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Ferociouskitty
Veteran Poster
Username: Ferociouskitty
Post Number: 131
Registered: 02-2008
Rating: 
Votes: 3 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 10:10 pm: | 
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I finished the novel "Along the Way" by TC's very own Cynique, and what a ride! It was an inspiring story about a black family dynasty, and while the book dealt with race, it did so without any speechifying or ham-fisted agenda. The story, which spans five generations, moved along at a great pace (which had me taking a closer look at the pacing of my own novel-in-progress!), and I never felt a lull or bored with the characters.
As an added bonus, there were some red-hot sex scenes. The pacing of these was on point as well: enough to keep the reader titillated without dragging on so as to be gratuitous or overwrought.
I felt that the first sections of the book were stronger than the final section which mostly focused on the fourth generation of the Townsend family. With less time devoted to each of the characters introduced in this section, I was less inclined to connect with them or root for them as I had been with the main character, the family patriarch, Craig Townsend, or even some of the secondary characters introduced in the earlier sections.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and an informative one as well, given the detailed historical backdrop presented as we follow the loves, losses, and triumphs of the Townsend clan.
Kudos, Cynique! |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11855
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 11:25 pm: |
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My goodness, FK! What a pleasant surprise. Thank you for taking the time to critique my novel.
I can deduce from the single star your post got that certain folks around here will be suspicious of this review since you and I have recently bonded.
But, I choose to look upon it as a nice gesture rather than a plug inasmuch as "Along The Way" is not in circulation and not for sale. Thanks again! And I compliment you on your expertise as a reviewer. |
Ferociouskitty
Veteran Poster
Username: Ferociouskitty
Post Number: 133
Registered: 02-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 10, 2008 - 11:41 pm: |
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LOL...you know, I never notice those star-thingies until someone mentions them. And friend or no friend, nice gesture or plug...either or both are valid and warranted. I never hesitate to plug myself or other writers, and am always appreciative when someone plugs me.
What's that saying from Marianne Williamson (though often wrongly attributed to Mandela) about how no one is served when we try to diminish ourselves to make other people feel comfortable and better about themselves? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11857
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 12:11 am: |
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DEEP... Words of wisdom.
So have you ever checked out Marianne Williamson's ACIM tenets? I knew a guy who was really into this "cult" and he'd coped with all of his adversities by saying life is just a dream created by our egos and the key is to wake up to reality. Or something. |
Ferociouskitty
Veteran Poster
Username: Ferociouskitty
Post Number: 136
Registered: 02-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 12:16 am: |
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I knew people who were heavily into ACIM some years ago, but not I. Other than that quote, there's nothing of hers (MW's to which I (knowingly) ascribe. It sounded cultish and empty to me too, but you know: strokes for folks. |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 6420
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 02:07 pm: |
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I read that book. In fact, I lent it out and they never returned it--sure sign that people other than us liked it. |
Sese
Regular Poster
Username: Sese
Post Number: 55
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 07:56 pm: |
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Never read, but glanced through several of Williamson's books without interest. Her works appear to be similiar to Oprah's current guru, Echart Tolle. Have just about finished his "A New Earth: Awaking To Your Life's Purpose (82 and still trying to figure it out). In addition have sat through two online classes, unimpressed by the author or concepts presented (jaded). However I marvel at the technology available to create the worlds largest classroom, but cringe at the power of one person, Oprah to influence 800.000 people to sign up for the ten week course. IMO the potential for abuse is mind boggling. Shades of Orville's (sp) 1984.
Cynique how can I get a copy of your book, ALONG THE WAY? BIO & AUTOBIO'Sare my favorite genre. As a long time fan of your, I know that I will enjoy it. BTW Ossie and Ruby have three children not five, Laverne, Nora & Guy. Very recently completed their, IN THIS LIFE TOGETHER. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11866
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 10:23 pm: |
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Hi SeSe. Always glad when you surface and add something to the mix. Hope you're fine. 
