Bout of Books 37 #bookreview

This is the 18th time I've taken part in Bout of Books. I will post more reviews later. 

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7120981?shelf=bout-of-books-37-may-2023

Book Review:

Excuse Me While I Disappear: Tales of Midlife Mayhem

This was a First Reads free book. This review is my honest and unbiased opinion.

I like the dinosaur on the cover. I am NOT the target audience for this book, as I am not a Caucasian woman over fifty. I do, however, love a good Philadelphia cheesesteak, and am Gen X.

The majority of this review is only on my personal blog. The ending thanks threatens that those who do not like the author will be cursed- "dropped me like a hot potato... I have put curses on you all." The author's father, mentioned in the book, stalks telemarketers to threaten them. While that is not my job, I would rather not be stalked for reviewing a book. Also, there's a chapter where the author intentionally becomes, for all intents and purposes, becomes an Internet troll. I'd prefer to avoid that interaction. "I knew what I used to do to friends who were blackout drunk when I was in my twenties." Hinting at what happens to friends, I don't wish to learn what happens to unfortunate readers who dislike the book.

Money is a big topic in this book. The cost of getting hair done, getting antiques and such on Facebook Marketplace, and buying a MINI Copper is justified, yet the cost sidewalk upkeep seems out of reach. (There's an unwritten Republican common criticism joke somewhere in there that people would be able to afford everything if they stopped drinking coffee.) Massive amounts must be spent on the multitudes of medical tests mentioned (it's America, after all), but paying for sidewalk upkeep is complained about instead of a plea for universal healthcare. 🤷🏽‍♂️

There's a lot about pot gummies. And the suggestion that taking them creates "superwomen." There are a lot of drugs, prescription and not, mentioned in this. 

I've never made a guest list of people who I hope will be jealous. I have no idea where in Atlantic City the nearest restaurant would be a golf course a mile away. I've been down there several times and found many places to eat. The year isn't mentioned thou, so perhaps many have since closed? I also cannot imagine pretending to be dead so my spouse is ready to find me like that, and honestly it sounds closer to a warning sign of potential intended self-harm. 

I did enjoy this part:
"Everyone thinks they know the best way to live, think, and be... when generally they have no clue about anyone else's life that they are judging, be it through humor or not." The quote is attributed to "Aryana F," in response to the trolling.

The author seems to really need to be seen, to get attention. When not getting that, theft, conflict instigation, and other antics ensue. I would not recommend this book to any person of color, as simply having gray hair is unlikely to create an invisibility for you to be able to steal. I cannot imagine an America where a police officer would ignore a POC due to age, and allow them to steal something like potatoes. 👮🥔🚓 I actually had a strong feeling the author was white before reading her say "a satire of white privilege" was one of her stories. 

Of all of the books on my TBR, I wish I hadn't flicked this one open. I nearly DNF multiple times. I am guilty of having judged a book by the cover, as it was the part I enjoyed the most. I finished hoping there would be something I'd find funny at some point. I was looking to feel uplifted. I was disappointed. 

My heart does go out to the elderly dog. And I can identify with having friend group members who have died. 

One star for the cover, one star because it's well-edited, and one star for the dog (who survived the book) makes a total of THREE. 

Writing Inspiration #IWSG

InsecureWritersSupportGroup.com

Shout-out to Alex and the awesome co-hosts for today:

Joylene Nowell Butler, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Meka James, Diane Burton, Victoria Marie Lees, and M Louise Barbour!

May 3 question - When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

Pinterest. Life all around me. An online chat with pals. I suppose it depends where I am in a story.

Please also visit: The Insecure Writer's Support Group Book Club on Goodreads.

---

Happening at the A to Z Challenge
ROADTRIP!

Happening at OperationAwesome6.blogspot.com
There are still GIVEAWAYS open! Please see the reflections post. Also, I'm looking for 2023 Debut Authors. Know anyone publishing for the first time this year?

What's next for me?

https://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/bout-of-books-37-sign-up.html

Reflections #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Book

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023

Thank you SO MUCH for the 150 comments I received this month! 💗

I hoped to visit more blogs. I had a solid plan for April. 
But you know what they say about making plans...

"If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans." — Woody Allen

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans" — John Lennon

A dear family member of my spouse went from "stable" to "we're making her comfortable," and finally to passing on. Her last breath was followed by the aurora borealis appearing. (To be clear-- this does NOT happen. Pennsylvania, USA is too far south for the Northern Lights. Except they came this month.) It's the sort of awful and awe-inspiring moment that gives one great pause.

