Book Review: Raising Wild Ginger

Raising Wild Ginger is Tara Woolpy's latest novel *due out on July 1 2012* set in fictional town of Lacland. The book is set around parenting in a small town society, better say, the book is set around the efforts of a gay couple to find a daughter in a traumatized twelve year old who is seductive, secretive and dishonest.

    The book, for sure takes you into a new world. Imagine Edward Rosenberg, a rich man whose grand-pa built the town he lives in and Sam DeCosta whose dad disowned him because he is a gay in love with each other. Both of them have their troubles, traumatized pasts, mistakes, careers to look after yet living together as a couple happily, wishing to build a family, though they have their doubts.

    Would that change when they take in Ms. Ginger McIntyre as foster parents, to whom this is the last resort before she is put into group home for good by the Social Security Services.  Would they be able to stand a chance against this girl who is smart, does well in tests, seduces men, steals,..? Would she exploit them of their weaknesses? How would the society around react for there could be no secrets in such a small place? Would they find a daughter in her? Would their family start falling apart after the homos *as called by society* stop fooling themselves? How can they overcome the crisis? 

    What would happen if Ginger's past haunts her after almost everything starts settling down? Would her new found family give up for parenting even a normal child is hard in itself? Would Sam and Edward throw Ginger out when her night-mares come true to haunt her? Would Sam and Edward disown her and run away? Would they find out what needs to be done to bring their family together? Would they have a happy family or something that depends on each other for mere existence? Would they re-invent themselves and raise Ginger DeCosta Rosenberg? Well, you gotta read the book to know and to live their lives.

 

My Verdict:
    A must read. Probably 8/10 would be good rating.

    One wonderful a book, teaching you about life, family and what is important and what has to be put to grave to lead a happy family life. I remember laughing out loud and sharing Ginger's happiness sometime after she found herself a new family and started playing with a few rats. The book portrays emotions well for I felt like yelling at Ginger whenever she after her small mischief felt Edward or Sam would send her away. I felt like hugging Sam whenever he showed extra-ordinary affection and love to bring the family together.

    The characters played well and I couldn't stop loving the entire town.  Every parent has something to learn from this book, though I have no experience at parenting. The book shows you, what parenting should be and what you need to do when life isn't what it ought to be. I am sure I am gonna read the other books by the author in series of loosely linked novels set in fictional town of Lacland.

Wishing Tara Wooply all success
Abhishek Boinapalli

Disclaimer:
I have received a free copy of the book, Raising Wild Ginger  for the purpose of review. This didn't in anyway effect the review. The review is sincere and straight from heart

Guest Post -- Brooklyn Hudson

Morning Everyone,

 Today, I have Brooklyn Hudson, the author of WishBone with me answering my query Many authors see marketing as a bind. What are your thoughts?. 

A little Introduction:

Wish Bone

 Brooklyn Hudson was born and raised in New York City's borough of Staten Island. She currently resides in Los Angeles where she produces The Springsteen Experience, a theatrical concert event; she is a replica-rock (tribute show) concert promoter and band manager, and has been writing fiction since she was old enough to hold a pencil. She credits Stephen King for her devout adoration of adult dramatic horror and is currently fast at work on the WISHBONE screen adaption and WISHBONE Part II

About the Book:

    A Manhattan power couple survive a tragedy and attempt a fresh start only to be plagued by unexplained and disastrous occurrences...be careful what you wish for.

   WISHBONE is a multi-layered thriller incorporating several sub-plots; in the vein of Pet Sematary, What Lies Beneath, Misery and Stir of Echoes. Dramatic horror at its best, Brooklyn Hudson takes you on a suspenseful roller coaster ride of emotional turmoil and shocking events. 

Her Views:

    Marketing is a definite bind. It is truly an all day job hoping from social network to social network, chat rooms, blogs, and anywhere else you can make noise for your books. I would like to say that this is where there are advantages to brick and mortar publishing (because they do it for you), but the truth is, I have many friends who publish with the “Big 6” and they are still forced to be out there marketing their work predominantly on their own.