I agree that Oprah should be careful about lending her fame and name to what could evolve into a cult. I was lent a copy of "New Earth" and I've only had a chance to skim through it. I have a feeling it's just some warmed over meta-physical spirituality grounded in some of the Eastern disciplines. These are the type of esoteric concepts I have dabbled in all of my adult life, and I just pick and choose whatever ones I can relate to.
Thanks for correcting me on Ruby and Ossie's kids. I was curious about them because I knew they had children but I'd never seen anything about them.
Drop me a line at LanPbls130@aol.com and I'll send you a copy of "Along The Way", which incidentally, is a fictional novel, although I did draw from some of my own experiences in writing it.
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Libralind2
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 1024
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 - 11:16 pm: |
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I want a copy..and soon as I finish mine..I'll send you a copy...
LiLi |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11869
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - 01:02 am: |
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Gotcha, Li-Li. Provide me with your address at LanPbls130@aol.com |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11877
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 01:36 am: |
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Li-Li and Se-Se: Cyn-Cyn needs to know your addresses - before it's too late-late. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11887
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Thursday, March 13, 2008 - 10:09 pm: |
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1 down, 1 to go.  |
Chrishayden
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Chrishayden
Post Number: 6449
Registered: 03-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 11:19 am: |
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LiLi
Se se
Cyn Cyn
Poo Poo
Where will it all end? |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11894
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, March 15, 2008 - 12:59 pm: |
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It just came to a dead end with that dumb-dumb chris-chris.  |
Libralind2
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 1025
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 16, 2008 - 12:30 am: |
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Done...sorry Im late !
LiLi |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11906
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 16, 2008 - 01:29 pm: |
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We cool. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11907
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2008 - 12:07 am: |
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Here's a picture Li-Li sent me of her and her great-grandaughter, Samya Lee.
 |
Libralind2
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 1026
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2008 - 07:42 am: |
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Thank you !!!
LiLi |
Sese
Regular Poster
Username: Sese
Post Number: 56
Registered: 05-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2008 - 09:22 pm: |
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Cynique your book came today. Thanks. Before opening the package was excited that its form was similar to the one created by my unsatisfactory foray into self publishing. Fliping rapidly through the pages , I saw several thing that mirrored my social enviorment. Beause of that I am going to take a copy of my literary effort from its stash and send it to you. I will not comment further, judge for youself. As mentioned in another post, the major diffferences in our life's experiences are probably only geographic. BTW, Maude is my mother's name. The masterpiece that I am sending is for your eyes only. Will start reading your book tomorrow. |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11914
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 17, 2008 - 11:32 pm: |
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OK, Sese, I'll be looking forward to reading your book and "comparing notes"! I didn't know that you were a self-published author.
If by "form" you mean paperback, I think nowadays that is the route most self-publishers go because it's cheaper. "Maude", as you know, is an old-fashioned name, which is why I gave it to the elderly minor character in the book. |
Libralind2
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 1032
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 23, 2008 - 10:06 am: |
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Hi Cynique ! Happy Easter to you and all !
I received your book and have started reading. I will get back to you soon ! Thank you again !!!
LiLi |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 11945
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, March 24, 2008 - 09:48 pm: |
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You're welcome, Li-Li! Looking forward to reading your output.
I received my copy of Sese's book which was an anthology of her short stories, a slim little volume very stylish in the way it was produced, reminsicent of dance card at a elegant ball, with each story being a different beau.