Otherwise, the challenge went fairly well. It was fun to find so many ways to work my book into the alphabet. Ronel, you especially made this challenge fun for me.

Facebook tried to mess with our initial link-up, but John quickly solved that. Jayden came up with a way to share the Master List on the blog itself. Thanks to Arlee for covering when my "N" (Never Give Up) post vanished from the A to Z blog. Zalka did an amazing job of pulling the team out of hibernation this year. A big thanks to our anonymous graphics person for stepping up.

Twitter ... 🤦🏽‍♂️ is testing everyone's patience. And some reports are that Rafflecopter was having international issues, or that the Facebook login feature has stopped working. I know some bloggers ""went rogue"" and opted to post a month of alphabet posts without joining the challenge, without becoming part of the community. They didn't wish to hop to each others' blogs, or support one another, or whatever the reason. You can invite everyone to dinner, it doesn't mean they'll opt to come. 

The A to Z Team is just a handful of volunteers giving what we can to keep people inspired and connected through blogging. We have decades of experience (plus Zalka has a doctorate degree, and a little birdie told me that Jayden will soon have one as well). Our team is diverse in age, origin, gender, country, and culture. We do the very best that we can with what resources we have, and I am proud to be part of this team. 

I hope my fellow bloggers will join us monthly, as we have posts planned for the whole year. And keep hopping with the Road Trip! (Posting next week.) Your blogging community is as strong as you make it. I'll be posting on the A to Z blog in January for the New Year, so get your blogging resolutions ready!

March 10, 2024, will be the next #AtoZChallenge Theme Reveal. 📅 Put it on your calendar. 

QUESTION — What did you enjoy most and least about this year's challenge?


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Please check out the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge
#AtoZChallenge
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http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4fa90ac752 Rafflecopter
WIN Custom Proof of Existence Blanket (US only) or Name a Character (International)
(Facebook Log In might not work due to a Rafflecopter error.)

What's next for me?

https://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/bout-of-books-37-sign-up.html

Z is for Zeehan Library #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Australia #Tasmania

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023


Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

Before anyone runs out and buys this book just because of this setting, please know this is the only scene you'll see in Tasmania. It's important to the story. There's a reason Heath is there. But this really is the whole scene. It is mentioned again later, but over an unexpected phone call. 

Also, sorry, the library wedding scene also did not make the final cut. It has been reduced to nothing more than this mention. 

QUESTION — What does the idea of a wedding in a library evoke for you?



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Y is for Yetta Piagesi #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #tea🍵

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023

Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

🍵 The character who owns the tea house has a small role. She's important here because her name starts with Y. She's important in the story because Xavier's mother respects her (which IS saying something). 

QUESTION — Have you ever been to an elegant and proper tea in a place where that service is their primary function? (Not just ordering tea at Starbucks.) 

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X is for Xavier #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Book

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023


Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

Am I sure they're in Italy? 

Yup.
The location in this part of the book is based on an actual place. The clouds actually do make the road impossible to see. People who live there just deal with it.

There are MANY scenes with Xavier in this book. But this one amuses me. He's hungry and exhausted, and she's being incredibly annoying, but he responds with love, certainty, and patience. 

QUESTION — In what ways might you know if you were in Heaven? (Or whatever ideal afterlife you might find most desirable if given an option.)

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W is for What Are They #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Book

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023

Trigger warning: hostage situation


Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner
what-are-they.com

What Are They is my author brand for fictional stories. 

This scene takes place near the beginning of Proof of Existence. Anyone who didn't read Fractions of Existence first will probably be confused. The main characters are shown using their gifts straight away. Here we see that they aren't even in human form. 

It's an Urban Fantasy. Not the kind with detectives though. Expect many pages like this.

QUESTION — What are they? Any thoughts?



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What's coming up for me?

https://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/2023/04/bout-of-books-37-sign-up.html

I'm participating in #BoutOfBooks 37 starting May 8. Join me! (You were going to read anyway, right?!?!) https://t.co/EbBvWDtM9z

— J Lenni Dorner (@JLenniDorner) April 26, 2023

V is for Virgin #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #1946

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023

SPOILER ALERT! The following scene contains a spoiler about the primary relationship of the main characters.