     Try to set yourself a schedule and limit marketing to a portion of your day, or specific days of the week, depending on if you are writing full-time or your schedule, and write the remainder of the time. Also, don’t be afraid to ask your friends to help. I was timid about this at first, then I realized there are many people in my circle who want to help and will gladly devote some time if told what they can to do.

Another View:

Another Author: Guest Post -- Deidre Havrelock

   What are your views on marketing? Do you actively participate in marketing? Do you leave marketing entirely to your agents??

with warm regards

Abhishek Boinapalli

Orangeberry Book Tours - In Leah's Wake

Morning Everyone,

      Hope you had given your week a kick start. Today I have the pleasure to host Terri Giuliano Long the author of In Leah's Wake on my blog. 

Quick Notes about Author:

    Terri Giuliano Long grew up in the company of stories both of her own making and as written by others. Books offer her a zest for life’s highs and comfort in its lows. She’s all-too-happy to share this love with others as a novelist and as a lecturer at Boston College. 

Terri Long

    Her life outside of books is devoted to her family. In her spare time, she enjoys walking, travelling to far-flung places, and meeting interesting people. True to her Italian-American heritage, she’s an enthusiastic cook and she loves fine wine and good food. In an alternate reality, she could have been very happy as an international food writer.

Book Feature:

    Protecting their children comes naturally for Zoe and Will Tyler - until their daughter Leah decides to actively destroy her own future.

   Leah grew up in a privileged upper-middle class world. Her parents spared no expense for her happiness; she had all-but secured an Ivy League scholarship and a future as a star athlete. Then she met Todd.

In Leah's Wake

    Leah’s parents watch helplessly as their daughter falls into a world of drugs, sex, and wild parties. While Will attempts to control his daughter’s every move to prevent her from falling deeper into this dangerous new life, Zoe prefers to give Leah slack in the hope that she may learn from her mistakes. Their divided approach drives their daughter out of their home and a wedge into their marriage.

      Twelve-year-old Justine observes Leah’s rebellion from the shadows of their fragmented family. She desperately seeks her big sister’s approval and will do whatever it takes to obtain it. Meanwhile she is left to question whether her parents love her and whether God even knows she exists. 

    What happens when love just isn’t enough? Who will pay the consequences of Leah’s vagrant lifestyle? Can this broken family survive the destruction left in Leah’s wake?

Wishing  Terri Giuliano Long all Success,

Abhishek Boinapalli

200 Followers Give Away

Hello All,

    After almost an year of blogging, I am reaching the 200 follower mark on this blog. So here is something to say thanks to one and all. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

    Join the blog, participate, build an active community and keep encouraging me. 

with warm regards

 Abhishek Boinapalli

Book Excerpt -- The Hobbit -- Lord of Rings

Morning Everyone,

     How is life going on?? Well Well, I started living again *read .. I started reading a book again*. Started with my copy of The Hobbit of the Lord Of the Rings.  I heard a lot of praise of the book and the movie too. Gonna check it out for sure. Here is a small but funny excerpt from the book:

--x--

Good Morning Everyone

“Good Morning!” said Bilbo, and he meant it. The sun was shining, and the grass was very green. But Gandalf looked at him from under long bushy eyebrows that stuck out further than the brim of his shady hat.

“What do you mean?” he said. “Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?”

“All of them at once,” said Bilbo. “And a very fine morning for a pipe of tobacco out of doors, into the bargain. If you have a pipe about you, sit down and have a fill of mine! There’s no hurry, we have all the day before us!” Then Bilbo sat down on a seat by his door, crossed his legs, and blew out a beautiful grey ring of smoke that sailed up into the air without breaking and floated away over The Hill.

“Very pretty!” said Gandalf. “But I have no time to blow smoke-rings this morning. I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it’s very difficult to find anyone.”

