Tag Archives: Book Review

Apr22

A 2 Z – 2026 – Letter R – The Ruins (a review)

Posted on April 22, 2026 by ghostmmnc

A 2 Z – 2026 – Letter R – The Ruins (a review)

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Just a short review of one of my favorite books. 🙂

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“The Ruins”, by Scott Smith, is a book I’ve read more than once, and I’ve seen the movie made of it, and it was good, too.

Starting out, we see the characters on a lovely vacation trip in Mexico. When one of their friends goes missing, they go look for him, which leads them deep into the jungle. They come upon some ancient Mayan ruins, and this is when their nightmare begins.

This book is so good, and yes scary! It sure makes you look at your garden plants in another way, after reading this book. The vines…omg…the vines!

If you like horror tales, check it out!

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The Mystery Box chickens have found this quote … “No one ever shouts in a book store ~ by Lillian Jackson Braun”

Mystery Box Chickens

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Join the MB Chickens tomorrow, and they will open the next mystery box. The letter of the day will be S.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

May3

Word of the Day – Intruder

Posted on May 3, 2024 by ghostmmnc

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Word of the Day – Intruder

Intruder

Cyranny says … This word is the contribution of our co-administrator of the Word of the Day Challenge blog, Alice, from ‘The 59 Club Blog here

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This word reminds me of a book I read …

“The Intruders”, by Pat Montandon, is the author’s true story of the experiences she had in her San Francisco house. From the time she moved in, until the time she left, two years later, she was bombarded by unexplained fires, thefts, a persistent chill throughout the house, and more, including the death of a close friend. Finally, she had psychic investigators, and an exorcist to come help. They concluded there were supernatural forces at work in the house.

This is maybe the first book I ever read on this subject. I checked it out of the library, many years ago, and kept on checking it out to read again. I did finally find a copy of it to buy.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

Oct4

Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Time

Posted on October 4, 2023 by ghostmmnc

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Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Time

For Gerry & Sue’s:

Weekly Prompts Wednesday Challenge – Time

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THE TIME MACHINE

“The Time Machine”, by H. G. Wells. It was first written and published in 1895.

I’m pretty sure I got this book from the local library book sale. I get most of my used books there, as they have really good prices for them…50 cents for paperbacks, and $1.00 for hardback.

I actually had never read this book before. I’d seen the movies made from it, and both of the ones I saw were good. I preferred the one made in 1960 best. It starred Rod Taylor, Alan Young, and Yvette Mimieux.

The subject of the book is of course a time machine. A scientist had invented a machine that would be able to transport a person to a different time in history, either past or future. He gave a presentation to his fellow colleagues, but they were skeptical of the whole thing. After the meeting, the Time Traveler, as the main character was called in the book, tried out his machine.

As the time for their next meeting commenced, everyone showed up except for the host. Then, just before everyone was getting ready to leave, he shows up, all bedraggled. He told them he’d time traveled to the future, and he’d tell them all about it.

This is the main part of the book, his telling of his adventures in the future time. He was in the same location as they were in now, just way into the future. He’d met a strange group of people, called Eloi, and their enemies, called the Morlocks. At one point, he even loses his time machine, and has to find it before he can return to the present time.

He is befriended by a sweet girl Eloi, named Weena, who shows him around, and he wants to bring her back with him. It’s all very interesting how he deals with the world of the future, that is so different.

I would recommend reading this book.

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That brings me to the name of my blog…’teleportingweena’. 🙂 I chose it because I love the story of the Time Machine, and the girl, Weena. It is about time travel, and you never know exactly where you’ll land, or what you’ll see. Just like the vision I had when I started this blog. Also, our tabby cat was named Rowena, and we called her Weena. I’m convinced she could teleport herself to other dimensions. Sound kind of wacky, I know, but cats are mysterious, so you never quite know for sure. 🙂

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I did read the definitions of ‘time travel’ and ‘teleportation’. Here’s what I understood from that: Time Travel (a time machine) will send you through time…past or future. Teleportation (no machine), moves you to a different location in the present time.

