The Adventures of Whatley Tupper: A Choose Your Own Adventure

Rudolph Kerkhoven and Daniel Pitts

Whatley Tupper is an A-grade janitor at a B-grade university about to become entwined in C-grade fiction!

Will he tame the troglodyte murderer living in the disused network of campus tunnels? 

Will he join forces with the Denny's night manager to counter a renegade group of custodians? 

Will he inadvertently travel into a parallel universe that sounds suspiciously similar to another plot-line? 

Will he journey to Honduras to reunite with his deported love? 

Will he suffer amnesia and begin to question his own sexuality? 

Will he leave all this madness behind and book a relaxing Alaskan cruise? 

Or will he turn out to be nothing more than a figment in the imagination of his idol, Tom Selleck?

Yes, there is something in the air tonight... Adventure! Romance! Carbon Monoxide!

The choice is yours.

My Take:

When I was a kid, Choose Your Own Adventure(CYOA) books were big, and my favorite brand was the Goosebumps ones by R.L. Stine because the plot lines were significantly weirder and more twisted than your average CYOA.  I think that is why I ultimately enjoyed The Adventures of Whatley Tupper--because it was super weird.  Honestly, at first, I didn't care for it, in fact to put it bluntly, I thought it was dumb and I just didn't get it.  The first storyline I happened to pick my way through wasn't very zany, but quite straight forward with a neat and tidy little ending and felt a bit flat.  So I went back to the beginning and picked a completely different route and was happy to find myself reading about ridiculous alternate universes, Tom Selleck and Phil Collins obsessed custodians, and a long lost son named Whatlito with a Robin Hood complex.  The plot lines are ridiculous in the very best way.  The story lines are all fast paced and the flow of events is abrupt and awkward, but that is what makes it funny and entertaining.  I really love just plain old weird, off kilter stuff, and Whatley Tupper totally fits the bill.  After a while, I did get a little bit pooped out going back and forth looking for new story lines, but such is the nature of the awesome beast that is CYOA. Thankfully the authors provide a wonderful little cheat-sheet on their blog that helps you sort things out, if you want to take a peek.  Lastly, something I very much enjoyed was that after reading through several story lines, you start noticing that there a lot of inside jokes and references to the other story lines, which adds fun little layers of enjoyment to the reading experience.  I really enjoyed reading this book and rate it a 1, Pay Full Price, because for hours of disgustingly ridiculous fun, the book is a great price.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

The Adventures of Whatley Tupper is difficult to assign a content rating.  Some story lines are totally PG with a tiny bit of violence, and others are a little more provocative with strong language.  There was one particular storyline which elevated the overall book's rating from a PG-13 to an R.  It contained brief, but very strong language.

***FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

If you are interested in purchasing The Adventures of Whatley Tupper, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon link, thank you!

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4 Killer Crime Stories in 4 Minutes

Benjamin Sobieck

These four crime stories will only take four minutes to read, but you'll leave feeling like you just read four novels.  From Minnesota author Benjamin Sobieck comes this collection of his four best works to date:
- "Purgatory at the Pump 'n' Loaf"
- "Use the Pillow"
- "You're the Boss"
- "Timmy Says Put This in an eBook"

My Take: 

First off, I have to say I am incredibly impressed that such short stories actually had this much depth and substance.  I was extremely skeptical, and to be honest, didn't really have high expectations, but I was very pleasantly surprised.  Since 4 Killer Crime Stories in 4 Minutes (really more like 8 minutes :)  tells 4 surprisingly explosive stories in an extremely abrupt and concise manner, I thought, in honor of the book, I would do the same with my review, so here is the breakdown of the stories:

1. Purgatory at the Pump 'n' Loaf- great story, thought provoking, original
2. Use the Pillow-darkly hilarious and awesomely indecorous
3. You're the Boss-eh, s'okay
4. Timmy Says Put This in an eBook-good idea for a story but the murder specifics were too twisted for me to enjoy the overall story 

And there you go.  This ebook is a rock bottom price of a buck fifty, plus, part of the profits go toward a kidney transplant, so what the hey, pay the full price.  Not that I am saying the book was perfection or nigh unto it, like my usual 1 ratings, but this price is unbeatable. 1 Pay Full Price Guilt Free

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

If 4 Killer Crime Stories in 4 Minutes was a movie, it would be rated R for strong language and violence

***FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

If you are interested in purchasing 4 Killer Crime Stories in 4 Minutes, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon link, thank you!

