Book Review : JAWS by Peter Benchley

This book was published in February 1974 and by 1975 the movie was in theaters. I got this book from my Library as an unabridged version that was approximately 10 hours.

The movie and book cover are among the best I’ve ever seen. It’s the kind of thing that will make you change your mind about your next vacation. Just looking at it sends a fear that shutters through me. I was born in ‘74 and I remember seeing some of the movie when I was about 10. I never saw the ocean the same after that, and we lived about an hour from the beach.  To this day the ocean has never touched my knees… not on purpose.

The book was different when it came to a couple of the characters. In my opinion, they cross some lines in the book that they don’t in the movie. The movie was all about the shark and the book was more about the relationships.

I did enjoy the book. It was good getting to know the characters and some of them I was clearly on the shark’s side, especially when the humans make stupid decisions. Also, to read about the actions of the shark especially near the end was scary. I remember stopping and looking up to say “Oh God!” I feel justified in my decision to STAY AWAY FROM THE OCEAN!!!

Great read!

Book Review: THE BELL WITCH by Brent Monahan

Published by Books in Motion. I listened to the unabridged version of this book from My library. It was narrated by Cameron Beierle.

This story took place in the early 1800’s. A schoolteacher tells his account of the torment a family endured at the hands of a poltergeist. Two family members endured more beatings or being roughed up more than the others. Thirteen year old Betsy Bell, and her father John Bell.

This book was such a surprise. It was scary that something like this could be conjured up and be in more than one place at a time. It was a great book. The end has such a twist I just stood with my mouth open in disbelief. I think it is amazing what people can live through and how resilient we are.

If you get a chance, read this book.

Dealing With Burnout

I have been learning that if you stay indoors and write every single day, burnout is not only a possibility it becomes reality.

I love to write, but the past week it has become a chore, and I really hate that. I need to finish my book and I can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel, but burnout is preventing me from finishing. Do you see my frustration?

So my husband bought me a bike and we decided to get out of the house and enjoy ourselves.

We chose a park near our home and it was so beautiful I had to take pictures.

Everything reminded me of my book. I can look at my photos when I write a scene. It’s very helpful.

Going out for a walk or bike ride is wonderful for the body and the mind.

I do suggest taking someone with you if there are lots of secluded areas.

The main thing is to enjoy yourself, your family and nature.

Take in the scenery.

After I got home I had a nice shower, cooked dinner for my husband and sat down to relax. Then all of a sudden I could see things clearer for my story. So I began to write. I wrote about 5,000 words that evening. My day was so productive and it was all because I got out of my routine and just enjoyed myself.

Tell me what you do to avoid burnout. It doesn’t have to be from writing, it could be from your job, or from family. Whatever it is, share it here, have a blessed day!

Plumeria From Hawaii

These are the flowers used to make leis. This picture was taken at my brother-in-laws at Rehoboth Beach, DE

Pizza Casserole

This was awesome!  When my husband and I got married a year ago and moved in together, we made Friday night our pizza night.  The pizza is from Giuseppe’s Pizza and Family Restaurant and it is amazing!  We each got our own.  My husband always gets the Buffalo Chicken Pizza and I get the pizza with ham, pepperoni. hot peppers, onion, tomatoes, mushrooms and black olives.  It’s a mouth full but it is amazing because they make their own crust.

Normally that was the only time we eat out, although we bring the pizzas home. (I prefer to cook and eat at home, I can make anything on a menu and I feel it’s better for us because it is prepared at home.)

So here is what you need:

• 9 X 12 pan
• tomato sauce
• as much pepperoni as you can stand (I get sandwich pepperoni from Wegman’s deli)
• turkey sausage ( I buy Wegman’s, you can use any meat you want)
• rotel fire roasted tomatoes and green chilies
• red onion
• bell pepper
• mushrooms
• banana peppers, mild or hot your choice
• shredded mozerella cheese or the kind you prefer
• black olives

Bake 375 degrees for about 20 minutes

Please remember this is my list and you can add or subtract what you want.  I didn’t add the amounts, because you can add the amounts yourself all to your liking.

First, cook all the raw meats.  Like ground beef and sausage, that is fine.  Drain the grease. Add your hard vegetables such as bell pepper, broccoli (for those of you who like this), onion and saute with the meat until no longer hard.  I do prefer to cook them until they are still firm so they are not soggy when all is said and done.

Next, I add the Rotel and cook for just a few minutes until it is hot.

Now it is time to layer it on.  I like to use parchment paper instead of aluminum foil or dirtying up my pan.  I layer the pan with pepperoni.

 Then I pour in the meat and veggies.  There is usually liquid in the bottom because of the tomatoes, omit the liquid trust me.  Then pour on the sauce.  I used almost an entire can (15oz) I love it saucy.

Then I lay on the cheese.  Add as much as you want.

Then I top it with more pepperoni, like I said, as much as you can stand.  Then add more cheese and olives and bake on 375 for about 20 minutes.  You cannot mess this up, totally foolproof.

ENJOY!!

 

Book Review: STIR OF ECHOES by Richard Matheson

This book was first published in 1958 and was a 1999 movie starring Kevin Bacon and Kathryn Erbe. The book is completely different from the movie. I listened to this unabridged version from my Library. Approximately 7 hours.

The book is about a man dealing with the fact that he is now a medium. The book is mainly about his internal struggle and coming to terms with his new ability. His wife has a hard time coming to terms with it as well, and that is putting it lightly.

I felt that some of his rantings (in his head) went on for far longer than they had to. The whole problem that was going on connected to him being a medium that included the landlord’s previous tenant was done very well. The ending is a twist I didn’t see coming. I didn’t find this story scary, but it was still a good book.

What I’ve Been Up To

I don’t really have a title for this one, I just wanted to update everyone on what I’ve been up to.

Lately, I’ve been reading books that have been made into movies and not leaving a review.  I believe I will backtrack and review them.  Most of the books are older, nothing really new, but I don’t care, the older ones seem to be the better.  So I’ll continue.

I have also been writing, you know, trying to finish my book.  It’s coming along really well I must say.  I thought I would have it completed by now but I didn’t take into account the days I would not be feeling well, family visiting, vacation and so on.  So far I have about 75 chapters.  It falls in the Genre of Southern Gothic Horror I believe.