers trust it? It may be a bit more author background was needed in the initial introduction but as it stands the main concern around recommending this book is the lack of transparency that Kent as the right author to be issuing guidance on agricultural matters.

When it comes to The Complete Guide to Goats, the content is there, but it is the formatting of it, and the lack of author credentials, that lets the side down.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “The Complete Guide to Goats” by KC Kent

Purchase Link: “The Complete Guide to Goats” by KC Kent (Amazon)

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Book Review: “I Won’t Keep You: Short Essays & Little Fictions” by Trilety Wade

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Rating: 3 stars

Headline: Well written, but missing scene setting and context, Wade’s words don’t always dazzle, but in their moments they do sparkle

Review:

As an avid reader, I like to keep my ear to the ground on what’s hot in publishing. And, while I have no data on hand to prove my argument, in recent years there has been a general uptick in the number of short story recommendations within my reading circles. There are many reasons why this could be the case, but my theory is simple – we are increasingly time poor and distraction rich. A full story in three pages? Sign me up!

Penned by author Trinity Wade, I Won’t Keep You is a collection of short stories and personal essays. Ranging in topic and theme, these 134 pages will transport readers from awkward outdoor gatherings, to telephone exchanges, to the struggle of small town living. Wade’s collection of thirty four tales are all told through a first person lens, which gives readers a unique insight into the thoughts and feelings of the narrator, sometimes for as little time as the words on two pages. In some cases readers are left with more questions than those answered.

The writing quality in itself is pretty good. The detailed thought process of the narrator and their reaction to surrounding characters and situation falls very much into the purple prose camp, in that it reads more poetic than anything else. In these sections the reader really could get lost in the word spinning craft of Wade as an author.

Where this book falls down a little is in its frequent lack of detailed scene and location description. Reading this book, it often feels like a set of characters are interacting in a vacant white room. Where are the sights, sounds and smells? And while the view point of the first person narrator is often strong and punchy, in a number of the stories that voice feels isolated, blunt and harsh, with limited softness and variation between each tale. As they are all written in first person, it quickly becomes very difficult to detangle what is fiction and what is personal essay. The narrator sounds the same in every story, unless that is intentional, in which case it may need to be clearer from the offset of the book.

I Won’t Keep You is a neat little book, but probably not the best for readers who are entering the short story genre for the first time.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “I Won’t Keep You: Short Essays & Little Fictions” by Trilety Wade

Purchase Link: “I Won’t Keep You: Short Essays & Little Fictions” by Trilety Wade (Amazon)

Author Website: https://thecuriousword.com/

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Children’s Book Review: “Castle of Knots” by Sara H. Fowler (Illustrated by Ivy Giddens)

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Rating: 4 stars

Headline: A delightful children’s book with captivating illustrations and heartful character interactions

Review:

Castle of Knots is a children’s book, and the first publication of both author Sara H. Fowler, and illustrator, Ivy Giddens. It also received editorial support from Jaimie E. Miller.

The story follows the journey of a fearless parent (referred to in this story as the tale’s heroic knight), as she battles to save a young princess from a very bad case of messy hair (or, as is the case in this story, a “castle of knots”). But this is no ordinary mission for our brave knight, and it will take more than one swipe of the hairbrush to free the princess from her monstrous entrapment and get her to school on time. The question is, does this knight have what it takes?

This is a delightful children’s book to read, a fun story which takes readers on a journey relatable to most of the parents who are likely to be purchasing this book for their little ones. There is good balance in the number of words to a page and at about 30 pages long, Castle of Knots suits most bedtime rituals. The book should be treated as something to chuckle along at, less so than as something which imparts any strong moral messages. That is not to put this title at a disadvantage, but it is something minor for consideration for those would-be purchasers.

The storytelling is accompanied by a series of beautiful children’s illustrative artwork. Gidden’s talents shine from cover to cover within this book, and it is sincerely hoped that her debut offering to the illustrative world marks a stepping stone for her to pick up a string of future projects. The pictures jump off the page with clever use of style, colour and playful humour.