  

If you enjoyed the review, feel free to leave a "tip" in  Kate's Tip Jar found on the sidebar.  All tips are anonymous and in no way affect my reviews, thanks!

Grounds for Murder

John Russo

Someone had tainted the sugar at the newly opened Café Caffé coffeehouse in the village of Eastport. A dozen locals got seriously ill and one died. Nora Huggins— mother, wife, mystery buff and want-to-be sleuth—couldn't help but to get involved. Her delving into the crime led her to believe that it had been a nasty youthful prank. Two of the village's old spinster sisters, Winnie and Ginnie Miller, were among those who fell victim to the tainted sugar. However, when Winnie suddenly died, surviving Ginnie chose not to hold the coffeehouse responsible. Because of the Miller sister‟s reputation for being uncharitable, Nora became suspicious and probed deeper into their affairs ultimately discovering that Winnie may have in fact been murdered. Proving it became a delicate matter for Nora and the local police chief.

My Take:  

I'm picky about my cozy mysteries.  Many times, "cozy" is synonymous with "boring".  I can't say that Grounds for Murder was the worst mystery short story I ever read (that spot is reserved for When Night Falls) but I didn't think it was that great either.  There were a few very glaring issues with this story.  First off I know that not every person who writes a mystery is a former detective and knows every in and out of police work, but that is where a bit of research comes in.  This story needed that research...badly.  Law enforcement protocol was breached several times, and it made me shudder because I knew the guilty party would have gotten off in a heartbeat, which sort of defeats the whole point of the book--which is of course to catch a killer.  I'm not saying everything needs to be 100% accurate, it's just that the book didn't feel like a credible murder mystery.  My last issue with the book was that some of the writing felt a bit dated.  For example the main character's teenage son made a Columbo reference.  I honestly think I am one of very few people under the age of 30 that would even recognize that name, but hey, I guess it is just the author playing to his intended audience, which is fine.  There were some positive things going on though, for one, I didn't totally see the ending coming, so that was a good thing.  Also, the main character wasn't too bad either, I wouldn't mind seeing her pop up in a full length novel and be given a little more depth.    Anyway, Grounds for Murder wasn't terrible, it just didn't have much zing to it, I'm going to rate it a 4, Borrow from a Friend.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

If this book were a movie it would likely be rated PG because it contains a murder, but there is no violence

***FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

If you are interested in purchasing Grounds for Murder, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purschaing from the following Amazon link, thank you!

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Tales from Gundarland

Hank Quense

 Gundarland is populated by humans, dwarfs, elves and other races; it's the backdrop for unique adventures, brilliant heroes and cunning villains.
There are six short stories and two novellas in here. All are new. You'll meet some of Shakespeare's most famous characters, a warrior-cook, vigilantes, a trio of beautiful, lusty princesses to mention just a few of the memorable characters in the stories.

 My Take:

Satire is a difficult genre to pull off successfully.  If it isn't done just right, it can seem forced and just doesn't feel right.  I'm not quite sure if Tales of Gundarland pulled off a seamless satire, some of the stories seemed very rushed, so you didn't always get a full image of what the author was trying to put out there.  The writing itself was mostly funny, and the characters were quite quirky, but I don't think it completely pulled of what it set out to accomplish.  This book contained a number of stories, some I enjoyed, other, not so much.  Some of the stories were not original, but retellings of famous tales.  One of the retellings was of Romeo and Juliet, and I didn't really care for it.  An author needs to be very careful when revamping a classic, especially one written by one of the greatest writers of all time.  You've got to make sure that your retelling is absolutely mind blowing, or it will fall totally flat.  I enjoyed the stories that had more original subject matter immensely as the writing was humorous and engaging and I wasn't too busy comparing it to the original (which is inevitable with a retelling).  I think my favorite part of the book was the very beginning, when the reader is introduced to Gundarland.  It started the book out on a very original foot.  4, Borrow from a Friend 

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel.

If this book were a movie, it would likely be rated PG-13 for sexual references

***FTC Disclosure:  This book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

If you are interested in purchasing Tales from Gundarland, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon link, thank you!

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It Happened in Chicago

Scotti Cohn

 True Tales from the Windy City's Past

From the building of the first permanent settlement on the site of present-day Chicago in 1779 to Oprah Winfrey's television debut in 1984, It Happened in Chicago tells the stories of intriguing people and events from the history of the Windy City.  