 Trigger Warning: Sexual content discussion, controversial definitions


Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

The "trouble" with consulting with experts in history, especially linguists, is that they tend to know something that goes against the grain of what people currently believe. So, despite the fact that researching may (definitely will, if one finds reputable sources... or won't if one hunts for sources that only prove what one hopes to be true) prove the above excerpt to have a buttload of truths 🤯, I shall remind you that the Existence series is listed and marketed as a work of FICTION. An Urban Fantasy, to be exact.
"These words can't be true. J probably made it up because he's an author." 
I didn't claim it was true. In fact, I'm selling it as fiction. 
However, I cannot stop anyone from doing the same extensive research. (Especially if places like Harvard, Yale, and Princeton are very nearby.) What anyone else does with whatever they learn is their business. I incorporated it into a fictional story for entertainment. 

QUESTION — Have you heard about 1946? 🌈🏳️‍🌈

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U is for Ulu #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Book

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023


Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

The word "Ulu" does not appear in Proof of Existence. Nunavut, Canada does appear. It's a big area. We know they go to an island in that area. 
Anyone using Google Maps also knows that Ulu Peak is in Nunavut.


If you scroll a bit south and west (down and left), you may encounter the more likely location of the island.

"An ulu is a type of knife used by the Inuit / Arctic Indigenous peoples." - https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/ulu
Ulu could also be a reference to this object, which is especially popular in Nunavut, Canada.

QUESTION — Would you consider this post a good way to work U into the AtoZChallenge posts?

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T is for 12 #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Twelve

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023

Trigger warning: Flashback of kidnapping, violence, burn victim


Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

There are twelve spheres between humans and the Great Spirit (in Lenni-Lenape culture). Most bird species have twelve rectrices (tail feathers). The base-12 number system is still as popular among people today as it was in ancient Egyptian times. 

The Existence series holds the number twelve in high regard. Though, in Proof of Existence, it seems as if Caleb is the only one who noticed so far. 

QUESTION — What does the number twelve mean to you?

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S is for Song for Birthday #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Book

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023


Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

When did people start blowing out candles on birthday cakes? mentalfloss.com/article/54069/why-do-we-blow-out-candles-birthday-cakes No one knows for sure, but it's plausible that it started in ancient times. 🎂

The birthday song, "Happy Birthday to You" written by Mildred and Patty Hill, is in the public domain in the United States and the European Union. Warner Chappell Music claimed copyright on the song until 2015 when the copyright claim was declared invalid. 

Nevertheless, I took the opportunity to put a different birthday song in the book. 

QUESTION — Do you, or someone you know, care to take a crack at putting this to music with me? It's just lyrics like this. 

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R is for Rajan 🐴 #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #IWSG

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023


Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

Rajan 🐴 is a horse in Proof of Existence. Arabian horses are normally small in stature, yet this one is described as a large beast. That's a matter of perception on behalf of Wend, not a measurement of hands. 

QUESTION — Have you ever ridden a horse, or wanted to? 

Did you know... goodreads.com The IWSG had a challenge all about books with horses? If you're a writer and a reader, you should join the group on Goodreads and here: IWSG

Today is the SIXTEENTH wedding anniversary of my cousin John and his wife Jamie. She and I are both born in August, so I know that peridot is her birthstone as well as anniversary stone. She does the #AtoZChallenge and helps Jayden and I out whenever we ask. Please go wish her well today. uniquelymaladjustedbutfun.blogspot.com

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Q is for Dr. Quedlin #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #WEPFF #UrbanFantasy

Post - April 19th to 21st 2023

A to Z Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023




Excerpts from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

Not a traditional "flash fiction," to be sure. I've never seen this movie, so I wasn't sure what to do for this prompt. I looked up more details about the movie and picked these four scenes. 

• Heath has bravery. He isn't afraid the "bad guys" will come for him.
• One small event can change a life forever. 
• There is a secret being kept from Wend's family, much like Guido keeps a secret from his son and other children. 
• Nazis made a point of saying some people didn't fit in and would never belong. That's a far stretch from how Wend is feeling here, like one of the many they hated and put into concentration camps. Still, plenty of the terrorized victims probably did want to go home and do simple, normal things, like drinking chocolate milk. 

Yikes, I'm not even close. 

