Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Description from GoodReads:

From the Booker Prize-winning author of The Remains of the Day comes a devastating new novel of innocence, knowledge, and loss. As children Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy were students at Hailsham, an exclusive boarding school secluded in the English countryside. It was a place of mercurial cliques and mysterious rules where teachers were constantly reminding their charges of how special they were.

Now, years later, Kathy is a young woman. Ruth and Tommy have reentered her life. And for the first time she is beginning to look back at their shared past and understand just what it is that makes them special–and how that gift will shape the rest of their time together. Suspenseful, moving, beautifully atmospheric, Never Let Me Go is another classic by the author of The Remains of the Day.

I don’t want to ruin the magic of this tale by giving too much away. Even what little I need to say may ruin it for some readers, so, if you wish to explore this amazing novel on your own as I did then stop reading my write-up now!


This is a dystopian love story unlike anything you’ve ever encountered. The GR description doesn’t begin to explain the tale. You are led into the story bit by bit through the very personal remembrances of the main character (Kathy) as she shares both her childhood and adult experiences with her best friends from Hailsham, a very “special” school.

The emotional experiences you will discover within yourself while reading this story will be powerful…and very subtle. It is a masterfully, blended trip everyone needs to take.

Devlin

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Happy New Year!

The Absinthe & Ink book club recommends the following titles for your reading pleasure.

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

A Conspiracy of Paper by David Liss

Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1) by Brandon Sanderson

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Read Well!

Devlin

“Surround yourself with human beings…

they are easier to fight for than principles.”

Ian Fleming

Devlin

Life of Pi by Yann Martel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a wonderful story. It’s not what I expected but I found it quite enjoyable.

It begins slower than I would have liked, we are introduced to Pi’s childhood in what seems to be a rather lazy and unhurried fashion. Stick with it. The story picks up with ferocious speed once you hit part two. The slow information about Pi’s childhood will become apparent soon.


Here’s some info I found after having read Life of Pi:

Quoted from Wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Life_of_Pi

Richard Parker
A Bengal tiger
Main article: Richard Parker (shipwrecked)

Richard Parker is a tiger that is stranded on the lifeboat with Pi when the ship sinks. The tiger lives on the lifeboat with Pi and is kept alive with the food and water Pi delivers. Richard Parker develops a relationship with Pi that allows them to coexist in their struggle.

In the novel, a hunter who captured a tiger was named Richard Parker. He intended to name the tiger Thirsty, because of the tiger's long time drinking when he was found. In confusion when it was time for Richard Parker to catch a train ride to find Thirsty a home, the woman at the ticket counter thought the tiger's name was Richard Parker, and the hunter's name was Thirsty, with his last name being "None Given." Pi and his father found the story so amusing, they kept the name for the tiger, who lived at the zoo.

Martel named the tiger after a character from Edgar Allan Poe's nautical adventure novel The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket (1838). He knew of men named Richard Parker, including two associated with tales of shipwreck and cannibalism by sailors. Such tales were not uncommon in the 18th and 19th centuries. Examples include the following:

In December 1835, the ship Francis Spaight was wrecked in the north Atlantic. Survivors of the wreck were known to have practiced cannibalism in order to survive.

In January 1846, a second ship named "Francis Spaight" sank, and took a man named Richard Parker down with it.

In 1884, 46 years after Poe's novel was published, a shipwreck occurred with circumstances that were similar to those in his book. After the sinking of their yacht Mignonette on the way to Australia, Captain Tom Dudley and three sailors were stranded in a dinghy in the Pacific Ocean. They believed they had no choice but to eat one of the party to survive. The victim was a 17-year-old cabin boy named Richard Parker.

A.W. Brian Simpson's book on the subject mentions the Francis Spaight and also refers to a boat called Tiger, on which a youth was cannibalized in 1766.

Having read about these events, Yann Martel thought, "So many victimized Richard Parkers had to mean something."



For those of you who have read the tale, which story do you think is the truth? I think you will find that the answer may define you as a person…


Devlin

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Due to the hectic and demanding nature of the Christmas season the Absinthe & Ink book club has decided to read whatever they want for the month of December. So…here’s what I’ve chosen to read. I hope you enjoy them as well.

Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead by Tom Stoppard

Quidditch Through the Ages by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by J.K. Rowling

Samurai Executioner, Vol. 1: When the Demon Knife Weeps (Manga) by Kazuo Koike

Lone Wolf and Cub (Manga) by Kazuo Koike / Goseki Kojima

Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

Chocolat (Chocolat, #1) by Joanne Harris

Frank Was a Monster Who Wanted to Dance by Keith Graves

One Love by Cedella Marley

The Lady or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton

Life of Pi by Yann Martel

100 Cupboards (book 1) by N.D. Wilson

Sucker's Portfolio: A Collection of Previously Unpublished Writing (Kindle Serial) by Kurt Vonnegut

Some of these I’ve read before and will revisit; some I haven’t yet opened. All come highly recommended to me so I will let you know. Have a safe and enjoyable Holiday season.

Devlin

The Lady or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Lady, or the Tiger? by Frank R. Stockton (Book Review)

Rarely will I spoil a story by giving a ‘blow-by-blow’ description. This is a rare exception.

This, simply and straightforwardly told, is the tale of a man’s fate that angered a king and encouraged his wraith by falling in love with his daughter. His guilt or innocence is determined by fate, this is the king’s clever design and either choice the accused makes, the king wins. The accused must choose a door…one houses the most vicious tiger in the land, the other, the fairest maiden his courtiers could find. His fate is simple; one leads to death, the other to marriage. Fate offers him a chance...

But, this decision is not his to make. This honor belongs to the princess who loves him. Which door will she choose for the man she loves?

Here, I will stop and allow you to make your own discovery. All I will say is that the ending is perfect!

Devlin


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Sucker's Portfolio: A Collection of Previously Unpublished Writing (Kindle Serial) [Kindle Edition] by Kurt Vonnegut.

Description from Amazon: This book is a Kindle Serial. Kindle Serials are stories published in episodes, with future episodes delivered at no additional cost. This serial currently contains one episode out of an estimated seven total episodes, and new episodes will be delivered every week.

Available to readers for the first time, Sucker’s Portfolio showcases a collection of seven never before published works from Kurt Vonnegut, one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Short, sardonic, and dark, these six brief fiction stories and one non-fiction piece are consummate Vonnegut with piercing satire and an eye for life’s obscene inanity. Also available for the first time is an unfinished science-fiction short story, included in the appendix.

These stories trace trivial human lives and mundane desires, which is precisely where Vonnegut’s inimitable perspective as a humanist shines, illuminating his alternating hopeful and dismal outlook, although undoubtedly focusing on the latter. Here as in his greatest novels, Vonnegut’s writing takes us to the darkest corners of the human soul and with wit and humor, manages to remind us of our potential to be something greater.

Episode List

An additional episode will be delivered every week until the book is complete. New episodes will be added to the same book on your Kindle, keeping your place and retaining your notes and highlights. You'll be notified via email when a new episode has been delivered.

Episode 1: Released on November 20, 2012. 25 pages. A young artist, grieving for his recently deceased wife, becomes obsessed with traveling back in time in an attempt to regain the love of his life and the happiness they once shared.

This is a good value, seven unpublished stories for $2.99 (US). I’ve read the first installment and while it proved to be a bit predictable it was still a damned fine story.

Devlin

Check out all the great Kindle book deals happening at Amazon, today only.  I bought several myself this morning.  I love the smell of E-Paper.  It just sings to one's spirit doesn't it...

Devlin

If you love avant-garde sci-fi and having your imagination truly stretched to the limits of reality then you must try Kurt Vonnegut. Today only at Amazon-Kindle you can find 14 of his finest works on sale for $1.99 (US) each.

Welcome to the Monkey House

God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater

Bluebeard

Galapagos

Deadeye Dick

Jailbird

Mother Night

Player Piano

Slapstick

Timequake

Bagombo Snuff Box

Fates Worse Than Death

Hocus Pocus

Palm Sunday

If you have not yet read his body of work now is an excellent time to take a chance. If you have then you should certainly celebrate by adding those missing titles to your Kindle collection.

Devlin

“If you want to know what a man's like,

take a good look at how he treats his inferiors,

not his equals.”

JK Rowling

Devlin

Samurai Executioner, Vol. 1: When the Demon Knife Weeps by Kazuo Koike
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Samurai Executioner Volume 1: When the Demon Knife Weeps (Review)


Description from Dark Horse Comics:


From the creators of Lone Wolf and Cub comes Samurai Executioner. Before Kazuo Koike and Goseki Kojima created Itto Ogami, they created Kubikiri Asa, better known to Lone Wolf readers as Decapitator Asaemon. He was the equal to Itto, bearer of the sword Onibocho and charged with the duty of testing swords for the shogun. Samurai Executioner is based on the life of the decapitator before his fatal duel with Lone Wolf. Expect legendary drama, frantic action, and stoic samurai stature, combined with the exemplary art and storytelling that made Lone Wolf and Cub one of the most popular and influential comic books in the world!

