29 Jan 2011
THE BOOKIES RUNNER
First the taster, then the paperback
Tim Roux has invited you to the event 'The Bookie's Runner - Brendan Gisby -
In the shops NOW on Night Reading!!
Brendan Gisby's 'The Bookie's Runner' is a perfect 100 pages - perfect and exactly 100 pages (you don't see that too often). So, it is a novella, and a eulogy, maybe even an apology for Brendan's not being able to do more to help his father in troubled times, although he clearly did what he could. There is nothing extraordinary about the story of this book - millions, even billions, have suffered lives like these, which makes it a universal tale. What is extraordinary is the writing. Like the best of French auteur cinema, it is novella of characters who interact vividly (you can see each one clearly as if on celluloid) in a mildly tragic way. The tone is lyrical, fluorescent, and its trajectory is literally the dying fall. We know from the beginning that it is about a man who will be dead by the end of the book. The question is why. There is also something extraordinary about the plotting and the rhythm of the piece, something that mesmerises. The whole book takes place in the space of a short bus journey the author took as a teenager after the funeral of his father on his way to his first day back at school. It has been compared with 'Angela's Ashes' but it is not as grandstanding as that. It is more like Francoise Sagan's 'Bonjour Tristesse' or Elizabeth Smart's 'I Sat Down in Grand Central Station and Wept'. It is too late to read this before Brendan's dad died and to put things right, and that would somewhat undermine the point of the book, but there is time yet to read it before you do. Yes, it is one of those books for sure.
http://nightreading.ning.com/events/event/show?id=4983832%3AEvent%3A17728&xgi=0YSsJ2lvqDMYLy&xg_source=msg_invite_event
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24 Jan 2011
A Story to Shock
This is a raw graphic review with harsh language included for which I make no excuses.
Empty chairs is the true story of the life of Stacey Danson. Not only did she live it, Stacey had the courage to write about it. A truly brave, gutsy lady who fought back and will always have my undying respect....
REVIEW - EMPTY CHAIRS
STACEY DANSON
Animals and humans alike will defend their young until they have no more breath left in their body. Then there are the depraved, wicked, and sometime faceless beings who think nothing of using their precious gifts as no more than sexual money making machines. Such is the case of Gwen Danson…..
Her precious gift of a beautiful innocent child (commonly refered to by her, as the worthless piece of shit that she tried to abort with knitting needles) is offered up to the highest bidder for their sexual gratification.
In middle class Sydney Australia, pillars of the community including the family doctor and police officers queued up to abuse the three year old child.
Compliancy was ensured by constant brutal beatings and alchol induced submission. If the child did as she was told she received food and drink. If not she was beaten again and locked in an airless dark cupboard until again submissive.
This worthless excuse for a mother held the childs arms above her head to ensure there was no resistance and the man was pleasured.
As the child grew she came to realise that beatings with a strap were preferable to pleasuring men who had by now ruined her body. She was scarred both mentally and physically. Unable to provide oral sex as her mouth had been split. The more sadistic requests were paid highly for and Gwen Danson loved money to the extent that allowances were made for Staceys nipple to be bitten off and her vagina burnt by ciggies.
As Stacey grew her only friend and connection to the outside world was a television. When she asked to go to school she was again beaten senseless.
Eventually as she got to the age of about nine years she was allowed to go to school. Her normal use of the words ‘fuck’ and ‘cunt’ were commonplace to her and Stacey couldn’t understand why detention kept rearing it’s ugly head, when she used the words or fought back against bullying.
Schooling also meant that she was unavailable to pleasure the peadophiles, so they stayed over in her bed during the week. The stark warning to keep her mouth firmly shut was followed up by knowledge that her punishment would be …. ‘permanently locked in the cupboard and eaten by the rats’.
Teachers dealt with her battered body by not making eye contact.
As time moved on Gwen took her out of school and a new client arrived, brutal and sadistic. With a gun at Staceys head the instructions were given “….to make him cum before a certain amount of clicks of the trigger.” Happily she would have turned that gun on him as time passed.
Nick a wealthy but violent alcoholic and her mothers new boyfriend moves in. Gwen is finally able to have anything her empty heart desires.
Eric, Nick’s son becomes Staceys salvation as he teaches her to defend herself. Gwen assumes she has let on about her life style and beats Stacey senseless and throws her body down the back staircase. Found by Nicks’ minder she wakes in hospital. Amazingly no questions are asked and she returns.
