Like Water

Book:  Rainwater   Author:  Sandra Brown   Rating:  4.2 of 5


I have never read a Sandra Brown novel before so I din't know what to expect. I was happy to discover a novel with a lot of rich meaning and a nice story.
The book takes place in the depression era (1934 to be exact) where a hard working woman named Ella Barron struggles to take care of the tennants of her boarding house while dealing with a 9 year-old son with a severe case of autism. The novel begins with a new boarder moving in by the name of David Rainwater.


From there the novel follows an interesting path dealing with issues such as racism, bigotry, poverty, and even finding love when you have given up on it. The novel isn't a deep soul searching revelation by any means. But with fleshed out characters, exciting scenes, and triumph in the face of natural pains and the evil men do, the novel is a very satisfying read. Two thumbs up.

The Long Road

Book Title:  After The Fire, a Small Still Voice   Author:  Evie Wyld  Genre:  Novel  Rating: 3.2 of 5

I picked up this novel with not a lot of expectations. And I finished the novel with the same attitude.

The story revolves around two men in two diffrent time periods. It's set in Austraila. First we have Frank, a middle aged man with a girlfriend and a life in the city. There life seems ideal until one day it just implodes. Frank ends up leaving and taking up residence in a small metal shack near the ocean. He lives day to day rebuilding himself and reawkening to life.
The other half of the story revolves around Leon. We see how his life is affected when his father leaves his life of making candy and treats to fight in the Korean war. His father comes back a broken man. Leon himself ends up being drafted for the vietnam war. And the novel follows his trials as well.

The book won the 2009 John Llewellyn Rhys award. It's a literary prize awarded each year to an author 35 or under who writes a novel in English and it's published in England. It's been awarded since 1942. But how does it stand up? Decently well in my opinion.

The book is written very well with a lot of attention to detail. It does get a little gushy at parts and heads into too much romanticism. An example is Frank being in the ocean...'He floated on his back, feeling like a fat otter, letting the salt water into his mouth, to clean right inside him, where city dust lay on the tops of his lungs.' Yeah I live near the ocean and I personally don't think salt water doean't taste too yummy! And I'm not sure about the cleaning either.
Also another thing that might trip up us readers from the USA would be all the English slang terms used in the book. In one page she uses: windscreen, bonnet, buggered...etc. You can figure out what she's saying, but still it can make for a tough read in some parts.

Still with a couple hick-ups the book manages itself very well. Frank's story is interesting, but it's Leon's tale that will keep you reading. Rage, anger, and a past that won't go away make for a decent page turner. Good novel.

Slow. Too Slow.

Book Title:  The Lace Reader   Author:  Brunonia Barry  Rating: 2.1 out of 5.


This book is given a lot of praise and hype. You can get that much just by reading the jacket. But does it live up to it? As good as "The Sixth Sense?" In my opinion, no it does not.
I do like the set up. Set in Salem, MA, it follows a young woman with special powers learning to cope with the death of a loved one and also trying to figure out the truth of what happened to her.
It has all the makings to be great but I found myself loosing interest in it very quickly. One problem I found was the only two likable characters were the main one and her brother. Oh well, I still recommend it as an interesting read, but get it from the library. You'll be glad you did.

A Review From Nov 2009!

Hi,  I thought this would be fun for you guys to check out.  This is a review I wrote for The Hunger Games book back on Nov 23, 2009.  Enjoy my good taste.  ;)

Book: The Hunger Games    Author:  Suzanne Collins  Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Set in a bleak future where the United States has fallen into a dismal ruin. As a punishment for an earlier rebellion each district has to send a boy and girl to the Hunger Games. A fight to the death blood sport event that everyone is forced to watch. The book follows Katniss Everdeen who volunteers in place of her sister to fight in the games. And that's the plot.
The writing is very good. Suzanne Collins does a nice job of spinning the narrative into a tense and bloody story. While the basis of the book is simple and straightforward it does a good job of fleshing the characters out. Even adds a little romance to the mix.
The only downside I found to the whole thing is it is book 1 of a trilogy! Which I didn't know when I began reading it. So you can imagine how annoyed I was at learning it was to be continued. Oh well, sign me up for book # 2!
I have also read online that there is a movie in the works based off this novel. So do yourself a favor and pick it up.