• Never before published in America, Samurai Executioner was the precursor to one of the most seminal works of manga, Lone Wolf and Cub!

• Since the inception of the Lone Wolf and Cub publishing program in 2000, Dark Horse has sold over eight hundred thousand copies! And the series continues to sell thousands per month!

• For mature readers.

I think I found a new favorite story. Written by Kazuo Koike and illustrated by Goseki Kojima, this is a must-see manga if you love the “Way of the Warrior” comic art.

Such brilliant artwork, a pen-stroke as precise as a sword-cut and the writing carries its historical weight well. You can almost “live” within the images and the evolving story will leave you breathless.


Devlin


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Ghost Talker's Daydream, Vol. 1 by Saki Okuse
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ghost Talkers Daydream Vol. One (Review)

Description from Dark Horse Comics:

Misaki Saiki, a young woman with a troubled past, is a professional dominatrix in one of Tokyo's most exclusive S&M clubs. However, her real money is something she likes even less than being a dominatrix. Ever since childhood, Misaki has had the ability to see and communicate with ghosts, and that talent is put to use by the Livelihood Protection Agency, who pairs Misaki with Souichiro Kadotake, a martial artist who happens to be deathly afraid of ghosts. Using her gifts, Misaki is able to help troubled departed spirits resolve what is troubling them and allow them to move on to the afterlife. If all THAT isn't odd enough, Misaki is an albino AND a virgin.

Ghost Talker's Daydream is a dark, erotic horror manga from writer Saki Okuse (Twilight of the Dark Master) and artist Sankichi Meguro and is the inspiration for the popular anime series.


This was quite good. Misaki and her assistant, Souichiro are nice, well-rounded, likable characters; (Their mission, to release haunted spirits from their pasts and their pain.) The premise is designed well and executed effectively. The artwork is clever and certainly adds to the mood of the piece.

This Volume features the stories: Hanging Mansion and Bear Po.

I would give this a solid 4 stars and will read others as they are released.

Devlin


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The Absinthe & Ink book club has elected to read the following titles this month:

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

Hopefully these stories will offer you a bit of a respite from the holiday chaos.

Enjoy and read well.

Devlin

Emily The Strange: Chairman of the Bored by Rob Reger

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Description from Good Reads:

For more than 10 years, pop culture cultists have revered and adored a mysterious, brooding 13 year-old girl named Emily the Strange. Nobody knows much about the young girl with a porcelain face and huge eyes framed by black bangs, and her ever-present brood of black cats only adds to the intrigue - but that hasn't stopped a generation of rabid fans from letting Emily put her spell upon them. Now, for the first time ever, Emily fans will be welcomed into her dark and, well, strange world - a place where kitty friends talk, the ghosts of famous weirdos come out to play, reality is never quite what it seems, and - above all - a place where anyone who's ever been considered a little "strange" themselves will be made to feel right at home. Dark Horse Comics and the creative minds behind Cosmic Debris are thrilled to present the first-ever Emily comic books, published as deluxe single issues with all new stories and art. Each issue of Emily comics will feature 48 pages of black, white, and red art (with the occasional outburst of full-color freakouts ), illustrating a wacky range of Emily stories.

I liked the premise and I believe it could be a true bestseller if the creators had given the first book a decided plot rather than a "day in the life of Emily Strange" type of design.

I could really grow to love this character but, she needs a clear destiny to capture my heart.


Devlin

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Today would be a great day to open a banned classic and read the hours away.

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger

The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck

To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee

The Color Purple, by Alice Walker

Ulysses, by James Joyce

Beloved, by Toni Morrison

The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding

1984, by George Orwell

Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov

Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck

Catch-22, by Joseph Heller

Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley

Animal Farm, by George Orwell

The Sun Also Rises, by Ernest Hemingway

As I Lay Dying, by William Faulkner

A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway

Their Eyes Were Watching God, by Zora Neale Hurston

Invisible Man, by Ralph Ellison

Song of Solomon, by Toni Morrison

Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell

Native Son, by Richard Wright

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, by Ken Kesey

Slaughterhouse Five, by Kurt Vonnegut

For Whom the Bell Tolls, by Ernest Hemingway

The Call of the Wild, by Jack London

Go Tell It on the Mountain, by James Baldwin

All the King's Men, by Robert Penn Warren

The Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Jungle, by Upton Sinclair