Nick is not prepared to believe Gwens story and they split allowing the pedophiles back. At Gwens request to shave off public hair Stacey refuses and thanks to Eric is finally able to defend herself. Years of hatred built up inside her are released and she beats Gwen within an inch of her life.
Throwing a few things in a bag and robbing Gwens’ purse, her life on the street begins.
Life wise she may be, but streetwise she’s not and a learning curve begins.
Befriended by Animal a market trader who has a younger sister, and Paulie the café owner, she begins to learn the real meaning of survival. Approached by a pimp who tries to have her beaten into submission but fails, she moves on. Finally she finds work in a bakery and receives food in exchange. Whilst here, she meets up with Jamie the leader of a street gang who offer her shelter. The rules - share food and no fucking or you’re out. Eventually Stacey decides to give it a go and meets baby Jenny, a little one who cries herself to sleep each night but refuses to be touched or comforted.
Having experienced the sunshine wind and rain on her face for the first time she now had a surrogate family who would also befriend her provided she obeyed the rules……..So began another chapter of Staceys’ young life.
This is a book that shocked me to the core.
If you only ever buy one work of non fiction make it Empty Chairs the true story of Stacey Danson.
Thoroughly recommended 5/5
ã Teresa Geering 23/01/2011 (Eye of Erasmus)
Empty chairs is the true story of the life of Stacey Danson. Not only did she live it, Stacey had the courage to write about it. A truly brave, gutsy lady who fought back and will always have my undying respect....
REVIEW - EMPTY CHAIRS
STACEY DANSON
Animals and humans alike will defend their young until they have no more breath left in their body. Then there are the depraved, wicked, and sometime faceless beings who think nothing of using their precious gifts as no more than sexual money making machines. Such is the case of Gwen Danson…..
Her precious gift of a beautiful innocent child (commonly refered to by her, as the worthless piece of shit that she tried to abort with knitting needles) is offered up to the highest bidder for their sexual gratification.
In middle class Sydney Australia, pillars of the community including the family doctor and police officers queued up to abuse the three year old child.
Compliancy was ensured by constant brutal beatings and alchol induced submission. If the child did as she was told she received food and drink. If not she was beaten again and locked in an airless dark cupboard until again submissive.
This worthless excuse for a mother held the childs arms above her head to ensure there was no resistance and the man was pleasured.
As the child grew she came to realise that beatings with a strap were preferable to pleasuring men who had by now ruined her body. She was scarred both mentally and physically. Unable to provide oral sex as her mouth had been split. The more sadistic requests were paid highly for and Gwen Danson loved money to the extent that allowances were made for Staceys nipple to be bitten off and her vagina burnt by ciggies.
As Stacey grew her only friend and connection to the outside world was a television. When she asked to go to school she was again beaten senseless.
Eventually as she got to the age of about nine years she was allowed to go to school. Her normal use of the words ‘fuck’ and ‘cunt’ were commonplace to her and Stacey couldn’t understand why detention kept rearing it’s ugly head, when she used the words or fought back against bullying.
Schooling also meant that she was unavailable to pleasure the peadophiles, so they stayed over in her bed during the week. The stark warning to keep her mouth firmly shut was followed up by knowledge that her punishment would be …. ‘permanently locked in the cupboard and eaten by the rats’.
Teachers dealt with her battered body by not making eye contact.
As time moved on Gwen took her out of school and a new client arrived, brutal and sadistic. With a gun at Staceys head the instructions were given “….to make him cum before a certain amount of clicks of the trigger.” Happily she would have turned that gun on him as time passed.
Nick a wealthy but violent alcoholic and her mothers new boyfriend moves in. Gwen is finally able to have anything her empty heart desires.
Eric, Nick’s son becomes Staceys salvation as he teaches her to defend herself. Gwen assumes she has let on about her life style and beats Stacey senseless and throws her body down the back staircase. Found by Nicks’ minder she wakes in hospital. Amazingly no questions are asked and she returns.
Nick is not prepared to believe Gwens story and they split allowing the pedophiles back. At Gwens request to shave off public hair Stacey refuses and thanks to Eric is finally able to defend herself. Years of hatred built up inside her are released and she beats Gwen within an inch of her life.
Throwing a few things in a bag and robbing Gwens’ purse, her life on the street begins.
Life wise she may be, but streetwise she’s not and a learning curve begins.