Find out how the 1893 Chicago World's Fair turned out to be a glorious emblem of late-nineteenth-century American progress, despite predictions by some New Yorkers that it would be little more than a "cattle show."  Read all about America's first automobile race, which set out from Chicago in 1895.  Learn how the paths of two very different Hoffmans--federal judge Julius Hoffman and Yippie leader Abbie Hoffman--collided in 1969.  And discover that there really isn't much that didn't happen in Chicago!

My Take:

Reading It Happened in Chicago felt more than a bit like reading a textbook.  Interesting, mind you, but a distinct aura of textbookiness surrounded it.  It is full to bursting with names, dates, and facts, making it an excellent research reference.  For me, as a person with no connections to Chicago, (other than the fact that Ferris Beuller's Day off is one of my favorite movies ever) I just didn't connect personally with the book.  It was interesting to me but not essential.  This is all a matter of personal taste, if you hail from Chicago, I think you'll likely love this book.  The stories are quite engaging, and though a smidge dry at time, the writing is totally solid.  A feature I enjoyed in It Happened in Chicago, was the last few pages with bullet-pointed trivia, which included things like the city's nicknames and famous Chicagoans.  I love random trivia, again a personal preference. (but hey, isn't this blog all about my personal preferences?)  Anyway, this book was tough to rate, if you are interested in American History and/or Chicago history, this book is a 2, Borders with a Coupon, if not, it is a 4, Borrow from a Friend.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

If this book were a movie, it would likely be rated PG

A few words with the author, Scotti Cohn:

The Book Buff: When did you begin writing?

Scotti Cohn: I can't remember a time when I wasn't writing. I started writing poems and stories in elementary school.

TBB: Do you have a specific writing style?

SC: For my nonfiction books (like It Happened in Chicago), I like to think my style is straightforward and conversational. My goal is to engage the reader and draw him or her into the story. I adjust my style based on my intended audience and the type of book I'm writing.

TBB: What book are you reading now?

SC: I usually read more than one book at a time. Right now, I'm reading179 Ways to Save a Novel by Peter Selgin and Lion Among Men by Gregory Maguire.

TBB: Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?

SC: I have many favorite authors, including Ray Bradbury, Madeleine L'Engle, Susan Cooper, Neil Gaiman, Garth Nix, Philip Pullman, Cornelia Funke, Stephen King, and others. The authors I enjoy the most are those who take me into a world of mystery and supernatural events, whose writing is evocative and original.

TBB: Do you have any advice for other writers?

SC: A good foundation for any writer is to abide by the Four Ps: Pages, Professionalism, Patience, and Perseverance. By "Pages" I mean putting words on paper. In other words, write. You can't be a writer if you don't write. "Professionalism" includes taking a professional approach to the craft of writing, as well as to revision, submission, and marketing. "Patience" includes being patient with yourself as you learn and refine the craft. "Perseverance" means to keep trying -- whether that involves submitting a manuscript to many publishers or revising a manuscript as often as necessary to get it where it needs to be.

If you are interested in learning more about Scotti Cohn, It Happened in Chicago, or any of her other projects, please click here: http://scotti.cohn.tripod.com/new_site_2/index2.html

***FTC Disclosure:  A copy of this book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was given, all opinions are my own***

If you are interested in purchasing It Happened in Chicago, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon link, thank you!

Guest Review: Some White English Women I've Almost Known

***This review has been written by one of The Book Buff's favorite writers, Jenn.  I look forward to more of her reviews, she is so talented!***

Mogbolahan Koya-Oyagbola

Some White English Women I've Almost Known is a collection of short stories and poems illustrating preconceived notions, stereotypes and futility in the modern world, from the perspective of a Nigerian man striving for acceptance.  The stories span both the world and time, outlining the difficulties one encounters in attempting to achieve personal satisfaction and discover approval.  We are bombarded with tales of stereotypes, loss, sacrifice and difficult truisms most people would find impossible to sustain.  The stories form a tale, a tale of a man, a tale of mankind, and mostly, a tale of Nigerian men, that they themselves become lost in, and reluctantly learn they are unable to differentiate themselves from the masses.

My Take:

I like to consider myself a fan of art, in all of its various forms, from painting and drawings to music, movies, animation, sculpture, architecture, and of course, the written word.  However, in each of my  encounters with art of any kind, I have become particularly aware of artistic intent versus the audience's reaction.  It is true that not everyone is a fan of Picasso's.  However, few can argue the brilliance of his work, the genius, the ingenuity, uniqueness, and passion.  On the other hand, there are some people who consider a toddler's marking of the wall with a magic marker, just as honest a piece of work as that of Picasso.  While some viewers have a horrific reaction to both Picasso's work, and that of the toddler (say this child's mother), few would view their work as being in the same league with the other.  To me, comparing the work of Mogbolahan Koya-Oyagbola's Some White English Women I've Almost Known, to that of say the work of Charles Dickens, or even Frank McCourt, is saying a child's rendering of multiple lines drawn on a wall in haste with an untrained hand, is just as impressive as any of Picasso's work.  

