Monday, August 23, 2010

Without Alice by D.J. Kirkby - Book Review

"Large streams from little fountains flow, Tall oaks from little acorns grow."
~ D. Everett



If you think back to how major life forming events began, you’ll realize that the smallest things – an egg and sperm meet, a condom tears, a wasp, one drink too many – are what may cause the biggest catalysts. 

In D.J. Kirkby’s book, Without Alice, it’s the small events in life that formed the paths the characters lives took.  The book goes on to examine how those paths intersected.  From the start, I was intrigued, wondering how three separate newly forming families would coalesce into a story.  Needless to say, I found the book a great read and was amazed at how the lives of the characters intertwined.

Reading is escape and entertainment for me.  I really dislike having to sort out hidden meanings and esoteric author meanderings.  Without Alice, made me think but in an enjoyable way.  One of the reasons that I found thinking about the book agreeable was because I didn’t like the protagonist.  I kept trying to like him, to find the redeeming qualities that he had.  While I did feel he had somewhat atoned for his failings at the end, I never could quite like him.  But it was his shortcomings and his way of making amends for his behavior and failures that affected the course of so many of the other characters lives.  So even though I thought Stephen the weak link in the chain, he managed through his failures and triumphs to forge bonds of happiness and love for others.

D.J. definitely can tell a story well.  As with her first book, From Zaftig to Aspie, she hooks you and reels you into the book right from the start.  One of my favorite things about an author!  Without Alice will make you think, will make you angry, will make you smile and will make you cry.  It will also make you want to read more from D.J.

 You can buy Without Alice before it's official October 4, 2010 publication date by going to PUNKED BOOKS!

You can also find out more about the very talented (she makes her own jam, jellies and WINE!!!) by reading her blog ~Chez Aspie, I highly recommend it!

8 blew out from under the bed:

Ron said...

AWESOME book review, Nitebyrd!

Honestly, you have such a WONDERFUL way with words. I've really enjoyed reading the various reviews on your blog this past year. Keep it up, I sense a new career for you!

"I really dislike having to sort out hidden meanings and esoteric author meanderings."

OMG...me too! I much prefer authors who get to the point and can use as little words as possible to tell me something.

Hope you had a super Sunday, Sis!

X ya!

nitebyrd said...

Ron ~ Thanks, bro! You know I hate movies like that, too. It was a pleasure to actually do some thinkin' about this book because it was an interesting and well written book, everything made sense. It was my own dislike of Stephen that forced me to think because he really wasn't a "bad guy". I'll send you my copy if you'd like to read Without Alice, just say the word.

DJ Kirkby said...

Hi Nitebyrd
Thank you for this review! You've been reading my writing for a long time now and I was really looking ofrward to seeing wha tyou thought of Without Alice.

Ron, if you do decide to borrow Without Alice, please let me know what you thought of it after you've read it. I'm quite interested in getting men's perspectives on my novel

Indi said...

nitebrd ~ sounds like an enjoyable read. I prefer thrillers, murder, mstery, suspenders Lol..

Indi

xx

Deech said...

Good book review. I am going to have to look into this author....

DJ Kirkby said...

Hi Indi
My novel has some of those in it but you'll have to read it to find out which ;)

Hi Joker,
Thank you...I think! I hope you looking into me makes you want to buy my novel and that you enjoy it :)

nitebyrd said...

DJ ~ It was my pleasure to read your book, actually both of your books. You tell a story very well!

Indi ~ As DJ said, there is definitely some mystery to her book. Not the usual mystery either, it's more complex!

Joker ~ You won't be disappointed!

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