Journey in Words-Journey Inwards: 2011

Monday, July 11, 2011

The Hypnotist by Lars Keppler

I didn't pay much attention to the cover of this book as I was reading it. It's only now that I'm pasting the picture on here that I realize that it's pretty gruesome. You'll have to read to see what made the blood splatter. (It's not as bad as it sounds . . . well, not really.) Anyway...suspenseful though it goes a bit crazy toward the end as many mysteries do. Why do authors always think we want a crazy-ass ending like in a blockbuster movie?

Best Thing: Equal number of male and female characters who are well-developed (though not always believably so)

Worst Thing: Unbelievable (but not so much that it makes you stop reading) . . . plus, I just saw a picture of the authors--a Swedish husband-wife team who look like models. Yuck.

Friday, July 8, 2011

The Raising by Laura Kasischke

At first I was afraid it was going to be a vampire story, and so I was glad it definitely wasn't. I enjoyed the combination of characters from the academic world--most of the book is set on a college campus--and the subplot with a professor in death studies. I learned stuff while reading this book.

Plus: Suspenseful; well-developed characters

Minus: Somewhat unsatisfying resolution (I always want evil people to be punished appropriately.)

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Mayes County Storytellers hosting story session at festival

MCS Storytellers: Betty Perkins, Roxann Grissom, Louise Evans, Bev Hart, Shaun Perkins, Deb Evans

By Valerie Kimble

Storytellers from Mayes County are scheduled to perform 3:00 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2011 at the Spirit of Oklahoma Storytelling Festival at Seminole State College. Produced by the Territory Tellers, the statewide, nonprofit, arts organization whose mission is to promote the art of storytelling, the festival is in its fifth year and draws tellers and listeners from all over the

United States

“Storytellers from all over Oklahoma, Texas and California will tell for two full days,” said Valerie Kimble, for the Territory Tellers Publicity Committee. “There will be concerts, circles, swaps, exhibits, free ghost tales, and workshops. Last year, listeners from all over the region and as far away as Georgia attended.”

Choogie Kingfisher

Beverly Hart, Pryor, and Choogie Kingfisher, Salina, along with Tulsans Darla L’Allier and Connie Neil Fisher will be telling a story during the MCS story circle, which is hosted by Shaun Perkins, Locust Grove. this story circle is from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3.

“Oklahoma is known for its storytellers: Will Rogers, Woody Guthrie, Te Ata and many more,” said Kimble. “So we have a wonderful storytelling tradition in this state.”

“The Mayes County Storytellers are proud to be part of this,” said Shaun Perkins, co-founder of MCS and Territory Tellers’ liaison/webmaster. “We have been a part of the festival since it began, and we hope more people from our part of the state will continue to get involved with it.”

Darla L'Allier

For more information, the schedule of events, or to print a brochure, visit the Territory Tellers website. Register for the festival before May 20 for discounted rates on a festival pass. Concert tickets are half-price or $5.00 for seniors and students. Single program tickets will be sold at the door. Stories are family-friendly, but not intended for small children.

“Come on down to Seminole State College anytime on Friday or Saturday, June 3 and 4 to hear some wonderful stories,” said Perkins, “And to hear from folks from our part of the state, be sure to see us Friday afternoon.”