I found this book to be one of the most difficult I have ever attempted read.  I've made my way through the Canterbury Tales, The Iliad, much of Shakespeare's work in the traditional Old English, and yet, I loathed picking this book up and forcing myself to trudge on.  It's not that the stories were terrible per say, it was the way they were told.  It was difficult, at best, to keep track of just who we were reading about, and I have pondered for some time, the best way to explain the narration,  This, is the best I can come up with; at times the story is told by a man, listening to another man tell a story in the third person, with the first person perspective removed.  Yes.  I do realize that makes very little, if any sense, but that is the most accurate description I can give.  From there, there are various points of narration that you flow into another character's perspective without any introduction to them, and without even being aware until you "switch back" to another character, and realize at some point, you must have been looking at life through another's eyes.  For example at one point, a character is named as "A---", and not ten pages later, that same character is referred to as "Ade".  

Trying to keep up with what time period you are in, and who's life you are witnessing is torturous.  There is very little descriptive analysis of the location (one as opposed to another), time period, season, etc.  The most descriptive narration is reserved for the sexual content which is vivid, redundant, and extant throughout.  Unfortunately, you can't even determine what character you are witnessing by the names of the women, as they tend to overlap as well.  To give you an example of the absurdity and convoluted narration, I will use an excerpt from the work:

"Within the feverish delusion of sleep deprivation, his features blurred, his out line diminished until somewhere along the trajectory of his storytelling he morphed into me and I into him.  He therefore sat listening to myself speak, or was that me listening to himself speak?"

And that, unfortunately, is the frustration with this work.  As I mention at the onset of this review, there are powerful ideas touched upon, such as stereotype and sacrifice, but I find that much of the work is hypocritical as the author tries to shed light on the racism that remains in this world, and he winds up objectifying women, and showing them to be nothing more than all of the worst stereotypes attributed to them.  The adult content and lack of structure made this an extremely frustrating read.  The author even inserts various, somewhat unrelated poems throughout, which cause even more confusion, and left me with an even more sour taste for this collection of short stories.  I would rate this a 5, Don't Even Bother.  Save yourself the aggravation, and use the time to read something--anything--else.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel!

If this book were a movie it would be rated a hard R.  For explicit sexual content and strong language throughout.

If you are interested in purchasing this book, please consider supporting The Book Buff by purchasing from the following Amazon link, thank you!

When Night Falls

Margaret Daley

A violent encounter in a deserted parking lot is FBI agent Sam Pierce's only clue to the menace who is stalking child psychologist Jocelyn Gold.  A random event?  Or a client's revenge?  When darkness falls, the danger deepens...

My Take:

What a disappointment.  Although I was totally turned off from the generic title of "When Darkness Falls", when the book started I was immediately intrigued.  The beginning started off with a bang and was quite promising and suspenseful.  However, the further into the story I got, the less I cared about the characters and the less interesting the plot was.  Honestly, the bad guy was so predictable, and there were no twists whatsoever.  Just because it is a short story doesn't mean you can't take the time to build proper suspense.  If you are looking for a suspenseful short story, you've got to check out "The Ravine" by Ray Bradbury, the master of short stories in my ever so humble opinion.  He shows that a well developed short story can be done, it doesn't need to feel rushed, as this one does.  This book was also a Christian book, and I have enjoyed reading many a book from that genre, so long as the religious references feel natural and fluid.  However, those are not the words I would use to describe "When Darkness Falls".  The references felt jerky and forced, along with a lot of the dialogue.  I'm not normally one to totally rip apart a book, but this one was just not good.  I am so glad I got it free on my Kindle, if I had paid for this, I would not be happy at all.  I'm torn between the 2 lowest ratings, but I think I've got to rate this a 5, Don't Even Bother.  Harsh but true.

Do you agree with my review?  Do you think I'm totally off base?  Either way I'd love to hear from you, be sure to leave a comment and tell me how you feel.

Don't miss the rest of the Mystery section in The Book Buff!

If this book were a movie, it would likely be rated PG for some intense situations. 

If you are interested in supporting The Book Buff, please consider purchasing from the links provided.