Xepherus Reads

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons!   When I endeavor to break a reading slump I have always gravitated to the easy route. I take out a book that is short, or a book that I have read years before to try to end this debilitating time of year. Last year by this time I had read and reviewed seven novels during the summer. But this year was different. No matter how hard I tried I could not stay focused enough to read a novel from start to finish. Added to that a writing block that was also of frustration.   Then one day I was online choosing my next Book of the Month Club selection. I saw a recommendation from actress Krysten Ritter (Marvel's Jessica Jones) about a thought-provoking thriller, named Emma in the Night. I decided to order this book and waited patiently for its arrival.   I was not prepared for the story that would soon play out as I turned the pages.  Emma in the Night is...

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons !   T his past December Carrie Fisher left this world to be one with the Force. This news was person ally devastati ng to me not only as a Star Wa rs fan, but as someone who has used Carrie's example of strength to further deal with my own bouts of depression. W ith every audio book I listened to with her narration, I felt that I was sitting down with an old friend.   I was to meet Carrie at a New York Com ic Con signing this past October. I was very excited, but unf ortunately life played through and  I was un able to meet her while in New York.  As disappointing as this news was, I had figured that I would be able to see her again in 2017 . Sadly I was wrong. But had I met her I would have told her that not only did her portrayal of Princess Leia enrich my childhood . But that her incredi ble candidness in her own personal life had show n me that I , too, could burst through depression and regain c...

     Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,     I want to begin this review by saying that I am a great admirer of Carrie Fisher (and not in the merry band of stalkers way...I just want to clarify this). I have seen her struggle for many years in the media with various issues, including drug addiction and alcoholism. She has never hidden who she was, or who she had become due to her addictions. And recently with Star Wars the Force Awakens thrusting her back into the limelight, she has continued to remain as real as possible. As we all cope with the fact that this daring woman is no longer with us, we have her words (and voice on her audiobooks) to continue her message of hope, determination, and strength .   I decided to learn more about Carrie and her world by reading her memoirs. The first book I was recommended was Wishful Drinking. I was told that it was a humorous and unapologetic journey through Carrie's life. ...

Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons ! In memory of an amazing woman who always spoke her mind. We will miss you, General   When I decided to read Wishful Drinking this past May, I did so due to my admiration for Carrie Fisher's honest approach to relating her life's story . She is never shy to admit her mistakes, and even makes light of them with her hilar ious writing . Her one -w oman sh ow by the same name ran for several years to packed audiences, and became one of HBO's most watched specials up until that time. After reading Wishful Drinking I felt the need to continue reading more of Carrie 's memoirs. As we all deal with the fact that this amazing woman is no longer with us, we have her words (and voice on her audiobooks) to continue her message of hope, determination, and strength .     Shoc kaholic is a nother entry into the life of a bold, honest , and br ave woman. Written by Carrie Fisher and published by Simon and S chuster, S...