Historical But Not Boring

Book Title:  Chasing Lincoln's Killer   Author:  James Swanson  Rating:  3.4 out of 5 stars

James Swanson does an admirable attempt to put together all the events leading up to, and right after Lincoln's murder. He does a pretty good job. Told from many different perspectives he gives you good insight into what each person in the story was most likely feeling back in 1865.
He avoids a couple traps along the way too, because he sticks with the facts to present the sad happenings without offending anyone. Swanson also does a nice job without being preachy or monotone.
At the same time though what really gives the book it's power is the striking black and white photographs. From the gun used to kill Lincoln to the 8 hoods the convicted conspirators wore in prison it paints a sad and horrifying picture of one of histories senseless murders.
A good book.

Hilarious! Just Ask Abraham Lincoln.

Book Title: My Custom Van: And 50 Other Mind-Blowing Essays that Will Blow Your Mind All Over Your Face
Author: Michael Ian Black
Genre: Adult Humor

I remember the first time I saw Michael Ian Black he was one of the commentators on the VH1 show "I Love The 80's." I remember thinking he was pretty funny. So when I saw he had a book I had to check it out. Frankly, it is pure gold.
In the book he writes about 50 essays ranging from the topic of how vampires would be good for the economy to how he could convince himself to eat dog crap for the rest of his life. Not that every essay is pure genius. 'One Day I am Going to Open a Scented Candle Shop' falls a little flat. But in general 99% of the book is right on. I'm laughing now as I recall the story, 'An Open Letter to the Hairstylist Who Somehow Convinced me to Get a Perm When I was in Sixth Grade.'

Yes, you do need to get this book. It's that funny....

Rating 3.9 out of 5

The Toadies Are Back...With a Vengeance!

Artist:  Toadies    Album:  No deliverance    Genre:  Rock/ Southern Rock

The Toadies rock. There is no better way to start a review of their new cd then by saying that. When their first album came out in 1994, they rocked. But now they are even better if thats possible.
The Toadies first cd was a tour de force of rock licks, catchy lyrics, and pure Texas attitude. With a dirty guitar and a almost ZZ Top feel. Then when Hell Below/Stars Above came out they almost completely abandoned their style. The album was more muted. Gone was a lot of the fire they made the debut such a gem. It seemed like the Toadies were done. But not so...
Not only are they back with No Deliverance, they are back with a vengeance! This is arguably the best album they have ever done. The licks are stronger, the rythum tighter, the vocals perfect, this is their defining cd.

Such songs prove this as the opener "Such Long Lovey Eyes" and the straight up southern rocker "I Am a Man of Stone". And the songs "Flower" and " Song I Hate" prove that not only are the Toadies back, but they are better than they were 14 years ago. Rock on!

Rating:  4.5 out of 5

And The Singer is Good

Artist:  Brendan James        Album: The Day is Brave          Genre: Piano pop.

Carly Simon has been quoted as giving Brendan James 2 thumbs up. (My words not her's.) And when you put the cd on you immediately agree with her. He has a voice that seems like it would be right at home on a country album but also equally comfortable with a jazz band too. But he thankfully has chosen neither. Instead we have a cd with 11 soulful tracks.
Now this is honestly not my style of music. I am more of a Rock and Roll guy. But at the same time I recognize a good artist when I see one, and Brendan James is going places. If you are going to do piano pop music this is what it should sound like......

Rating 4.3 out of 5

It's All Been Done Before

Artist: Amy McDonald       Album: This is the Life   Genre: Pop.  Folk.

Amy McDonald is a fresh faced new talent trying to make a name for herself. She has a couple things to help her out in this. 1. She has a great voice. This girl is quite talented and shows she does have some range. 2. She can play the guitar. Come on. Admit it. You're already more interested. Alright, to this point we have covered the only good things about this album. Unfortunately there is more wrong with it than right.

