Vandalism of Words by Derek Haines

I can’t praise this book enough. It is hysterical. After purchasing a copy, I thought it looked like the perfect read while waiting in the doctor’s office. Not only was I laughing out loud, but I ended up sharing the title and author with the person next to me, my doctor, and his nurse.

Vandalism of Words is a compilation of blogs written by Haines. There’s no common sense or thread of reasonableness, which makes reading the entries mindlessly hilarious. However, there’s a surprise if you read between the lines, because it will leave you with food for thought.  

A great combination of entertainment and hidden messages, what more could a reader want?

On Self Publishing by Derek Haines

A seasoned writer and early publisher of his own books, Haines gathers his thoughts to share his experiences in the publishing world. Writers will find invaluable advice on self-publishing, writing, and book promotion, delivered in the unique style owned by Haines.

Explanations are in depth regarding the advantages of blogging, creating websites, and the principles of social media. Sprinkling his words of wisdom with humor makes learning about the world of self-publishing a pleasurable read.

I recommend On Self Publishing by Derek Haines, for passionate writers who are searching for sensible advice and useful suggestions about writing and self-publishing.

Loss, Limbo, Life and Love: A Poetic Journal by Derek Haines

Deciding which is more powerful, the Forward, or the verses of the journal, is subjective. The poems expose the deepest of inner pain suffered by the author over a specific period. The Forward is preparation for the emotional ride.

Relating to ninety percent of Derek’s personal hell may be the reason his words hit home.  The poems are moving and evocative. After reading each one, and choosing a favorite, I would change my mind as I read the next entry.

‘The Clown’ is an outstanding piece of writing. A poem that will linger in your heart, as it will forever in mine. I have substituted the word ‘woman’ for ‘man’ and the matching pronouns for personalization. Including the poem in this review, I urge you to do the same to appreciate.  After reading ‘The Clown’, there’s no doubt you will crave Loss, Limbo, Life and Love: A Poetic Journal by Derek Haines.

The Clown

Everybody’s happy, I’m everybody’s clown,

 I always wear my smiling face, even when I’m feeling down.

 No one sees the tears I shed, every single day,

 “Make me smile, I’m feeling sad”, all the world does say.

 

And so I make them laugh, and warm them from within,

 They all think they love the clown, but I let no one in.

 My grease paint smile, always there, for that is all they see,

 Everybody loves the clown, but no one will love me.

 

It’s not because some haven’t tried, but they have tried in vain.

 I am so unsure that I can love, without causing pain.

 The gift of love is the power to hurt, and so hurt, I must be,

 That now I flinch in fear almost, when love approaches me

 

I crave the warmth a woman brings, as any man would do,

 But lying deep within me, is the fear I will hurt you.

 So if you want the man that lies beneath the wide smile charm,

 Be prepared to bring with you, a very soothing balm.

 

For it will take a woman, with patience, warmth and care,

 To wipe away the grease paint smile, and find me under there.

 And when she finds the man I am, and sees the wounds I bear,

 Will she have the courage, to take me in her care?

 

And will I have the strength I need, and trueness to the core?

 To return her love and care, and make her all I’ll live for.

 I live in hope that just maybe, this special woman lives,

 And we can share the happiness, that true love always gives.

 

Alas, I fear I’ll never find the happiness I seek,

I lick my wounds but always find a reason to be weak.

So anytime I hear the words, “Oh My Clown, I love you.”

I cringe and find my hiding place, then run to somewhere new.

 

Written by Derek Haines

Francis: Man of Prayer by Mario Escobar

A brief history of the papal office is the content of Francis: Man of Prayer. While the information was educational, it lacked the personal component expected.

Written in haste, a sequel seems appropriate by Escobar. Allowing sufficient time to pass would help gather the personal neglected material needed to compliment the business of being pope, in Francis: Man of Prayer.

The Catholic Church is at a crucial time in history. Catholics, and non-Catholics alike, are hungry for guidance and change. Pope Francis seems to provide hope and optimism.

The most powerful man on earth, Pope Francis uses social media to communicate. Escobar includes the pope’s first tweet and ten quotes by him, which reveal what he believes. Here is Pope Francis’s first tweet: ‘Dear friends, I thank you from my heart and I ask you to continue to pray for me. Pope Francis.’

Here are a couple of quotes:

‘Prayer is a mixture of ‘courage, humility, and worship.’

‘Let us not forget that hatred, envy and pride defile our lives.’

Escobar is most likely looking forward to expounding his knowledge on this influential man, and write a sequel to Francis: Man of Prayer.

CINCO DE MAYO by Phillip Lee Edwards

In CINCO DE MAYO, Edwards provides his readers with a mini history lesson about the victory at the first battle of Puebla, by the Mexican Army. Emilio Escobar, of the Army of Mexico, tells the dire war stories through his own eyes.

President Juarez promotes Emilio from Captain to Major, because of his success driving back the French invaders. He considers Emilio a hero.

Studying to become a lawyer, Emilio befriends a Lieutenant Xavier Carrillo, who shares the same goal. Their friendship continues with the decision to leave the Army and become partners in their own law firm.

 Readers who enjoy historical novels will enjoy Edwards fifty-two page mini story, CINCO DE MAYO.

The Glothic Tales . . . of primates of apes, dates and fates, need and greed, evolution and revolution . . . and ends to ends. A trilogy of totally tall tales by Derek Haines

Over time, I’ve had the great pleasure of reading separately, the three Glothic tales by Derek Haines. The tales included, February The Fifth, The Adventures of Hal, and Septimity and the Blood Brotherhood.  Derek Haines currently provides his readers with these three entertaining stories, bound together in a select paperback titled, The Glothic Tales.

 After reading each book, I had written a timely review. The following are excerpts from each review:

 February The Fifth is the first book I have read by Derek Haines. It was an easy read with slight touches of science fiction and comedy throughout. There was no shortage of characters, some of whom the reader would most definitely relate to, thereby making the book more enjoyable.

 It’s a mad world on Gloth, as experienced through the eyes of Halbert Hoop - Hal to the reader. Hal is a well-developed character who gets himself into unusual and kooky situations. It’s great fun for the reader to share Hal’s strategies in unraveling and solving these situations.

 Ending my review of Septimity, I wrote - After reading Derek Haines books, I think I have come to realize he expresses his own personal views on life through his apropos vocabulary in his characters, and excellent writing skills. Reading between the lines and having a good laugh is a treat.

Owning a print version of The Glothic Tales is a welcoming edition to my bookshelf. E-books are convenient, but there’s nothing like reading a good book in print from your own personal library.