New Orleans Stories: Great Writers on the City by Various Authors

What a mixed bag of stories one can find in this book. Some I loved, some I didn't so much. Some were a little strange, especially some of those cures. But that's ok. This is not necessarily a book of stories about New Orleans. It is however a gathering of stories by people who either were from New Orleans, or lived in New Orleans at some point. It is an illustration of how this most decadent city can tug at your soul. Most of the stories are short and can be read in one sitting. Authors include such greats as William Faulkner, Anne Rice, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, and even Louis Armstrong. Although you might not like all of these stories, I think you might find one or two that catch your interest. For me, it's all about New Orleans, and that made reading it worthwhile.

Memoirs of a Fortune Teller & Vigilante Witch Hunter by Gary Turcotte

I'm choosing to post a joint review for these two books, because they are written by the same author, but also they go together. My first thought on the writing, and it made it difficult to read, was how choppy it came across. I wondered if it was on purpose, giving a sense of separate entries being written in "Memoirs of a Fortune Teller". If that was the intention, then it succeeded. Although the story was easy to follow, gaps were obvious. It idea is a good one, tho. I simply wished for more continuity. "Vigilante Witch Hunter" provided more continuity, although at times it also felt a little choppy. At times I felt rushed through the storyline as well. I really feel this is an interesting and unique idea that maybe simply needs a little more meat on the bones. I didn't hate it, but didn't love it either.

Catching Up!

Wow! It's been awhile since I've posted a review.....but I have a really good excuse! :) Aside from working full-time, I've been involved in the setting up of a new used bookstore. It's name? Never Without A Book Ltd. Isn't that exciting??? Over the past month or so, a lot of my spare time has been spent on tasks necessary to setting up and becoming an owner/manager of a business. Never Without A Book Ltd. is now incorporated as of a couple of weeks ago, and has already purchased inventory and fixtures. Currently we are in the process of obtaining a location and going through all the requirements to that end. What a long and involved process! Consequently my review books are backing up and although I've continued to read, posting reviews has fallen by the wayside. I'm now hoping to correct that over this next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, I'll post any updates regarding the bookstore as they happen! And now....on to some reviews.......

JOIN ME IN CONGRATULATING MARTA'S MEANDERINGS ON HER 100TH POST!!!

Congratulations Marta! It's time for a celebration!

Check out Marta's blog for a fantastic giveaway to celebrate her 100th post! You can find it here at http://martasmeanderings.blogspot.com/2009/03/in-celebration-of-my-100th-post-ive-got.html

New Orleans Requiem by D. J. Donaldson

I loved the New Orleans memories this book brought back. Almost everywhere the characters went, I could envision. That being said, I didn't ever see any murders while I was there and one can only be thankful for that! This was a very well-written murder mystery and I'm sorry to say that it is now out of print. I'll be keeping an eye out for more of D.J.Donaldson's work. In checking his website, I found that this particular series of books are all out of print. I find that sad as I enjoyed it so much.

The book is part of a series of Andy Broussard/Kit Franklin mysteries. In this one, a serial murder appears in New Orleans at the same time as a convention of forensic specialists. Kit and Andy work with the local law enforcement, and a couple of their forensic friends to solve the murder.

I recommend this book and wish everyone interested in reading it luck in your search. Meanwhile I'm starting my search for others in the series!

Louis Armstrong by Mike Pinfold

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x19out_louis-armstrongsaints_music

If you've never heard him, you don't know what you're missing. His voice was one of a kind. His skill with his horn again one of a kind. There was no one like "Satchmo". His story is as inspiring as it is amazing. Louis Armstrong was one of the greats!

This book is a comprehensive story of his life and career. Well worth reading. His music is well worth listening to. I hope you've taken a few minutes and clicked on the above link for one of his more familiar songs.

Louis Armstrong by Mike Pinfold