Befriended by Animal a market trader who has a younger sister, and Paulie the café owner, she begins to learn the real meaning of survival. Approached by a pimp who tries to have her beaten into submission but fails, she moves on. Finally she finds work in a bakery and receives food in exchange. Whilst here, she meets up with Jamie the leader of a street gang who offer her shelter. The rules - share food and no fucking or you’re out. Eventually Stacey decides to give it a go and meets baby Jenny, a little one who cries herself to sleep each night but refuses to be touched or comforted.
Having experienced the sunshine wind and rain on her face for the first time she now had a surrogate family who would also befriend her provided she obeyed the rules……..So began another chapter of Staceys’ young life.
This is a book that shocked me to the core.
If you only ever buy one work of non fiction make it Empty Chairs the true story of Stacey Danson.
Thoroughly recommended 5/5
ã Teresa Geering 23/01/2011 (Eye of Erasmus)
12 Jan 2011
SEITHE
Here is my review of Seithe.
A very dark explosive story by author Poppet.
Exactly the type of story my esteemed writing colleague Reg writes about. In fact I think I will post my copy over to him........
SEITHE -by POPPET
Review by Teresa Geering
Once again I have been blown away by the unique writing ability of author Poppet.
SEITHE is a journey of the senses and sensations with more than a hint of darkness about it.
The explosive opening begins with the main character Phoebe disillusioned by her current live in boyfriend. In an effort to calm down she takes a walk and comes across a different kind of nightclub.
Pravus Nightclub is not for the feint hearted as she soon discovers. On entry you are not only surrounded by freaked out ‘Goths’ but offered the house drink, a purple liquid called Gluhivien served up in a goblet. Phoebe accepts the drink and then begins to see the world in a different light. For a start she is inappropriately dressed, when she first meets Seithe.
Phoebe decides if you cant beat them, join them and goes back for a second return match. On this occasion she is dressed like for like - in full black with silver contact lenses, covered by dark shades. Her waist length obsidian black hair hangs loose.
Her second meeting with Seithe, (a professional computer hacker by trade) goes well and as the story moves on, he shows her the true meaning of the use of the senses and sensations through bareable torture and pleasure. Taking her body to delights she could only dream of in a twilight chamber of lascivious pleasure.
When he demands of her “become my child Phoebe, I’m trying to show you the Kingdom of Heaven” she bends to his will and accepts everything he has to offer. She is in love with his complete control of her, and decides she would rather die this alive than not have met him.
Back in the real world she takes time off from work. Firstly to get over her breakup with boyfriend Brian but also to spend more time with Seithe and all he has to teach her.
Further into the story you begin to ask yourself the question, is Seithe a fallen angel of God? a vampire? Diablo himself, or a good old supernatural being?
No I’m not going to tell you but his eyes change colour at will along with his hair!
Included in the story are Ellindt, Seithe’s female twin who has more than a passing interest in Phoebe for her own gains. Their brother Jowendrhan who makes a play for Phoebe and almost causes another clash of the Titans.
Finally Phoebe is offered what some would call the most precious gift of all, in an effort to win her affections.
Will she take it? Would she want it?
To enjoy Poppets’ Seithe you need to have a complete open mind, but I can assure you it is very addictive.
I defy anyone to copy the unique brilliance of author Poppets writing ability.
Thoroughly recommended with 5/5 stars
Ó Teresa Geering 12/01/2011
A very dark explosive story by author Poppet.
Exactly the type of story my esteemed writing colleague Reg writes about. In fact I think I will post my copy over to him........
SEITHE -by POPPET
Review by Teresa Geering
Once again I have been blown away by the unique writing ability of author Poppet.
SEITHE is a journey of the senses and sensations with more than a hint of darkness about it.
The explosive opening begins with the main character Phoebe disillusioned by her current live in boyfriend. In an effort to calm down she takes a walk and comes across a different kind of nightclub.
Pravus Nightclub is not for the feint hearted as she soon discovers. On entry you are not only surrounded by freaked out ‘Goths’ but offered the house drink, a purple liquid called Gluhivien served up in a goblet. Phoebe accepts the drink and then begins to see the world in a different light. For a start she is inappropriately dressed, when she first meets Seithe.
Phoebe decides if you cant beat them, join them and goes back for a second return match. On this occasion she is dressed like for like - in full black with silver contact lenses, covered by dark shades. Her waist length obsidian black hair hangs loose.
Her second meeting with Seithe, (a professional computer hacker by trade) goes well and as the story moves on, he shows her the true meaning of the use of the senses and sensations through bareable torture and pleasure. Taking her body to delights she could only dream of in a twilight chamber of lascivious pleasure.
