REVIEW - The Scarlet Letter - a dreary tale

Date read: 1st June 2019

My rating: 3*

Genre I reckon: Classics (a dark one)

Buy link: not included




Now, I only ever review books on here that I'd genuinely recommend to a friend. Does this book belong here then? Maybe, maybe not. I can't decide, so here it is, just in case you want to know about it. Make your own mind up.

The Scarlet Letter is one of those books you've heard about, and feel you OUGHT to read.

btw - skip The Custom House preamble. It's utterly pointless.

This is a hard one to rate.
It is, of course, very well written. And a great insight into 17th century Puritan life (but written in 1850).
Incidentally, the same could be said of me as I'm currently writing a Regency romance. Similar distance in the future of the time in the book! 😲 Weird!!

Anyway, the language is therefore is of its time, and can feel a bit of an effort to wade through.

Hester Prynne is a sinner (*points accusing finger*). She's had a baby, and it's clearly not her husband's. 😱 Enter the scarlet letter itself.
The story is basically of her atonement for this DREADFUL sin. And the suffering spreads further than merely to herself. She is an outcast. (*points more forcefully*)
And that's the long and short of this book; suffering, misery and more suffering.

The daughter is a wild contrast of all this. But not necessarily in a good way. She is often caste as a demon child.

And yet, I found myself intrigued and compelled to reach the conclusion.

I understand many school children have been forced to read this, and I pity them. It must be quite an ordeal to pick this apart.
However, as an adult with no other agenda than to read the book as is, it's an interesting one.

Fancy a real reading challenge? Here it is!
Want a fun, light-hearted book; avoid!
lol


Always in love and light,
TL

Self Talk Talks by TL Clark Go Live

Hi,

I just thought I'd write a quick blog post, alerting you to my new Self-Talk Talks.

Having given a few of these locally, I had requests from my social media followers who live in other countries. So, I've recorded a mini version so you can watch for free online. 

Head on over to YouTube or my IGTV to have a look. 

Hopefully, they're enough to give you the gist of my message. It's hard condensing all the important information into a IGTV friendly size. 

It's all too easy to be our worst enemy instead of best friend. In this talk, I look at underlying reasons and some useful ways to counteract them. As well as tips on improving self-care.

If this has whetted your appetite, perhaps you'd like to read my book, Self Love.

You can buy the paperback or ebook from Amazon and all other good online stores 

Self Love follows the misadventures of Molly as she discovers the path to personal growth is no bed of roses🌹 She could turn self-deprecation into an Olympic sport, at least until The Incident forces her to change her perspective.  

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - Two Old Dears - not so doddery as they appear

Date read: 3rd May 2019

My rating: 4.5*

Genre I reckon: Farce

Buy link: Amazon  and Amazon UK





I bought this (signed copy) from a bloke in a car park. Think that sounds dodgy? Wait until you read what the two ladies get up to, lol.
So, the chap was the author, and the car park was outside the Bronte parsonage (where I was paying homage to my favourite author of all time).
Enough of that; more about this marvellous book...

So, who on earth would suspect two old dears of holding up a bank? Well, not many.
As the journalist interviews these two doddery women, he reveals a very shady past. Turns out they have had very lively...err...lives.

I don't want to give too much away, as it's too much fun discovering each story as it unfolds. But let's just say there's been intrigues...liaisons...shenanigans.

This truly is a delightful tale, which follows a sort of farce set up, and I mean that in the best possible sense.
Mostly set in wartime, these good time girls are a hoot!
The way in which it is told is rather fun too. These two splendid ladies reminisce about times gone by in a slightly unusual fashion.

Want to read a book where you feel you're living the life of the rich? Be inspired by empowered women? Or just have a bit of a laugh? Well, pick up this one.  It'll bring a smile to your face and warm the cockles of your heart.
(but maybe read the Kindle version; the paperback it quite sizeable to hold)

Witty and entertaining.
4.5*

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - XY,Z - and ABC of first love

REVIEW - XY,Z - and ABC of first love 

Date read: 15th April 2019

My rating: 4*

Genre I reckon: Teen Romance

Buy link: Amazon & Amazon UK

This is a very sweet, highly emotional book about teenagers as they explore those first heady days of love and lust.

Of course, there's plenty of teenage angst; friends, enemies, teachers, exams, parties...it's all there. 

But what if your potential boyfriend is an actor? Can you trust him? 

It made me think of a modern day Judy Bloom (in a good way). My own first 'steamy novel' was Forever. 

XY,Z is a great introduction to (*whispers*) s...e...x... - explored in a sensitive, responsible way, whilst maintaining heat. 