Lady Chatterley's Lover, by D.H. Lawrence

A Clockwork Orange, by Anthony Burgess

The Awakening, by Kate Chopin

In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote

Satanic Verses, by Salman Rushdie

Sophie's Choice, by William Styron

Sons and Lovers, by D.H. Lawrence

Cat's Cradle, by Kurt Vonnegut

A Separate Peace, by John Knowles

Naked Lunch, by William S. Burroughs

Brideshead Revisited, by Evelyn Waugh

Women in Love, by DH Lawrence

The Naked and the Dead, by Norman Mailer

Tropic of Cancer, by Henry Miller

An American Tragedy, by Theodore Dreiser

Rabbit, Run, by John Updike

Grab a copy and read.

Devlin

Reading any "Calvin & Hobbes" books by Bill Watterson

will quickly restore your faith

in the art that is humanity.

Devlin Scott

Ayn Rand: The Playboy Interview by Ayn Rand
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A very comprehensive and straightforward interview by Alvin Toffler, author of Future Shock.

Quote from the Atlas Society:

At a time when Rand's books and ideas were often maligned and misrepresented by the media, Toffler and the editors of Playboy treated her seriously and respectfully. The introduction characterizes her as "among the most outspoken—and important—intellectual voices in America today." And at a time when Rand had as yet published little non-fiction, the interview served as one of the best comprehensive statements of her views.

If you're looking to understand the core basics of Objectivism philosophy and how it applies to life, this is a very straightforward and honest example of how it all works from the mind of its creator, Ayn Rand.

Alvin Toffler has done an excellent job by asking many key questions in his attempt to define how Objectivism fits into the world of politics, love, religion, art, and ultimately…mankind.

For anyone who needs to understand the basics of this philosophy this interview is a very good place to begin.

Devlin Scott


View all my reviews

Description from Good Reads:

The aging prophet Devora bolts awake in terror, gasping for air. In her dream she heard her mother’s shrieks as the ravenous dead pulled her from the tent. Devora had been only a girl then, crying as she listened to her mother's screams and the tearing of her flesh.

And in the morning, when her mother rose—undead and hungering—Devora slew her.

This third volume of The Zombie Bible takes you to 1160 BC Israel as the walking corpses devour the tents and homesteads of the People. Four will stand against the dead: Devora, who sees what God sees. The slave girl Hurriya. Zadok, a legend among warriors. And the widower Barak, fighting to keep his vineyard free of this new peril. But can they stand together? For the living fear each other—fear the strangers in the land—as much as they fear the hungry dead.

Strangers in the Land brings an episode from the biblical book of Judges to life, fierce and blood spattered. Few will survive the coming of the dead. None will survive unchanged.

*****

A simple quote from the novel and one that stuck with me well: ‘We will find those who still breathe, Zadok had told her, but we will find no survivors.’

There is no greater truth to this novel than the above statement. In his latest and darkest work yet, Stant Litore has once again placed the never-ending undead at history’s doorstep and forces his own beloved characters to…survive…as best as they can. With very nearly all hope lost, our story’s heroes must question not only their own beliefs but their humanity as well. Will they be the Strangers in their own Land or its rightful saviors?

I went through so many gripping, soul-stirring emotions while reading this work. At one time I found myself lost and thinking, “My God! Does there need to be so much loss? My God, my God! What have you done?” What will you think as you read this story? What would you do if you were there fighting alongside Devora and her brethren? Would you choose to merely survive or to live? Would you choose to save yourself or others not of your kin? Hard questions for any novel to put forth but, the real tests are how will you answer them?

This review does not even begin to warn you about the torrent of emotions Stant Litore will force you to go through as you read this edition of the Zombie Bible. This novel is a must-read-at-all-costs whether you’re a fan of the zombie horror genre or not.

There is truth in fiction!

Devlin Scott (Lyshan Press)

****

Dragon Tattoo Trilogy: Extended Edition is a Yellow Bird (Swedish film production company) creation of Stieg Larsson's Millennium Trilogy, released in 2009. Directed by filmmakers Niels Arden Oplev and  Daniel Alfredson and featuring Michael Nyqvist and Noomi Rapace as the main characters, Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander.