But there is a glimpse of (Dr.) Sir Heath Quedlin, D.C., M.D., F.A.C.S., D.G.S., Ph.D.
(It isn't mentioned in the book, but a knighted doctor would go by "Sir" instead of "Doctor.")

So, there's a separate flash fiction for WEP below, because I had no real way to connect my book to that movie.

QUESTION — How would you tie these to the film in under 1000 words?

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---

#WEPFF April 2026

EXTINCTION IS GROTESQUE

By J Lenni Dorner

🔑

quis = son

ànati = dear mother  ~ https://www.talk-lenape.org/detail?id=449

nuxa= dad  ~ https://www.talk-lenape.org/detail?id=7810

To equate the genocide committed by the Nazis to the genocide of Native Americans would be wrong. The two should not be compared. 

To use the feelings of a character in a movie to recreate the probable thoughts and feelings of a real person from long ago for a work of flash fiction, however, is acceptable. That is what this is. I used Lenni-Lenape words for the family structure because that feels the most right to me. The dad character is based on a real person, though little is known about him beyond his bravery and efforts. The title uses antonyms from the prompt. 

MPA: 607 

Tag: A father prepares his son to leave with him in hopes of surviving. 

"Here, quis. You see the bend in the sapling?"

"Our trail marker." He claps his hands, knowing he's right. 

My broken heart fills with pride. "Yes. We must break it."

"But this one leads to the place we buried her."

I swallow hard, the river of tears barely at bay. "That is why we must break it. If they deduce the code, they will find her body and take her and the others from their rest. Hurry now, help me keep them hidden."

The monsters hold nothing sacred. A burial place becomes holes where they leave feces. It matters not to them that there is no river or creek to cleanse after. 

We spend hours removing as many trail markers as possible. Some trees are too old or sacred for us to undo the marks. One marker is made of stone. I kneel before it. How long has this stood? Since the crow first flew? Since the wolf first howled? How many of my people have crossed this path to get here? 

"Nuxa?"

Do I honor them by what I do today? Is my quis better off alive? The monsters outnumber us. They have taken so many of our resources. And too many have been lost in the battle for our home. 

I pull my quis nearer. "All that this stone means, and all those who have come to it, that is in you now. You must carry all we are in your heart. We keep only what we can pass on to our children. Remember the stone, my quis."

I smash it. The sacred stone does not go easily. I must do it again and again until I can lift my arms no more. They cannot take what no longer exists.

The arms of a hunter. By my bow, our people were once fed. The last arrow I shot was into the heart of my own ànati. The monsters took her. We all know what they planned to do. By the time I was near enough to draw back an arrow, she was already as naked as the babies she helped bring into this world. All of her knowledge, all her love, gone. By my arrow. Better than the fate they planned. 

We sleep beside the smashed stone. It will be the last slumber on the land of our people. I'm grateful for the ants on my arm. At least they will remember we were here. 

"Come, quis. It is time to wake." I hold a handful of berries. Will we ever taste these again? 

"Nuxa, when we leave this forest, how will my ànati find us?"

"She was taken by the monsters on the great water. We will not see her again."

"What if she swims home? The great turtle might bring her back to shore."

The monsters took her while I went for my ànati. It had been only a few days after we buried my other child. Sick from the blanket. We should not have traded with the monsters. A wolf is a wolf and a dog is a dog, it was unwise to believe we could sway the spirits to form a mutualistic relationship with monsters. 

"If the turtle brings her back, the turkey will guide her to us." There is no coming back. I haven't the strength to tell him this again. Today we will join the others as we leave our home. Perhaps others will keep the monsters at bay. Maybe one day our people will return to our land. We may again be known by our name, not by the name of the monster who claims ownership over us. 

https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/2023/04/wep-april-challenge-life-is-beautiful.html

P is for PEARL JAM #giveaway #AtoZChallenge 2023 Proof of Existence #UrbanFantasy #Book

Theme:
A behind-the-scenes look at and inside scoop on PROOF OF EXISTENCE, Book Two of the Existence series.
📚 Proof of Existence - Published April 4, 2023

Trigger warning: Rock concert

Excerpt from Proof of Existence by @JLenniDorner

nypost.com/2006/06/03/all-night-jam/

Yes, the Pearl Jam concert mentioned in the book really happened. And yes, it ran way later than expected (or permitted). A legendary and memorable event.

The kind that members of the Existence being at would explain what happened. 

QUESTION — What's the best concert you've ever been to, and what made it great?

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