9 Feb 2011

Paragraphs of Power

So you've finished that wonderful book at long last and it's still in the draw unpublished.
OR maybe you've only done a couple of paragraphs. Why not pop over to Suzannah Burkes' blog called Paragraphs of Power and enter the February competition on there - I have - you only need a maximum of 300 words including the title (minimum 100).

Suzannah picks what she considers to be the 'top ten' and then it's thrown open in a voting system.
Don't listen to my ramblings about it. Hot foot over there and see for yourself.

Here's the link ........

                             http://paragraphsofpower.blogspot.com/

7 Feb 2011

BECOMING JOHNNY NOVA

A trip down memory lane ................

BECOMING JOHNNY NOVA - DAVID KUPISIEWICZ


REVIEW BY TERESA GEERING


Becoming Johnny Nova is set in Southern California and is the story of Dave.
A wanna be alpha male and Rock star.

As a typical delinquent teenager he’s into drugs, and rock and roll while his main priority lies within his Levi jeans. This he satisfied when fifteen years old at the “Orange Delight” with Michelle. Riding home on his skateboard with the condom still in place as he had no idea where to put it.

His favourite pastimes is using weed, jamming and driving cars and bikes.
It’s nothing unusual to have a run in with the local cops and they are now on first name terms with Dave.


As the story unfolds he goes to correctional school whilst obeying his parents rule of also holding down a job. His graduation class photo is typical of the attending pupils. Twelve students, six school staff and one of the girls holding her new baby.

Jobs come and go as do girlfriends and wanna be bands. The one female constant in his life being Dianne a good friend.

Dave will do anything for a beer, weed, or a good jamming session and often does. Usually preceeded by the phrase …….. “Whatsgoingondude”

Becoming Johnny Nova is both humorous and in places quite poignant when a close friend dies tragically.

Getting to know Johnny Nova has been great fun and I’m sure a trip down memory lane for some of us.

Does he ‘get the girl’ and finally end up in a rock band?

I’m not telling you but you will be in for some surprises if you buy the book.

Recommended - Definitely.

ã Teresa Geering 06/02/2011

REVIEW OF THE BOOKIES RUNNER

Once in a while you read a story which is a bit extra special. This is so of The Bookies Runner.
A true story about .....

Well read for yourself.

THE BOOKIES RUNNER - BRENDAN GISBY


REVIEW BY TERESA GEERING





”He’s dressed like Frank Sinatra

like a member of the Rat Pack.

He’s the Bookies Runner with the

lopsided grin, but he’s destined to lose!”



So begins the epitaph for Derry McKay. A loving family man who fathered seven children. Respected and loved by all who knew him. Just an ordinary working class man. A gentle soul who toiled every day and night for the love of his family.

The story opens with a young boy on a bus journey to a new school (St Mary’s Academy) and the first day in his fourth year. As he sits in the back of the bus he reminisces about his departed father and the life he led. As the memories flow so do the held back tears.
We learn that Derry McKay was raised by his grandparents because he was unwanted by his family. He was forever cheerful and happy go lucky. As he grew older he joined the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman and was based on HMS Victorious. Many tales are told of his eventful voyages abroad.

He married an Irish lassie from Eire reputed to be ‘another fresh young Irish girl straight from the farm’. There were difficulties during the marriage with Derry toiling to keep food on the table and clothes on their back while his wife got deeper in debt to the tallyman.

At this point the boy lays the death of his father firmly at the door of his mother. He considers that she always tried to live above her means. His fathers’ opinion being ‘there is no shame in being poor’.

Eventually Derry becomes a bookies runner but ill health catches him out and the job (although illegal) goes to his son.

The boy watches on in despair as his father finally gives up his fight for life.

He cries for the man who had never won. The man who was destined to lose.


....The Bookies Runner is a wonderful tribute from a loving son to a very loved father.

I thoroughly recommend this book which I read in one hit, but have a few paper tissues close by. You’ll need them.

Brilliant Brendan I loved it.

ã Teresa Geering 06/02/2011