Have you ever been teleported somewhere? I think I have. 🙂

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“Hazy Shade of Winter”, by the Bangles, was released from their album, “Less Than Zero”, in 1987. It was written by Paul Simon, and is on the Def Jam Records label. It was first recorded by Simon & Garfunkle, and released in 1966 on their album, “Bookends”. It was written by Paul Simon, and is on the Columbia label.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

Jan9

Just Jot It January 2023 – Endurance

Posted on January 9, 2023 by ghostmmnc

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Just Jot It January 2023 – Endurance

Daily Prompt – JusJoJan the 9th, 2023

This prompt for today was suggested by:

Destiny

Your prompt for JusJoJan January 9th 2023, is “endurance.” Use the word “endurance” any way you’d like. Enjoy!

Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing: Used - Picture 1 of 1

ENDURANCE: SHACKLETON’S INCREDIBLE VOYAGE

This is a book review of the book “Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage” by Alfred Lansing.

Do you enjoy reading true stories about people who have overcome tremendous obstacles just to survive? This story , as it’s title says, is incredible. It was published in 1959.

It is the true story of the Antarctic expedition taken on by Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew, in 1914, on the ship Endurance. Shackleton was an explorer, and this time he set out to cross the Antarctic. They were almost to the end of their journey, when the pack ice in the sea closed in on the ship, rendering it immobile. They were stuck, with only ice surrounding them. They were stranded there for over a year.

The book describes, in white knuckle imagery, the struggles and hardships encountered by the men on board. There are pictures and maps, and most details were taken from the diarys the men kept, of this harrowing time in their lives. The author writes in a way that makes you feel you are right there with them.

Another, more recent book, written on this subject, is by Caroline Alexander, “Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition” (1998). There are even more pictures in this book.

I read this book, the first time, when I was in the 5th grade. I remember being enthralled at how awful it must have been. I could hardly put the book down, even reading while eating meals, and neglecting my homework.

I believe this one book got me started on reading other true stories of people surviving incredible odds…from plane crashes, mountain climbing expeditions, desert and jungle adventures. It has stayed in my mind all these years.

Now that I think about it, it was a bit prophetic that these men had to endure so much on a ship named Endurance.

You can find these books on Amazon.

Thank you for reading!

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

Sep5

What Book Am I Reading This Week?

Posted on September 5, 2019 by ghostmmnc

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What Book Am I Reading This Week?

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Book jacket is yellow with a large red tomato in the middle (Title is in red letters)

“The $64 Tomato”, by William Alexander.

I’ve had this book a long time and got it at a used book store. I thought I’d read it before, but seems I hadn’t.

It’s pretty good and easy to read. There are some funny parts, and a bit of gardening tips.

The author recounts his family’s move to a ramshackle old house, and their attempts to renovate it. Meanwhile he has taken up growing fruits and vegetables, and also flowers on their three acres of land.

He has no idea of what he is doing at first, but he learns by trial and error. This leads to some funny outcomes, with his ‘crops’, and also dealing with garden pests, and also house contractor problems along the way.

The blurb on the book jacket says: “How One Man Nearly Lost His Sanity, Spent a Fortune, and Endured an Existential Crisis in the Quest for the Perfect Garden”

It is a fun read. 🙂

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Thanks for visiting! Peace ☮️

Aug28

Recycled Book Reading Challenge – Ghost Girl

Posted on August 28, 2017 by ghostmmnc

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Recycled Book Reading Challenge – Ghost Girl

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https://lifexperimentblog.com/2016/01/26/recycled-book-reading-challenge/

It’s time for the monthly Recycled Book Reading Challenge.

This is where we take a book we’ve been meaning to read, that has been stacked up in our ‘to be read’ pile for awhile, and actually read it. I know I have a lot like that. We are to give a review of the book, one that has been bought at a discount, at a yard sale or thrift store, or any used book store. There’s where the ‘recycled’ part comes in. Giving these used books a chance can lead to some great reading. 🙂

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This is the recycled book I read for the month of August.

“Ghost Girl”, by Torey L. Hayden, is one I’ve read before. This exact one is from a library book sale, I’m pretty sure. It still has the library stamp inside. It was printed in 1991.

They have since closed down the Air Force Base here.