When he demands of her “become my child Phoebe, I’m trying to show you the Kingdom of Heaven” she bends to his will and accepts everything he has to offer. She is in love with his complete control of her, and decides she would rather die this alive than not have met him.
Back in the real world she takes time off from work. Firstly to get over her breakup with boyfriend Brian but also to spend more time with Seithe and all he has to teach her.
Further into the story you begin to ask yourself the question, is Seithe a fallen angel of God? a vampire? Diablo himself, or a good old supernatural being?
No I’m not going to tell you but his eyes change colour at will along with his hair!
Included in the story are Ellindt, Seithe’s female twin who has more than a passing interest in Phoebe for her own gains. Their brother Jowendrhan who makes a play for Phoebe and almost causes another clash of the Titans.
Finally Phoebe is offered what some would call the most precious gift of all, in an effort to win her affections.
Will she take it? Would she want it?
To enjoy Poppets’ Seithe you need to have a complete open mind, but I can assure you it is very addictive.
I defy anyone to copy the unique brilliance of author Poppets writing ability.
Thoroughly recommended with 5/5 stars
Ó Teresa Geering 12/01/2011
5 Jan 2011
Happy New Year folks and this is my first review of the year AND I can thoroughly recommend it.....
LILYWHITE - ANTONIA MARLOWE
REVIEW BY TERESA GEERING
Lilywhite in my opinion, is a modern day Cinderella story with a twist. This wonderful, romantic, love at first sight love story, comes alive under the very talented Antonia Marlowe.
Every once in a while I pick up a book and know that I will be hooked and unable to put it down until the finish. Lilywhite is such a book.
It gave me a fleeting impression of the never to be forgotten Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice. Who can ever forget Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy?
The story opens as the main character Chloe is reliving a major car accident through the prologue. Then moving on to a year later in Australia she is now an editor and historical researcher for famous authors. Whilst editing the latest book she chances to meet the strikingly handsome Tom.
Over a cup of coffee in the local café whilst waiting for the rain to subside they get to know one another, but Tom senses Chloe is holding back.
Calling in a few favours through his connections and wealth, he is able to make discreet enquiries about the woman he has fallen for.
Little by little Chloe realises that she has also fallen for this wonderful dynamic man but is still reluctant to enlighten him of her past.
As the story moves on, John Stratton known to Chloe for all the wrong reasons, comes to Australia taking the storyline into a completely different direction.
Tom’s past love interest is added for a bit of extra flavour. The story then takes on a dramatic James Bond style effect as Tom fights to keep Chloe safe.
Will he succeed we wonder and at what cost?
……… This wonderful love story, at times action packed with Ex SAS operatives will thrill you during the adventure scenes and melt the heart of any frozen ice maiden during the love scenes.
Thoroughly recommended with 5 stars
Ó Teresa Geering 05/01/2011
LILYWHITE - ANTONIA MARLOWE
REVIEW BY TERESA GEERING
Lilywhite in my opinion, is a modern day Cinderella story with a twist. This wonderful, romantic, love at first sight love story, comes alive under the very talented Antonia Marlowe.
Every once in a while I pick up a book and know that I will be hooked and unable to put it down until the finish. Lilywhite is such a book.
It gave me a fleeting impression of the never to be forgotten Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice. Who can ever forget Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy?
The story opens as the main character Chloe is reliving a major car accident through the prologue. Then moving on to a year later in Australia she is now an editor and historical researcher for famous authors. Whilst editing the latest book she chances to meet the strikingly handsome Tom.
Over a cup of coffee in the local café whilst waiting for the rain to subside they get to know one another, but Tom senses Chloe is holding back.
Calling in a few favours through his connections and wealth, he is able to make discreet enquiries about the woman he has fallen for.
Little by little Chloe realises that she has also fallen for this wonderful dynamic man but is still reluctant to enlighten him of her past.
As the story moves on, John Stratton known to Chloe for all the wrong reasons, comes to Australia taking the storyline into a completely different direction.
Tom’s past love interest is added for a bit of extra flavour. The story then takes on a dramatic James Bond style effect as Tom fights to keep Chloe safe.
Will he succeed we wonder and at what cost?
……… This wonderful love story, at times action packed with Ex SAS operatives will thrill you during the adventure scenes and melt the heart of any frozen ice maiden during the love scenes.
Thoroughly recommended with 5 stars
Ó Teresa Geering 05/01/2011
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