Our Sese is very accomplished, holding a masters degree in social work as well as being a retired professor from Gramblng University. She is a native New Orleanian, and an evacuee of Hurricane Katrina who currently resides in Ohio. |
Yukio
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Yukio
Post Number: 2483
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 06, 2008 - 02:31 am: |
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Hey Cynique . . . greetings all! |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12011
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 06, 2008 - 03:01 pm: |
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Hi Yukio! Been waitin for you to weigh in on this hectic Democratic race. It's a hot mess, ain't it?  |
Libralind2
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 1033
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 06, 2008 - 09:29 pm: |
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Heyyyyyyy Yukio !! Cyn, life has gotten in the way of me reading your book at this time but I plan to try to pick it back up soon. I read a few pages when I first picked it up from the PO and I look forward to getting back to it !!
Sese...?? Dont you live in Columbus as well..??
LiLi |
Libralind2
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Libralind2
Post Number: 1034
Registered: 09-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, April 06, 2008 - 09:31 pm: |
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HOLE UP..I just re-read the review up above...SEX SCENES...?????
LiLi dropping EVERYTHING....... |
Ferociouskitty
Veteran Poster
Username: Ferociouskitty
Post Number: 167
Registered: 02-2008
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 07, 2008 - 12:11 am: |
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LOL!!!!!!!!!! |
Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12020
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Monday, April 07, 2008 - 01:39 pm: |
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I understand, Li-Li. I am in the throes of a serious reader's block myself. I think it has something to do with the subject matter of the books currently out there. I not interested in what most of them are about. Guess I've become jaded.  |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1183
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 12:56 pm: |
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Nice photo Li-Li, congrats on great-grandmotherhood! I doubt I will achieve that accomplishment (great-grandfatherhood that is), the thought of my teenage daugthers being grandmothers is mind boogling -- I think I would begin feeling like an immortal or something.
Speaking of immortals I recently joined Netflix and discovered a movie called The Man from Earth (2007) I actually watched it on my PC late last night. I thought it was excellent.
Cynique, tell me what type of book you would like to read; maybe I can make a suggestion.
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12025
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Tuesday, April 08, 2008 - 04:47 pm: |
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I don't really know what type of book I would like to read, Troy. I'm thinking about checking out Deepak Chopra's "The Third Jesus". |
Troy
AALBC .com Platinum Poster
Username: Troy
Post Number: 1189
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 07:30 pm: |
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I hear your Cynique, I just read Chopra's 7 laws of spirtual success. Honestly I picked it cause it looked like something I could finisg in a couple of hours... and of course I got out of it what I put into it. Then again it could have been what Chopra put into it -- not much.
When I get a minute I'll post somebooks which are getting a lot of "buzz", but that I have not read.
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12047
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Saturday, April 12, 2008 - 10:08 pm: |
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Yeah, Troy, Chopra is the guru of recycling the same idea over and over again. Actually, if you've read one of his books, you've read them all.
I am quite the fan of true-crime books, because what people do to each other in real life is as intriguing as anything a novelist could write. I love Anne Rule books but, to my knowledge, she hasn't written anything lately. She was the one who wrote the definitive book on serial killer, Ted Bundy. The last book I read of this genre was "Red Bone", a true crime book that was set in Atlanta and was about a murdered black millionaire. It was quite compelling. And speaking of true crime, I'm thinking I might like to check out Bobby Brown's recently-released memoir. |
Crystal
Veteran Poster
Username: Crystal
Post Number: 400
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 02:15 pm: |
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Hey Cynique! You got skills woman!
Thank you for sending me a copy of your book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It has all the elements of a good vacation-laying-on-the-beach-feel-good book: drama, romance, sex, death, hope and what I call “what’s gonna happen next”. Although I would have liked to know a little bit more about some of the characters I like that you didn’t have a lot of unnecessary ya-ya in it – just kept the story moving along. And if more self publishers would follow your example of editing there’d be a lot less cringing when reading their books. No cringing here.
Good Work!
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Cynique
"Cyniquian" Level Poster
Username: Cynique
Post Number: 12125
Registered: 01-2004
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Friday, April 18, 2008 - 04:48 pm: |
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Well, thanks a lot, Crystal! Coming from a "book worm" like you, I consider your review a great compliment. Love ya! |
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