The thing that will grab you immediately is how every song sounds exactly the same. I'm not joking. They all start with a bit of jangly guitar and move into this really annoying up tempo beat. Think Brittney Spears trying to do an unplugged cd. Each song bleeds into the next and I found myself getting bored very quickly with this cd. Some songs started cool and then just fell apart under the same annoying beat. Hannah Montana would be proud. But for the rest of us who like real music this isn't just going to cut it. Do yourself a favor, avoid this one. And be sad, because here sits tons of potential...squandered.

Rating 1 out of 5

The Chord. Oh the Chord!

Item:  Belkin Mini Dock for iPhone 4/4S and iPod touch.  Manufacturer:  Belkin.  MSRP: 29.99

First up anyone ordering this should please note that it will only work with the iPhone 4 or 4S. It doesn't ok with 5 because Apple decided to squeeze more blood out of their rabid followers and change the connector on the bottom slightly. But anyways, let's review the product.

It works really well. I hooked up my mom's iPhone 4 and even in the Otterbox it worked great. The stand is nice to facetime with as well.

My only real complaint is that the chord should've been longer. It wouldn't have killed them to make it a few inches longer, but they didn't. Oh well, still a good products so thumbs up.

Rating: 3.4 out of 5

Music To Your Ear Holes

Sometimes you need to take something in perspective to see how truly great it is.  Now with Linkin Park a completely different sounding band, many people have forgotten their original roots in rap and rock.  Now the album sounds like a lot of others.  But that's where perspective comes in.

What was on top of the charts in the year 2000?  BBMak.  Backstreet Boys.  N Sync.  Toni Braxton.  Jennifer Lopez.  Linkin Park's debut was a breath of fresh air.  And it still is honestly.  Yes a lot of the songs do sound the same.  But listen to tracks like One Step Closer and In The End.  Tell me that doesn't get you up and moving.

Great stuff.  Then and now.  A good addition to your collection.

Rating 4.7 out of 5.

Staind Zombie Their Way Back

Artist: Staind  Album:  V

Chapter V is not a big steaming pile of dog poo. There. I said it. And believe me after 4 Shades of Grey, it makes me extremely happy to say this. Just a few short years ago, I thought Staind was the greatest rock/heavy band known to man. Then they went pop on us. So when this new discc came out, I was worried. I'll admit it. I borrowed it from a friend before I decided to take the plunge and buy it. And happily it has been a good purchase.
On "14 Shades Of Grey", all the fire that made Staind = Staind, was gone. With the exception of "Price To Play" there was nothing with any zest at all. Now "V" has that in spades! From the hammering "Paper Jesus" to the in your face "Schizophrenic Conversations" this disc is a moving step in the right direction. The fire is partially back. Staind still do explore their new found pop sensibilities. For example "Falling" is enough rock to make you stand up and take notice. But still radio friendly.
So there you have it. Staind might never be the pure power house of rage and angst we so loved on "Tormented" or "Dysfunction". But you have to give kudos to Staind for every album being different. And cheers to them for finding their rock n roll voice again. Good cd. Worth buying.

PS:  I wrote this review before the last Staind album came out.  I'll admit I was wrong.  They did have some rage left!  But that review is for another time......

Rating 3.9 of 5

Indie Never Sounded So Good

Artist:  MGMT   Album: Oracular Spectacular


Take a base of alternative quirkiness. Add a slight techno beat. Then some high pitched vocals. Next mix with a dash of funk. And top it off with some power pop, and viola! You have MGMT. I cannot reccomend this album highly enough. This New York based indie rock band is set to hit the big time.
The cd starts off with a bang hiting hard with the great track "Time to Pretend." And this is could be argued for as the highlight of the disc. But if you stop there, you are selling yourself short. "Electric Feel" almost reminds of you of a 70s disco. And "Pieces of What" is a perfect merge of radio hooks and rock n roll. Also not to be overlooked would be "The Handshake" and "Kids."
Some people compare them to Muse, and you can see the influence there. But the more you listen you realize MGMT are striking out into a style all their own. Great, great cd. Do yourself a favor. Pick it up. You'll be glad you did....

