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A LITERARY
BLOG ABOUT BOOKS How they affect us. How they shape our lives.
Note: Postings
made when muses strike. Watch for blog alert notices via email, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. "We read to know we are not alone." C.S. Lewis Copyright 2011-2018
Top
12 Reading Recommendations Please click a book image to purchase it on Amazon.
Novels, books, and musicals June has written and published: Click a book image to purchase it on www.amazon.com
"Meditations
for New Members is a beautifully written little book...a gem. The thoughts are striking and orginal--a
few are quite profound." --Fiona Hodgkin, author of The Tennis Player from Bermuda
Sponsored in part by Dani's Pantry Fine authentic Italian food. Cucina con Amore! https://amzn.to/2HdlA
B'Seti Pup Publishing Editorial
Services Proofreading, Editing, Rewites, Assistance with Self-publishing. "It's the write thing to do."
"I like what you've done with my
book. Makes me fall in love with it all over again." --Olajuwon Dare, author of Eleven Eleven
Contact
June at JuneJ@JuneJMcInerney.com on Facebook.com, or at www.BSetiPupPublising.com
Please support this Literary Blog by buying on Amazon. Thank you.
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Friday, December 27, 2013
Out of Africa A novel that crosses genre lines is particularly tricky
to read, let alone edit. But during this past year, I had the honor to do both.
The Seventh Messenger by the new, emerging Nigerian author Despan Kwardem, is a hybrid cross between adventure and what
the author terms Christian literature. Its moralistic message is neatly couched in broad overlays of historical fantasy and
contemporary women's literature, although written by a man and set in a timeframe vaguely defined. This first novel, which
appeals to both male and female readers alike, follows the trials and tribulations of Nankyer, a young female caught in the
archaic tribal customs of Jigoland, who, as the front jacket blurb entices, "...once died once to save a custom, now
she must die again to destroy it."
Editing Despan's book was, I admit, a bit of a challenge. Yet, the more
I worked on it with him, I became totally engrossed in its gripping story. For a first-timer in the world of literature, this
author has already learned and employed the subtle tricks of hooking his readers and reeling them in. There were times when,
while editing, I forgot to redact and simply read just to see how the story would end. What I particularly liked was how this
author ensconced Biblical stories into Jigo beliefs without being preachy and used the native village as a metaphor for the
world. The analogy of human sacrifice to appease the gods quite cleverly represents misguided, evil intentions; and the heroine,
the naivety of mankind. The characters and their daily routines are richly defined, although it did take me a while to get
used to some of the Nigerian names and phrases, which are, thankfully, translated.
The bottom line is that if you,
like me, find the week between the first day of Christmas and New Year's Eve a bit of a quiet dull lull, then I hardily recommend
reading The Seventh Messenger. It will, as it did me, certainly lift you out of your comfort zone and is sure to put a edge of excitement back into your
life.
1:00 pm est
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June
J. McInerney, the host of this Literary Blog, is
an author, poet, and librettist. Her currently published works include a novel, a book of spiritual inspirations,
two
volumes of poetry, stories
for children (of all ages) and
a variety of children's musicals. Her titles include: Miss Elmira's Secret Treasure:
A Novel of Phoenixville during the Early 1900s Colonial Theatre: A Novel of Phoenixville
during the Roarin' 20s Phoenix Hose, Hook & Ladder: A Novel of Phoenixville during
World War I Columbia Hotel: A Novel of Phoenixville during the Early 1900s the Schuylkill Monster: A Novel of Phoenixville in 1978
The Prisoner's
Portrait: A Novel of Phoenxville during World War II
Forty-Thirty Rainbow in the Sky Meditations for New Members
Adventures
of Oreigh Ogglefont The Basset Chronicles. Cats of Nine Tales Spinach
Water: A Collection of Poems Exodus Ending: A
Collection of More Spiritual Poems
We Three Kings Beauty and the Beast Bethlehem Noah's
Rainbow Peter, Wolf, and Red Riding
Hood
Originally from the New York metropolitan area, June currently lives near Valley Forge Park in Pennsylvania with her constant and loving companions, FrankieBernard and Sebastian Cat. She
is currently working on her sixth novel.
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