I'm aware this book made the New York Times as it was considered controversial. However, my own humble opinion is it's fine. 

It's a lot better than what some kids watch online! Kids are always going to be curious. This book really does manage the topic well. 

When I was a counsellor to young people, we sometimes had to give out contraception to young folk. This was done with the knowledge they'd do it with or without said contraception; better safe than sorry was the rule. And yes, I saw the 'sorry' too - I'd much rather give contraception than sit anxiously waiting for a pregnancy test.

This is the same approach I'd recommend with this book. It doesn't glamorise sex or encourage promiscuity. 

Give enough details so teens can make an educated decision.

Anyway, this book is fab - it really gets into the mind of a teenager.

Great for teens (and maybe adults wanting to reminisce about their first love). 

XY, Z 

Always in love and light,

TL

REVIEW - The Hating Game - which is...lovely

Date read: 7th April 2019

My rating: 5*

Genre I reckon: Romcom

Buy link: Amazon





Let me start this review by saying that I canvassed people on Facebook - I was looking for something frivolous and fun, preferably with a romantic theme. This was amongst the suggestions, and it fulfilled the spec beautifully.

The dynamic between Lucy and her co-worker Josh is tense and ridiculous all at once.
The result may not be terribly surprising, but the journey is wonderful. I chuckled many times, and sometimes cringed. I willed her to 'wake up and smell the coffee'.

Both have their own story to tell, full of torment. But not before they have tormented each other.

A story well told.
One of those books I really had trouble putting down. A proper page-turner.

So, if like me, you're in the mood for something frivolous, pick this one up now.

Photo as seen in my Instagram
- my new book review image :)

Always in love and light,
TL

REVIEW - The Bottle Stopper - uncork this and you won't put it down

Date read: 27th March 2019

My rating: 5*

Genre I reckon: Dystopian

Buy link: Amazon





This is a story which lures you in. The author lets it unfold in its own time. There is no rush.
A dystopian future zooms its focus onto one girl who's turning 18; Maeve. She's physically abused by her uncle, leaving her black and blue and desperately seeking a way out of the slums.
Women are scarce, and yet become a controlled commodity. Times are bleak indeed. But there is yet hope.

There is somehow a touch of Chaucer in here. Don't even ask me how. Just a vibe I get. Maybe it's the monk? Or the storytelling?

This is a brilliant start to a series. No qualms in recommending it at all.
Great character and world building.



Always in love and light,
TL

REVIEW - Compendium of Magical Things - pretty gosh darned magical

Date read: 23rd February 2019

My rating: 5*

Genre I reckon: Non-fiction, spiritual guidance

Buy link: Amazon





What a joyful book! I follow Radleigh’s wonderful readings on Instagram, so as I read this fabulous compendium, I could hear his voice in my head. If you don’t know; Radleigh sounds so joyous there’s almost a permanent giggle in his voice.

As to the content; it has a brief outline of many different divination tools which you can use to contact Spirit/Source/God/Divine (Radleigh rather obligingly frees you to choose the name you prefer).

As he points out, it is an introduction into each, as they all would demand a very large book on their own to go into great detail. But there’s sufficient information to give you an insight and a great start.

Radleigh’s humour is apparent throughout, and it’s more a conversation with the author than a dry, boring manual. It really is quite a fun read. I know; I just said that about a non-fiction book; wonders will never cease!

He makes it OK to think about it. I know so many people put off some things such as tarot, as they’ve watched too many movies. But Radleigh’s friendly explanations seek to reassure people a) the connection is divine b) not necessarily religious (particularly in context of meditation).

As a Reiki Master myself, I was having a conversation with a Methodist about my practice. She had difficulty trying to see past the source of the energy I channel. It’s Universal energy, but her beliefs meant she could only see this as claiming to be her version of God, and that somehow made it sacrilegious. And that’s OK; as Radleigh is keen to highlight, we’re all allowed our own views. Trying to keep an open mind enough to explore other options is very exciting though, so I think we both urge you to try.

Now, I’ve explored most of the things discussed in this book already, and am well-acquainted with my chosen ones. However, I still found this compendium useful. I’ve been prompted to revisit some things. For instance, I looked back through my birth chart, which now makes a lot more sense to me. And I looked up my numerology as well – kinda wish I hadn’t read the Name Essence though; tough times ahead, but forewarned is forearmed, and I can now prepare. Baton down the hatches!

So, you’ve seen the cover read the blurb, and some reviews. Should you read this one? You sure should!
Look, you’re obviously curious about things such as angels/tarot/astrology, so what are you waiting for? At least discover what your options are. And Radleigh explains in a way you will understand in his own wonderfully witty way.

Still not sure? See what your pendulum says ;)