This version contains more than two hours of additional footage not seen in the theatrical versions of the original Swedish films and restores notable characters and subplots from the original novels.  This is a very faithful production of Stieg's incredible story and one that I highly recommend watching.  (I have not yet seen the 2011 film version starring Daniel Craig and Rooney Mara. That's next on my watch list and I'll soon let you know what I think.)

You'll have to deal with the subtitles (I didn't mind) but, since it follows the novels so closely, I'd easily rate this film 4 stars.

Devlin

I’d like to introduce you to Oceana, a young literary student with an uncommon passion for reading and reviewing books. She is self-described as: A stubborn French-blooded teenager, who also happens to adore reading, writing, wine, profanity, vlogging, and life (some of it, anyway).

She has to be one of the most voracious readers I’ve ever met and she throws her heart and spirit into every review she gives…whether she likes the book or not.

Welcome, Oceana and thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions about your craft and passion for books.

Let’s begin by finding out about whom you are as a reader and a reviewer.

Devlin Scott: Where did your passion for books begin and was it a love of a grand design or a tumultuous affair at best?

Oceana: I’ve always loved reading, but I really started becoming zealous for it when I entered third grade. I was at a higher level than the other students in reading and nothing was particularly a challenge for me - so every three days or so, after everyone was dismissed from class, my teacher would haul out the big bin beneath her desk filled with books for older kids. Only I was allowed to take books from there, and she nursed my fervor for reading.

My reading was out of control by fifth grade, and I later discovered Goodreads, which made me all the crazier about it.

Devlin Scott: About how many books do you read and review in a week’s time?

Oceana: It honestly depends. I never used to review when I first joined Goodreads, but eventually I started to. A couple months ago, you could’ve asked me this question and I would have told you “about three books and two reviews”, but I’ve been so busy lately and family problems haven’t helped the matter. I probably read two books a week on average now and do perhaps two reviews and one mini-review - but I always need to write my reviews no longer than three days after I finish. I have this paranoid fear that I’ll forget important details.

I only review books I have strong feelings for, because if I have none my review will be incredibly dull.

Devlin Scott: Do you have any favorite genres?

Oceana: I tend to stick to young adult; usually they have some degree of romance in them. My favorite genre is paranormal because I love the fantasy aspects. I read to escape my daily life and replace it with something that will never happen to me. I also read science-fiction, though I honestly haven’t encountered that many good ones and two of my favorite books are realistic fiction.

Devlin Scott: What do you look for in a book; what captures your attention?

Oceana: I’m going to be flat-out honest and say that I’ll usually pick up a book with an interesting cover or a brilliant blurb. They just capture my attention; what can I say?

I look for something original with likable characters (snark gets bonus points) and an interesting, fast-paced plot - I don’t want to read about something that’s been done a billion times. If it has romance, I want chemistry! A big part for me is liking the main character, and since I prefer books in first person, it’s important that I enjoy reading from their perspective, and that the author does it right.

Devlin Scott: What would you say is the most important goal for a reader and or a reviewer?

Oceana: Putting your honest opinions into your review. You don’t want to lie about how you felt... if you loved it, you loved it, and you shouldn’t feel bad for doing so. And if you’re the black sheep for well-received books, tell people you thought so - you might just point out something nobody noticed before!

Devlin Scott: In the same vein, what obligations/skills do you feel a good reviewer must have?

Oceana: It’s very simple. Reviewers should be passionate about what they do, especially vloggers. No one wants to read a long, boring review or watch a monotone vlog, but if you love what you’re doing, you are absolutely not going to go down that route. I’m not the person to criticize vlogs at all (I’m new to this, remember?) but I try my hardest to keep it interesting and fresh.

Devlin Scott: What mistake or mistakes do you think authors make the most?

Oceana: Mmm... I think that writing a story with a spineless main character and controlling love interest is a big mistake. A lot of people seem to think a possessive partner is ‘sexy’, and it’s really not. Also, unnecessary and unrealistic love triangles. It’s unlikely that two gorgeous guys are going to be head-over-heels in love with a girl that could be replaced by a wooden plank. If there has to have a love triangle, I want the main character to, you know, have something special about him or her, and who they’ll end up with shouldn’t be obvious, either.

Devlin Scott: What are your pet peeves when it comes to stories? What do you hate to see in print?

Oceana: When the main character says “I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I’d been holding”. That drives me insane. Also, insta-love, stereotypes, and severe slut-shaming. Nobody falls in love in three days, not every cheerleader is an evil whore, and I’m tired of hypocritical heroines slamming on girls for wearing shorts an inch too short for their taste.

