Category: Book Review

Book Review: Les Misérables

Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I wrote this review on Goodreads, only seconds, after I finished the novel.

I find my heart still abodes inside these pages, not yet unattached from Marius, Cosette, and Jean Valjean; I continue, even now, walking the streets of nineteenth century Paris, exploring that great city of light, watching carriages clatter over bridges crossing the Seine, listening to a thousand church bells serenade the night’s sky.

Les Miserables is long, but your commitment to this long-drawn-out masterpiece will be rewarded. Some books are like lovers never forgotten. When we remember time spent together, we can, again, feel their warmth.

This novel is without a doubt the best book I have ever read; Les Miserables, I have decided, is my stranded island book. Inside these pages is all the wisdom a person will ever need: there is religion, philosophy, love, etcetera. There is all of life encompassed.

I recommend this edition, which I am happy to say I bought in Paris, at Shakespeare and Company—the bookshop across the bridge from Notre Dame Cathedral.

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A note to my readers: I am still finding my niche with this blog. I have grown as an artist, a person, and a man over the last year. Sharing writing tips and short book reviews, has made me very happy. I am learning as I go what works and what does not regarding content. Obviously, I want to get to the place where I share, more often, my own prose, and with each new day, I grow in confidence; I am closer.

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I wanted to add to this post a personal anecdote: 2020, was the year I got serious about writing. I returned to college at thirty to study the craft, and I will complete my degree this December, 2021. My blog, sadly, does not usually get the same attention I give my prose. This brings me to something of a new year’s resolution: To share with you my writing projects, in addition to what I learn in lecture. I want you, my readers, to be a part of my growth. This for me is a brave resolution; my great next step.

I, also, understand the need to build around me a strong writing community, knowledgable artists that can be trusted, friends and colleagues to share in honing our crafts. But I have a confession: I am terrified. Over the last two years, like a pendulum, I have swung from Mr. Extravert, well past Mr. Introvert, and I am now, a full blown recluse stuck to one side of the clock. Can anyone relate? I am considering pursuing an MFA, because a writing community is built organically. I even have the schools I like mapped out; It is down to three: Emerson College, University of Southern Maine, and New England College. I like them because of their localities, and flexible low-residency/online programs. I am a stay-at-home dad, traditional settings cannot work for me.

It helps that I know, personally, a couple great writers, but I am too shy to reach out and seek collaboration. When I muster the necessary courage, those familiar fears of inadequacy and inconvenience envelope my whole person, and I hide. For now, I will kick that ball down the road. Again. This is a major cause of anxiety: I feel I need to be great, before I can get help.

I will admit, separating myself from the outside world has given me the agency to pursue my dreams. I feel, after a terribly difficult journey, I can see the summit that so long alluded me. I grow everyday, because of the long hours spent improving my craft. And I am grateful for you, the readers, my amazing followers, whom have joined my journey. I ask for your prayers.

Thank you for reading the whole post. It helps to let my thoughts run their course. Please Like & Share my blog post. God bless you all.

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Book Review: The Elements of Style

The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr.

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Every writer should have a copy of The Elements of Style on their bookshelf. You will find it the most useful book on composition ever written. I do not say that lightly either. I am not sure how I, a senior English and Writing: Creative Writing major, had never heard of it until recently, but I suppose Providence has its own timing. Ever since I got serious about my writing, I have devoured every writing book I find. If you are serious about cleaning up your prose and grammar, this book is for you! Seriously, where has this book been all my life?

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Like most readers, I devour reviews, and I can see most reviewers learned of Strunk and White, in freshmen English. I only learned of this book because a professor recommended it to me privately. Thank God she did, because this book is amazing. I like that it is short, contrite, and practical, because unfortunately, most composition books are replete with an author’s opinion on writing. I like that element with other books, but sometimes the writer just needs to see what they are looking for, apply it, and get back to their process. I promise The Elements of Style will be a great addition to your library. I would consider it an essential book for any writers’ toolkit.

I can see, now, why many authors revere Strunk and White’s, The Elements of Style as their holy book. I have fallen in line with the crowd here; I am converted. I will use this book for the rest of my life. I, also, purchased the workbook in order to build on my improvement, and study the style of the masters: Victor Hugo, Jane Austen, F.Scott Fitzgerald, and others.

