Book Review: The Lens and the Looker by Lory S. Kaufman

Title: The Lens and the Looker
Author: Lory S. Kaufman
Publisher: Fiction Studio
Series: The Verona Trilogy, Book 1
Paperback: 336 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

It’s the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s), have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth’s distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan. 

In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don’t have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities. 

These three “hard cases” refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It’s hardly the ideal environment to fall in love – but that’s exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them – or it could change history.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

The Lens and the Looker is a very interesting, creatively written and detail-oriented story. The author delivers a wonderful, well thought-out original storyline about three trouble-making youths in the 24th century who are sent to History Camp for rehabilitation. These youths, who are known as hard cases, are ultimately sent to 14th century Italy, where they learn to live without the luxuries they always took for granted.

In the beginning of the book, I struggled to understand the behavior of the three protagonists since there was very little background to glean from. Yet, as the story evolved, I grew to appreciate and love what each character offered. I have to say, my favorite character is Shamira because she is quiet, observes the world around her, and transforms it onto paper as a portrait.

I was mesmerized with the author’s description of Verona in 1347. I felt as though I were transported back in time. This book was so carefully crafted that it was easy to engulf oneself into the characters. When the family ate rations, I felt their hunger. When the family ate plenty, I felt their joy. I really thought this was a wonderful book. I had a hard time putting the book down once I got invested in the storyline.

*I received this book free from the Fiction Studio as a part of the Pump Up Your Book tour, for my honest review.*

Book Review: Killing Kennedy - The End of Camelot by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard

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It's available in audio too! Click 
here for a clip from the audiobook, 
read by Bill O'Reilly!

Title: Killing Kennedy: The End of Camelet

Authors: Bill O'Reilly, Martin Dugard

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.

Hardcover: 325 pages

Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

The anchor of The O'Reilly Factor recounts in gripping detail the brutal murder of John Fitzgerald Kennedy—and how a sequence of gunshots on a Dallas afternoon not only killed a beloved president but also sent the nation into the cataclysmic division of the Vietnam War and its culture-changing aftermath. 

In January 1961, as the Cold War escalates, John F. Kennedy struggles to contain the growth of Communism while he learns the hardships, solitude, and temptations of what it means to be president of the United States. Along the way he acquires a number of formidable enemies, among them Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, and Alan Dulles, director of the Central Intelligence Agency.  In addition, powerful elements of organized crime have begun to talk about targeting the president and his brother, Attorney General Robert Kennedy. 

In the midst of a 1963 campaign trip to Texas, Kennedy is gunned down by an erratic young drifter named Lee Harvey Oswald. The former Marine Corps sharpshooter escapes the scene, only to be caught and shot dead while in police custody.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

When I bought this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect, considering I have never been a fan of Bill O’Reilly. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading Killing Kennedy. It was engaging, simple and very easy to read. Bill O’Reilly offered a fresh, concise story neatly wrapped up and delivered so that even high school students could understand and appreciate the contribution of the Kennedy family in shaping current American history.

This book offered a humanistic view of a flawed man who would ultimately become one of the most popular presidents of all time. Killing Kennedy transcends generational gaps and gives readers a chance to understand that John F. Kennedy was just a man who had a taste for extramarital affairs, relied on his brother Bobby Kennedy for advice, wavered in his decisions, and knew what it took to keep the American people happy. In other words, Kennedy was a politician for the new age. JFK was popular, but the author reveals Kennedy's true political driving force and most trusted confidante: Bobby Kennedy.

One of the many things I liked about this book: I didn’t have to read another book to find out information on Lee Harvey Oswald. The author alternated between the rise of JFK, and the life of his assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald. The author allows the readers to delve into the many conspiracy theories that have circulated for years, while finally drawing the conclusion that Lee Harvey Oswald was indeed the assassin of John F. Kennedy.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone. Although many conspiracy theorists would probably find fault with some of the facts in this book, I think it is well worth the read.

Book Review: The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole

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Title: The Castle of Otranto
Author: Horace Walpole
Publisher: Penguin Classics
Paperback: 208 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

On the day of his wedding, Conrad, heir to the house of Otranto, is killed in mysterious circumstances. Fearing the end of his dynasty, his father, Manfred, determines to marry Conrad's betrothed, Isabella, until a series of supernatural events stands in his way. . . . 