Devlin Scott: According to your Twitter Description, you enjoy profanity (yes, I’m going there) do you have a favorite word or phrase? (I’ll reproduce it as faithfully as I’m allowed.)

Oceana: I’ve been trying to cut down on my cursing in case one of my family members happens to stumble across my reviews (I hope it’ll never happen). But, the words still slip out, hehe. I’m going to spare your eyes the pain, Devlin, so I’ll just say “Bitch please” is one of my favorite ones.

Devlin Scott: If you could design the “perfect book” what would it have within its pages?

Oceana: A sarcastic, likable heroine, a swoon-worthy love interest, and an engaging, fresh plot. A novel that makes you look at the world a little differently. And a British or French accent somewhere along the lines. Take your pick.

Devlin Scott: If you could only have twelve books (your Nook doesn’t count) on a desert island (come on, we all agree that taking only one is stupid and futile) which ones would make the sandy beaches their new home?

Oceana: This question, gah! At least it’s twelve, though. Here they are:

STOLEN by Lucy Christopher. My all-time favorite. No words needed.

OBSIDIAN by Jennifer L. Armentrout. I love the chemistry between Katy and Daemon.

EASY by Tamara Webber. I think it sends out such an inspiring message to young women.

ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS by Stephanie Perkins. Don’t judge me. It’s such a cute book!

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor. What beautiful writing.

VAMPIRE ACADEMY by Richelle Mead. I met her. Squeal!

ANGELFALL by Susan Ee. Amazing, original read.

CLOCKWORK PRINCE by Cassandra Clare. My literary boyfriend is in it. Jem.

THE IRON QUEEN by Julie Kagawa. My favorite of the series.

SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi. Guilty pleasure, leave me alone. :D

LE PETIT PRINCE by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. A childhood favorite.

THE LIGHTNING THIEF by Rick Riordan. I wish I could take the whole series.

Devlin Scott: I notice that your self-description professes your desire to be a writer. What have you done to achieve this dream? What genre of writing are you leaning towards?

Oceana: I love writing, but I’m not very creative when it comes to plot and that’s a huge problem. I mostly work on fan fiction for that reason.

I’ve had some of my poetry compete in county/state literary fairs (which is funny because I’m not a poet, but apparently I can write it fine), and all of my writing at school has been well-received. But there are so many other people that are better at it than I am (another thing: I have no confidence). The only thing I have on my side is my age, so I’m hoping that as the year’s progress, I’ll get better at writing.

However, once my life kind of settles down, I’m going to start writing again. I miss it.

I’ll probably stick with young-adult, but who knows? I want to eventually write a good paranormal, though.

Devlin Scott: What are your ultimate goals/plans for the future?

Oceana: Scary question. The future is still far away, and I want to write, but I doubt that it’ll support me full-time. I don’t know what career I want yet, but I’m aiming for a PhD in English. I’ll probably stick to something literary-related.

Every person tells me I should be a veterinarian (I’m great with animals and run my own dog-sitting business). When I say I want to write, everyone responds with “you should write books about animals!” I can’t win. haha

Devlin Scott: This is your part of the interview to send a message to the world. Tell us what you’re up to and where others can see your work.

Oceana: Haha, I’m struggling not to spam you here, Devlin. Sad that I don’t have a blog open yet, but oh well.

I’m busy at school, squeezing in reading and reviewing time between homework and . . . homework. Dealing with not having my father here with me and plowing through life blindly.

I’m opening up my own book blog sometime in December (very excited, stay tuned!) and plan to continue vlogging.

Devlin Scott: Now, my final two questions: What is your favorite truth (the one thing you believe in the most)?

Oceana: Nothing lasts forever.

Devlin Scott: What is your favorite lie (the one you use most often to avoid or escape trouble)?

Oceana: Uh, I have a blinding headache. Sometimes it’s true, but sometimes it’s not.

Thank you so much for the interview, Devlin!

~ Oceana

Thank you, Oceana for taking a few moments to answer my questions. I’m a faithful follower of your reviews and I’m very proud of the work you do to keep our bookshelves well-stocked and happy. Please continue reading and writing.

To see more of Oceana’s reviews:

VLOG: http://www.youtube.com/user/OfficialOceana?feature=mhee

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5832186-official-oceana

TWITTER: https://twitter.com/oceananightfern

Devlin Scott (Lyshan Press)