I recommend this book to both the novice and expert writer.

What about you? What Style books do you recommend I read? Comment Below.

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Book Review: The Poetry of Emily Dickinson

The Poetry of Emily Dickinson by Emily Dickinson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Well done!

Emily Dickinson was an incredible poet. This edition, with its beautiful pages, honors her work. The publisher did a wonderful job with the printing. I am glad to see Dickinson’s star, again, rising this generation. She is, perhaps, the greatest poet in American history; she is immortal.

A lovely edition that will add nicely to any bookshelf.

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There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
of prancing Poetry -
This Traverse may be the poorest take
Without opress of Toll -
How Frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human soul.
-Emily Dickinson

I cannot pretend to be a connoisseur of poetry, although I enjoy reading verse. What I can tell you, with confidence, is Dickinson’s work makes my heart leap, stop, turn about face, and get lost in mystery. I had not really thought of reading her until I watched Dickinson on Apple TV+. Which goes to show she is still enticing and relevant. I am, now, a huge fan of hers and I think many of you feel the same way.

T.S. Eliot remains my favorite poet, but Emily Dickinson is a very close second. Tell me whom your favorite poet is? I would love if you would comment the name of your favorite poem.

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Book Review: My Utmost for His Highest

My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I read this devotional differently, because it was an assigned reading for class. Meaning, I read the year-long devotional in four weeks. My Utmost for His Highest is heart penetrating with surgical precision. There is no fluff; no prosperity gospel. Read this and you will be told the unsanitized and all challenging truth. If you are serious about serving Christ, and not yourself (your own desires for your life), then you will find this devotional life changing.

If you do not like the intellectual, academic approach, or perhaps prefer to be told how important you are, verses how loved, then this book is not for you. This is for the Christian whom is serious about their faith, and their relationship with Christ. I promise you will be challenged, and happier for it.

May God Bless and sustain whosoever reads my review.

Jesus did not die for our problems. He hates our sin to such an extent, He had no choice but Calvary. He died for you to have access to the Father. That is how much He loves you. God is not a therapist; He is salvation. – W. Alexander



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Book Review: This Side of Heaven, Karen Kingsbury

Karen Kingsbury

This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I had never read Karen Kingsbury before attending Liberty University. Watching her lectures and having her share her process, has been a blessing. So when my inspirational writing class assigned a book of hers this semester, I was excited to study her prose. And she far exceeded any expectation I had. Wow! Listen to me; you have to read this book. I am about to read everything she has ever written.

Sure, I may be generous with my five star ratings from time-to-time, but Kingsbury’s book here, truly deserves six, seven, or twenty stars. When I finished it, I squealed hallelujah.

I am a thirty-one year old grown man. I cried so much reading this book, I had to wipe my tears just to see the screen. I am being honest. Chapter twenty-five (no spoilers), I had to take a pause from reading; my heart required a break. I have read hundreds upon hundreds of books, and never had the experience I had with This Side of Heaven. Not only did her writing help muster deep within myself a spirit of revival, reading it I feel has changed me forever. This is life changing fiction.

Every once in awhile I come across a book, I will never forget my experience reading. Like almost having a heart attack on my couch, because of this gem.

Anything else I say, will be perceived hyperbole. I highly recommend this book. May God bless and sustain her art. Just wow!



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I am thinking of adding a couple book reviews to my regular blog. I am wondering if that is something, you, my readers would enjoy? Please let me know in the comments below or send me an email.

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Beat the Boy; Destroy the Man 

W. Alexander Dunford  I will never forget the television’s blue light that night fifteen years ago. Leonardo DiCaprio’s Blood Diamond played. Outside, beneath black skies, rain pelted our windows and the house’s bones braced against high winds. Thunder shook the walls.  It was Father’s idea to watch the movie. He loved violence, and I loved…

by Alexander Dunford

The Day God Died: Chapters 1 &2

“…in that moment my fear retreated. I discovered I hated him and his kind. I hated his affluence, his expensive clothes, his chiseled looks, and the arrogance he was born to. But most of all, I hated the power he held over me, his assumption of authority, and the truth of his superiority.”

by Alexander Dunford