Castle of Knots is a great book and one perfect for the subset of younger readers (and their parents). Based solely around the interactions of a mother and daughter, it supports healthy relationship building while not being afraid to have a laugh at the same time. A solid four stars.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Castle of Knots” by Sara H. Fowler (Illustrated by Ivy Giddens)

Purchase Link: “Castle of Knots” by Sara H. Fowler (Illustrated by Ivy Giddens) (Amazon)

Author Website: https://sarafowler87.wixsite.com/my-site-1

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Book Review: “Central Psalms to Know” by D. G. Reagle

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Rating: 4 stars

Headline: A well-curated collection, encouraging theological discussions and individual reflection

Review:

Central Psalms to Know by D.G. Reagle is a carefully curated selection of religious psalms, which encourages readers to engage with wider conversations and debates. Think “religious book club”, for smaller congregations.

Each of the ten psalms are prefaced with a short introduction with analysis between the variations presented in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh), the New International Version (NIV) and the King James Version (KJV) scriptures. Reagle’s analysis is presented in the format of bullet points spanning between one and two pages. Introductory notes include observations and titbits of information readers might not be aware of, giving the impression of direct and punchy insights, a lot like the pop-up format often deployed by film and TV. Following the introduction, there are the three differing versions of the psalms, and then a follow-up page of questions which aim to promote healthy conversation within groups, or spiritual reflection for solo readers. The psalms contained in this collection are 23, 27, 51, 46, 139, 91, 22, 1, 150, 119.

The book as a whole is a well considered collection by Reagle and nicely formatted in such a way that makes the psalms engaging. It is a book which anyone can enjoy, regardless of individual religious perspective or outlook. It opens up educational access to religious texts to a broad spectrum of audiences. The bullet point format feels more geared up to readers wanting to drop in and out of the book, as opposed to those wanting to read the book cover to cover in one sitting.

Central Psalms to Know is a good book, presented by a well-informed and accredited author on theological studies. A solid starting point for new and established readers of theological texts, the only piece of feedback would be that the lack of an overarching introduction does Reagle’s talents a disservice. A rationale behind why these ten psalms were selected for the collection specifically would have helped.

A thumbs up from me!

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Central Psalms to Know” by D. G. Reagle

Purchase Link: “Central Psalms to Know” by D. G. Reagle (Amazon)

Author Website: Coram DEO Theology

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Book Review: “Houseplant Hookups: All The Dirt You Need To Find The Perfect Match” by Agatha Isabel

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Rating: 5 stars

Headline: A brilliant concept, offering tongue-in-cheek “dating profiles” for novice houseplant owners

Review:

Sometimes a book just grabs your eye. Maybe it’s the title, other times the cover design, sometimes it’s the blurb jumps out at you. And then I saw Houseplant Hookups. Within seconds I was multitasking, rapidly messaging friends and family as I reached for the book with the other spare hand. They needed to be informed, Alice would not be messaging anyone for as long she was reading this book.

The guide, penned by American author Agatha Isabel (and illustrated by Mai Ly Degnan) is a highly colourful guide on all things houseplant. Summarising key guidance for would-be houseplant owners, the book opens with an extensive section on houseplant care 101. From this, Isabel’s guidance then moves onto the plants themselves, cleverly presenting a variety of different species in the form of an online dating profile. This allows readers to get snappy insights into the pros and cons of various house plants, from the commonly known Spider plant, to the more complex Bird of Paradise plant. This section makes up the core of Houseplant Hookups, but is bookended by a fun multichoice quiz for those still unsure of the right type of plant for them, and a glossary index.

The tone of voice through Houseplant Hookups is highly informal and somewhat tongue in cheek (case in point, the favourite music of a Purple Passion is apparently Prince’s “Purple Rain”). A lot of credit also needs to be given to Degnan’s illustrations, which are gorgeously to look at and do wonders for bringing the concept to life in a bold, fun, way.

While it is not something that I would particularly recommend to an expert gardener, I do see it as the perfect gift to give to a novice houseplant keeper for either birthdays or religious events. The general dating profile style and themes contained within the book lends itself more towards a feminine market.

