Reviewing "Stories of Norway" by John A. Yilek

Sometimes, when one reads quite a variety of books and starts to get a “feel” for them, one begins to identify books that don’t quite seem the same as conventional publications from established publishing houses. In short, you start to recognize self-published books when you see them.

First, let me say, that there is absolutely nothing wrong with self-publishing. I know some people who have done it. I’ve read some excellent books that were self-published, or had been originally self-published before a traditional publishing house saw its potential (for making the publishing house money, at least) and reprinted it.

However, it must be admitted that in general, self-published books have a certain “look” to them. Something about the glossy paperback cover, the graphic and font choice, and sometimes an “unedited” feel to the writing itself, all gives a sneaking suspicion of unpolished-verging-on-unprofessional work. Even readers who are not grammar or spelling enthusiasts can see the difference between a book that has been professionally copy-edited and one that skipped that (in my opinion, vital) stage.

Reviewing "100 Dives of a Lifetime" by Carrie Miller

I confess. Sometimes I put books on hold at the library not because of their words, but because of their pictures. These are the “coffee table” books that people don’t really read, just leaf through.

Except I do read them, I promise.

I borrowed 100 Dives of a Lifetime because I figured there would be plenty of pretty pictures, and I might learn something about diving. Not that I really am interested going diving myself—I’ve done enough of that vicariously through Shark Week…besides, I’m rather claustrophobic—but because one never knows whether learning about diving will inspire writing an adventure novel, or at the very least aid a conversation with someone who does like to dive.

Reviewing "The Monuments Men" by Robert Edsel

The Monuments Men: Allied Heroes, Nazi Thieves, and the Greatest Treasure Hunt in History

With a title like that, how could one go wrong?

After all, it was made into a movie, right? Some editions even have George Clooney et al. on the cover with the “Now a Major Motion Picture” seal.

Of course, any book that was ever turned into a movie must be good.