More reviews!

As I’ve mentioned before, I write reviews. Lots of them. I’m also a member of the Amazon Vine program, which means I get to pick out books, and other stuff, to review.

For the record, all reviews are my own, honest opinion, and I am not paid to post them (other than the items I get for free from Vine). I am occasionally asked by authors if I will review their book, and sometimes I will if they send me a copy. (I’m so busy, I don’t do it very often anymore. Plus, it’s hard to read for fun when I’m reading/editing for work… not only do I not have a lot of time, I also find myself editing as I read. I just can’t help it.) (Even books by big-name authors.) (Even classics by now-dead authors.)

Also for the record, yes, I am an Amazon affiliate. That means if you happen to click a link and happen to buy something, then I’ll get a teensy percentage of the sale. It doesn’t cost you any more money, and it helps support my art habit. I mean, I’d be writing the reviews anyway, so why not? Plus, it takes me a LOT of time to read and review and create this post and copy links…

Anywhosit, here are my most recent reviews on Amazon, most from the Vine program, in no particular order:

• Lamp: Five Stars. (above) It’s tall, it’s pretty, it works. It also makes me happy to see it on my worktable.

• Hoop Dancing: More Journeys Through Nocturnal Photography by Stu Jenks: Five Stars. Stu has graciously answered The Questions; I just need to put the post together and publish it. For now, just know that I am ever ever so thrilled he sent me some books to read. Hoop Dancing, like the first book Flame Spirals, is a gorgeous collection of photography and stories. Can’t wait to read his other ones (and get the money to buy more!). Amazon only sells the Kindle edition; if you want the hardback (which I *highly* recommend), you can purchase it on his site, Fezziwig Press.

• PB Crave Peanut Butter, Razzle Dazzle Premium: Three Stars. Peanut butter with wild honey, dark chocolate, white chocolate and raspberry. It sounds like a good idea… but it’s just TOO much.

• Ace Splint Wrist Brace: Four Stars. Good support for those of us who over-use our hands & wrists!

• Fellowes Hot Laminating Pouches: Five Stars. Great for making stuff, like bookmarks.

• Luna Bar Luna Protein Chocolate Peanut Butter: Four Stars. My new favorite snack! (Four stars because of the high amount of carbs.)

• Strays by Ron Koertge: Four Stars. Intriguing concept: if you are cast out of your life, through no fault of your own, into a strange new one, how would you react? Would it be better? Would it be worse? Strays explores this as a boy enters the foster care system. I just wish the book was longer.

• Love, Loss, and What I Wore by Ilene Beckerman: Four Stars. Cute book I picked up in a used bookstore. The author’s life as shown through her clothes.

• Diary of a Mad Fat Girl by Stephanie McAfee: Four Stars. Bawdy, raucous, funny and entertaining book, even if parts of it are way over the top.

• A Smidgen of Sky by Dianna Dorisi Winget: Three Stars. Cute story from the viewpoint of ten-year-old Piper Lee DeLuna, but with some forced drama.

• Who Done It? edited by Jon Scieszka: Four Stars. A great concept, with too many executions… literally… the hated editor of a number of authors has been murdered. Since each of the writers have a motive to off the man, hilariously named Herman Mildew, they must each give an alibi for their whereabouts.

• Epson WorkForce WF-2530 Wireless All-in-One: Four Stars. Decent printer for price, but not great. (Note: this is a VERY long review!)

• Pet Naturals Skin & Coat for Dogs: Three Stars. This is supposed to help my dog’s coat, but I didn’t see any difference. However, she did like eating them!

• Verso “Prologue” Standing Cover for Kindle Fire: Three Stars. Lovely cover that works with my android tablet, but it ain’t perfect!

Thanks for reading!