Morning Coffee

“I should think so—in these parts! We are plain quiet folk and have no use for adventures. Nasty disturbing uncomfortable things! Make you late for dinner! I can’t think what anybody sees in them,” said our Mr. Baggins, and stuck one thumb behind his braces, and blew out another even bigger smokering. Then he took out his morning letters, and began to read, pretending to take no more notice of the old man. He had decided that he was not quite his sort, and wanted him to go away. But the old man did not move. He stood leaning on his stick and gazing at the hobbit without saying anything, till Bilbo got quite uncomfortable and even a little cross.

“Good morning!” he said at last. “We don’t want any adventures here, thank you! You might try over The Hill or across The Water.” By this he meant that the conversation was at an end.

“What a lot of things you do use Good morning for!” said Gandalf. “Now you mean that you want to get rid of me, and that it won’t be good till I move off.”

--x--

     My goodness, it looks like Gandalf is quite queer a character. Gotta check him out!! Are you done with The Hobbit? How is it? Liked it? Full of fantasy and adventure or some oldman's tale??

with warm regards
Abhishek Boinapalli

Author Interview -- RaShelle Workman

Ms. RaShelle Workman

Morning Everyone,

 Today I would be hosting Ms. RaShelle Workman, the author of Sleeping Roses on my blog!! Here is an author interview of hers.

--x--

If you were a superhero what would your name be? 

Madame Voltage??? No idea.

If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you? 

A laptop with a never-ending supply of power. Access to the Internet. A large umbrella.

If you could have any superpower what would you choose? 

The ability to produce electricity.

Night owl, or early bird? 

Night owl, for sure.

Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book. 

It’s got everything great in it—love, hate, forgiveness, kissing, and a happy ending.

Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects? 

Books 2 & 3 (BEGUILED, and DOVETAILED) in my young adult sci-fi romance series. I also am really excited about two new young adult series. BLOOD AND SNOW, and THE GUARDIAN INSTITUTE.

What was your favorite book when you were a child/teen? 

As a child, it was ARE YOU THERE GOD, IT’S ME MARGARET? by Judy Blume.  As a teen, THE SWORD OF SHANNARA, by Terry Brooks. 

Hidden talent? 

I can make the most delicious toffee in the world. Even if you don’t like toffee, my toffee will change your mind.

Sleeping Roses Book Cover

Favorite Food? 

Pizza

Nickname? 

Shellsy or Shells

 

When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"? 

I wanted to be a mom, which I am. Everything else I’ve done, am doing is icing. 

How do you react to a bad review? 

The first few were very difficult. I’ve toughened up because I know not everyone is going to like what I’ve written. That just means I didn’t write it for them. And that’s okay.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? 

YOU CAN’T KEEP A FIGHTER DOWN.

 

Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published. 

Receiving mail from fans telling me they loved reading my book.

 

--x--

Wishing Ms. RaShelle Workman, all the luck she needs

Abhishek Boinapalli

Virutes of War -- Elephant Splat

Morning Everyone,

       Done with graduation exams for this season this very moment!! Gonna enjoy the next few days reading a book or two!! 

       The other day, I was reading a book Virtues of War by  STEVEN PRESSFIELD. The book describes life of Alexander The Great who conquered the entire world.  Here is a small excerpt from the book:

Situation: Alexanders army are camped outside kingdom of King Porus and are planning a campaign.

--x--

Elephant Splat

The sergeant called Gunnysack has been sent with one of the scouting parties across the river. He comes back with a great dried elephant splat—putty-colored, two feet high, big around as a bathtub. We have all seen the droppings of work elephants. But this, of a beast of war, is of another scale entirely. It creates a sensation in camp. Everyone has to see it. And all must speculate on the size of the creature that dropped it.

"By the gods," declares Gunnysack, "if this monster craps on you, you're a dead onion!"

--x--

     Man, this is wonderful. Looks like I can scare the shit out of an Huge but Idle army just by showing them some Elephant Splat *though they are all brave warriors who conquered the world as they know it*!! Ha Ha Ha!!!

with warm regards

Abhishek Boinapalli