WELCOME TO THE BOOK BABE !!

Hi there and welcome to my blog. This site is intended to be a place where people who share my passion for reading and writing can gather to exchange comments and opinions about some of the books they've read. Perhaps in the process we can all discover some new titles that are well worth exploring.

For those of you who enjoy writing, please feel free to use this blog as a venue to present and promote your efforts.

Again, welcome....and enjoy !!

Hugs,
Brigid

PS. Visit me on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/TheBookBabe21

The "vampire" genre has skyrocketed over the last few years. A great deal of the credit for that can be afforded to Anne Rice's INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE. Her "humanization" of the vampire character spawned a whole new generation of novels in which the vampire is perceived as sensitive, emotional, sensual being (albeit, still bloodthirsty).

Susan Phelan has expanded on this new interpretation by introducing us to a plot focused on the vampire's desire to become human again. The struggle, in terms of both the scientific methodology and the creature's inner turmoil throughout the process, makes for a compelling plot. This , coupled with a forbidden relationship in the most romantic sense, provides for a story unique in its own right....skillfully crafted and intensely compelling.

Although somewhat difficult to find, I discoverd that Ms. Phelan has several other books in this genre and that they are available in Ebook formats. I'll post more information on this as it becomes available.

RATING: 5 Stars

In my humble opinion, Frederick Forsyth is the king of the espionage/suspense thriller (there's a mouthful...LOL). His novel THE DAY OF THE JACKAL was an absolute masterpiece - and one of the few books that I have read more than once. But if it is at all possible, I think he has outdone that one with THE FIST OF GOD which is based on Saddam Hussein's plan to develop a "super gun"....an artillery giant capable of delivering massive payloads to targets hundreds of miles away....most notably, Israel.

As always, the research is impeccable and the intricately woven plot revolves around events taken from news headlines ( and some not-so-publisized events).

I find it rather surprising that this particular novel has yet to be snapped up by Hollywood as the plot is tailor made for a movie...or perhaps even a miniseries. If you like spy/thriller fiction, check this one out....it blows Clancy and LeCarre away.

RATING: 5 Stars

While the libraries are full of books relating to King Arthur and his knights of the Round Table, THE MISTS OF AVALON adds a rather unique twist to the Arthurian legend. The story is told through the eyes of Morgana Le Faye, Arthur's half sister who is destined to become High Priestess to the old religion in which Mother Earth is the heart of her faith and power. I found it interesting that there are numerous departures from the accepted traditions of the legend. But these enhanced, rather than detracted from the story in general. The character of Morgana, for example, is a complete turn around from the way that she has generally be portrayed in literature.

In short, a VERY good read. And as is the case with all outstanding books, this too was made into a movie of the same title starring Anjelica Huston. It's well worth watching....but somewhat hard to find, so if you spot it in the backlist bin at your local video store, snap it up...you won't be disappointed.

RATING: 5 Stars

This is without question one of the most terrifying books I have ever read. As was the case with THE EXORCIST, the story is based on actual events and for the most part, the author has remained true to what actually occurred. The idea that something like this really happened added another dimension to the suspense and abject horror of the plot. It is one of the books that you simply cannot put down....the plot is so riveting that you are drawn from page to page, chapter to chapter.

I found this book among the backlist titles in a second hand bookstore....a great place for scouting out good reads that are no longer being hyped by the marketing machinery of the publishing industry.

As a footnote, this book was later made into a movie starring Barbara Hershey. It was really quite good....but I think with today's CGI the special effects could be incredible.

RATING : 5 Stars

Welcome to my blog !! Please feel free to comment or discuss anything at all, especially if it relates to books and writing. Let us know which are your favorite titles and authors. If you're a writer, please feel free to post links where we can read samples of your writing.

Once again, welcome.....I look forward to hearing from you.