Set in the time of the crusades, The Castle of Otranto established the Gothic as a literary form in England. With its compelling blend of psychological realism and supernatural terror, guilty secrets and unlawful desires, it has influenced a literary tradition stretching from Ann Radcliffe and Bram Stoker to Daphne Du Maurier and Stephen King.

Overall: 3 out of 5

In The Castle of Otranto, Manfred is determined to keep his family in power, which means he needs an heir. When his engaged son dies by being crushed by a statue's helmet, Manfred resolves to marry his son's betrothed, Isabella, and produce heirs so that his family can live on. Understandably, Isabella doesn't want to marry the man who was going to be her father-in-law and leads Manfred on a merry chase throughout the castle and its surrounding area.

If you take this book seriously, I'm not sure how enjoyable it is. The supernatural elements are a bit out of sync with the plot itself -- they aren't integrated well into the whole story. The characters are more like caricatures, and the end is quickly tied up into a haphazard bow. I know that if I looked at it as a serious piece of fiction, I would have hated it. Luckily, I found it all a bit funny. Yes, it's an important novel since it's considered the first Gothic novel, and yes, it's a "classic" and deals with themes like family, power, gender stereotypes, etc. But that doesn't mean you have to take the plot seriously, and I certainly didn't.

It all started with Conrad being mysteriously crushed by a statue's helmet. Then, bits and pieces of the statue started appearing in the castle for no apparent reason. I just couldn't take it seriously. If you like the overly dramatic, bit of fun Gothic story, I think you'd really enjoy this. It has crazy twists and turns (you can definitely see a Shakespearean influence in this), and without including much character building, internal dialogue or much character self-reflection, the story moves along at a brisk pace. The writing may be a bit hard to understand (it is an eighteenth-century book, after all, and the editors have kept all the weird commas, lack of paragraph breaks, and misspellings), but if you read period lit, it shouldn't be too much of a problem. All in all, fun if you want to see what supposedly started the whole Gothic thing, but not something I'd want to enjoy a glass of wine and relax with.

Book Review: Still Lolo - A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope

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Title: Still Lolo: A Spinning Propeller, a Horrific Accident, and a Family's Journey of Hope
Authors: Lauren Scruggs, Scruggs Family, with Marcus Brotherton
Publisher: Tyndale Momentum
Hardcover: 248 pages
Summary: (taken from Goodreads)

In December 2011, Lauren ("LoLo") Scruggs, a 23-year-old fashion journalist, suffered a sudden injury that made headlines around the world. She had been on a short flight to look at Christmas lights and, upon exiting the small plane, was hit by the still-moving propeller blade. A frantic 911 call, several major surgeries, and thousands of prayers later: Lauren lived. But she lost her left hand and left eye. And she had to face some incredibly difficult questions: "What kind of future will I have? Where is God in all this pain? Will anyone ever be able to love me now?" In "Still LoLo," Lauren speaks out for the first time since her accident. She and her family reveal what really happened that night, what Lauren's life is like today, what got them through their journey toward healing, and how they conquered all odds to persevere as a family. It's a compelling and fiercely beautiful story of faith, determination, and staying true to who you are--no matter what.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Still LoLo is one of the most authentic books I have ever read. It was heartfelt, sincere and absolutely inspiring. The Scruggs family shared their life story so beautifully that I felt as though it were my friends and family going through this horrific journey.

I hadn’t heard about Lauren’s story, so when I saw this book advertised, I was curious how it would be written, since the accident just happened in December 2011. I felt as though there hadn’t been enough time for her to heal from a traumatic brain injury, let alone tell her version of what she was going through. As I started reading and got to know Lauren and her family, I became immersed in the details of the their lives. I felt a genuine love for the Scruggs and a sincere appreciation for their support system. I am in awe of their love for God.

The writing style is fabulous. The story is written from four different perspectives: Lauren’s mother, father, twin sister, and Lauren herself. They don't retell the same story; rather, each person’s perspective furthers the storyline in a unique and engaging way. This isn’t a book that focuses on a tragic accident; it focuses on the character of a family and the strength it took to start to heal and move forward.

I’ve had the pleasure to read this book for free, thanks to Net Galley, but rest assured that I will buy the hardback copy and place it upon my shelf for inspiration.

*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.*