Rating 4.3 of 5

All That Road Going

Book:  All That Road Going: A Novel  Author:  A. G. Mojtabai

I will admit it. I'm more of a straight up "popcorn" book reader. While I do enjoy the classics as well ( Jane Austen, Henry James, Walt Whitman, etc.), I in general love a good action book. Or a good horror novel. Something with a lot of excitement, but not really deep.
Now, this book is not like the books I have mentioned. But it has to be one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time. Mojtabai does a splendid job of carefully crafting out character after character. And then fleshing them out completely. Each one is absorbing and interesting. This is accomplished as quite a character study.

What makes this even more impressive is the fact that some of the characters almost seem to cliched to be interesting. The 15 year old mother who gives her baby up for adoption. The old man fleeing from his now senile lover.  Really, any of these could be boring or trite. But they are not. Each one is flawed, but mesmerizing as well.

All in all, a decent read and worth picking up.

Rating 3.5 out of 5

The Best of Comics Unleashed With Byron Allen - DVD - UR

Byron Allen. I'll be honest, I had never really heard of him till I got this dvd. And as a comedian I will say he has a couple really funny jokes. And the idea is solid as well, get a bunch of comics together and let them have a round table discussion. Good idea, but unfortunately bad execution.
The comedians are funny, but unleased is a wrong word for it. You can tell the show is carefully (and considering some of the comics they have on there, i.e. Dane Cook for one!) edited. The comics all use very PG language and keep their jokes tame.
Also the discussion never breaks out into anything even remotely non politically correct. They talk about Bush once. But in general every episode talks about plastic surgery and dating.

The show has an excellent premise. But unfortunately it should have been called Comics Leashed.....  Not recommended.

RATING 2 of 5 stars.

PS: Just a quick note.  Starting this Friday, 8/2/13, all my posts will be made on Fridays.  Thanks and happy days all.

Ragu Fresh & Simple Smooth Pasta Sauce, Traditional Tomato Basil, 13.5-Ounce Pouches (Pack of 6)

It's rare when a product comes along in life where we get to have easy mixed with good. Yet here is another example. The sauce is easy to use because you can get it hot and ready even faster than you can cook the noodles. But now comes the problem. This is one of the most bland sauces I have ever tasted in my life.

It's called a tomato basil sauce. I taste the tomato, and thats it.... I'm pretty sure nothing else is in it at all. Literally. You could grab a can of tamato sauce and get the same effect.

It's just as easy to heat up a jar of regular spaghetti sauce. And you don't have to sacrifice taste. Now to me that seems like a better deal.

Save yourself some money and don't purchase this mediocre concoction.  

RATING: 1 of 5.

Lush - Spooky (Music)

Welcome back to the Opinion Company.  Yes I'm well aware no one at all is probably following this anymore.  Oh well, I'm going to start sticking new reviews on here.  And by reviews I mean they can be anything at all.  Hopefully you guys will enjoy it.  So let's start it all up again.

Lush - Spooky (Music)

The debut album of Lush. The cd was weird for it's time. And it still sounds weird and out of place now. But I'm not actually in any way demeaning the cd. That's actually one of the things I love about it. It's in many ways a timeless album. Think about how much music you can easily class which decade it came from. Or figure out what style it is. Lush worked hard to defy that. Oh sure, you know it's pop. But not Britney Spears pop. It's rock, but not Guns N Roses rock. It stuck between genres. And now has come to be called "Shoegazing."

And in case you're wondering, Shoegazing means bands who came from the late eighties, and reached it's height in the mid nineties. They played a brand of alternative pop rock. It was heavily effects laden. Lush were at the forefront of the movement. While the style has mostly died out, it's not done yet with a new crop of "nu-gaze" bands like Autolux. But anyway, what about this album?

Solid cd. Lush were still growing into their sound like wearing a shirt a bit too big. So sometimes the sound gets away from them. A good example would be the song Tiny Smiles in my opinion. But other songs they were able to nail, such as Covert, For Love, Superblast!, and my personal favorite Untogether.
Yes the shoegazing era is gone. But Lush left us with some very memorable records. Such as this moody gem.

RATING: 3.8 of 5.