Houseplant Hookups is a fun book, with a creative approach to an otherwise fairly mundane topic. It engages readers with indoor horticulture and reminds us that no matter how big (or small) the garden, there is a perfect plant out there for all of us.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “Houseplant Hookups” by Agatha Isabel

Purchase Link: “Houseplant Hookups” by Agatha Isabel (Amazon)

Author Website: Plant Ma Shop by Agatha Isabel

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Children’s Book Review: “The Adventures of Nanna Willowspell” by Keele Fishel

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Rating: 3 stars

Headline: There were too many short stories in “The Adventures of Nanna Willowspell” for me to get behind the central character

Review:

The Adventures of Nanna Willowspell is a children’s book by author Keele Fishel. Set across multiple enchanting settings, it follows the various short tales and adventures, recounted by the protagonist Nanna Willowspell to a group of children who have gathered to hear her stories. The pacing of this book is driven by these short stories, most lasting no more than a page or two in length, with limited plot outside these stories, which for parents could make this a good read aloud book for much younger children.

While the stories in this book are pleasant enough to read, the basis that all the stories are hyper short in length and unrelated to each other (or the world in which Nanna Willowspell is recounting them) makes the book feel a bit bitty in places. You start getting into a story only to be yanked out of it again. The scene-setting also feels somewhat lacking as a result of the shortness of the stories and the dialogue is limited by the narration of the stories being conveyed in a memory form. While granted, it gives a homely feeling of an older relative recounting an experience, it does remove the development and personality of the secondary characters, however fleeting their appearances might be.

A smaller points on the book’s formatting, where the use of the story’s title at the top of each page in varying font sizes does lend to confusion, it gives the feeling that a new story is starting on each fresh page when in reality it is not always the case. The margins are also too narrow, something which may have been a formatting choice to reduce page count and potential printing costs but it makes the amount of text feel blocky and a tad bit overwhelming.

Based on several hints dotted toward the end of the book, it would seem Fishel is planning to turn The Adventures of Nanna Willowspell into a series for younger audiences. While I love the magical and fantastical elements of this book, in any subsequent books I would prefer it if there was more focus on lengthening the short stories or focusing on the overarching plot of Nanna Willowspell in the hear and now. In simple terms, less is more.

AEB Reviews

Links:

Reedsy Discovery Review: AEB Reviews – “The Adventures of Nanna Willowspell” by Keele Fishel

Purchase Link: “The Adventures of Nanna Willowspell” by Keele Fishel (Amazon)

Author Website: Nanna Willowspell

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10 Years of “My Housemate’s a Mermaid”

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On 11th November 2014, I went to the supermarket to buy toilet roll, which inspired me to start a blog. Ten years later, I’m still here.

Five years ago I wrote the very aptly named piece, Five Years Ago Today…. Aside from it being very surreal that five more years have gone by, a hell of a lot more has changed since then.

What MHAM is, and always will be, is an insight into my world, from the highs of getting my short stories published, to the foot injury lows and the ranty McRant face of Jus-Rol’s cinnamon swirls. It has also been the place to share all the wonderful holidays I’ve undertaken as a solo traveller and, more recently, with my wonderful “Boyfriend Ben”. I setup a social group for young people, moved to London, came back from London, built a career from a History degree in execution and country houses. I’ve volunteered for nine separate non profits, and met an amazing bloke who to this day continues to champion my corner, inspiring me to strive for the stars each and every day. It really has been a rollercoaster of emotional content.

Around the world there are so many instances of people being denied their freedom of expression and creativity, which is why I feel so privileged to have the family and professional career that supports me to keep doing what I love. It is the utter joy I get from recognition and compliments, the unexpected surprise when someone reaches out to say how much they enjoy my work. The odd competition win or shortlisting. It is those glints of gold that give me the euphoric buzz to keep hitting these keys.

In 2014, on that chilly dark night where nothing seemed possible, I discovered my voice. And you, the reader, are 75% of the reason why I’m still here. Thank you.

With little more to add, I will leave you with visual memories of the last ten years (and a couple from before) and a simple vow, that I will continue to write for ten more years and beyond, whatever form that takes.

May your hearts always be full and your coffee only slightly spilled.

AEB x

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