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I’ve read a lot of Torey Hayen’s books, and there have been quite a few. She is one of my favorite authors. As a teacher of special education children, she relates her experiences in this area. Her specialty is in elective mutism, where a person is fully capable of speaking, but refuses to do so, due to psychological reasons. She writes of her struggles in teaching those with this problem, and also those with autism, handicaps, traumas, and developmental delays.

All her books are very easy to read, with recalled conversations, and the day to day minutiae of a classroom of children with diverse learning abilities.

In this book, she has a student named Jadie. She does not speak. Ms Hayden keeps working with her, to bring her out of her withdrawn state, and soon discovers, Jadie can speak. This is only to her, in the privacy of the classroom coat closet. There, she tells the most horrible tales of abuse that has happened to her. The thing is, she names those who abuses her as the television characters of the show, “Dallas”. Now, Ms Hayden tries to figure out if all that Jadie is saying is for real, with actual people in her life, or if she is just making all this up. She goes to her principal, and social services, but is hesitant to get authorities involved, if all this that Jadie is saying, is just make-believe. But, she does , and what is found out, is much worse than anyone could imagine.

I know this subject matter is not for everyone, but it is good to know of these kind of circumstances, and that there are those, like Ms Hayden, that are there to help the children, in any way she can.

I recommend all of Torey L. Hayden’s books.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace }i{

Jun27

RECYCLED BOOK READING CHALLENGE

Posted on June 27, 2017 by ghostmmnc

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RECYCLED BOOK READING CHALLENGE

https://lifexperimentblog.com/2016/01/26/recycled-book-reading-challenge/

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It’s time for the monthly Recycled Book Reading Challenge.

This past month I read this one.

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“Peking to Paris”, by Dina Bennett, was the book I read this past month. I can’t remember where I got it, probably at a library book sale, but it’s been in my to be read pile for quite awhile. I liked this book a lot. There are even photos!

The main subject here is about a husband and wife who take on the challenge of a long road rally. It was for people that own antique cars. Some of these cars were beautiful examples of the era that they were built. The challenge was to drive from Peking, China, to Paris, France, to actually complete the challenge in 35 days, and of course to win the prize at the end.

Dina knew nothing about cars, races, or rallies. Her husband was all into it, though. He would do the driving, and she would be the navigator. She had a lot to learn. Their car, a 1940 LaSalle, was finally ready to go, and so were they. Naming the car, Roxanne, they began their adventure.

Through all kinds of weather, car break-downs, arguments, hostels, and fabulous hotels, they endured. They made some friends along the way, and saw some amazing sights in the countries they passed through.

Dina writes this memoir from her point of view, which includes lots of humor at the predicaments she finds herself in. The rally took place in 2007, and the book was printed in 2013. I think you’ll enjoy reading it as much as I did.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace }i{

Jan2

RECYCLED BOOK READING CHALLENGE – HIGH on ARRIVAL

Posted on January 2, 2017 by ghostmmnc

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RECYCLED BOOK READING CHALLENGE – HIGH on ARRIVAL

https://lifexperimentblog.com/2016/01/26/recycled-book-reading-challenge/

Click the link above to find out how to join in.

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It’s time for the monthly Recycled Book Reading Challenge.

This past month I read this one.

This is a memoir written by Mackenzie Phillips, called “High on Arrival”.

I do like reading memoirs, auto-biographies, biographies, and many kinds of non-fiction. This one was one of the most thorough I’ve read in awhile. Ms Phillips does not sugar coat any part of her life that she writes about.

If you remember, she was one of the stars of the TV sit-com, “One Day at a Time”, and appeared in the movie, “American Graffiti”. She has been acting for many years, and she tells about all of her experiences on that front…the good and the bad.

Mostly, though, she chronicles her life with her famous father, John Phillips, one of the members of the popular singing group, “The Mamas & the Papas”, and the rock and roll lifestyle she was born into. She tells how there were no rules or limits placed upon her and her brother, and drug use was an everyday routine. She goes into great depth describing her days as a hard core, drug addicted junkie. Her relationships suffered, her jobs as an actress were compromised, and honestly, she seems surprised to have lived through it all.

If you are squeamish about depictions of sexual abuse, and horrendous drug use episodes, then I would recommend this book be for Mature Readers only!!

I am glad Ms Phillips has gotten her life back together, these days, and hope she continues in the future.

This book was published in 2009, by Gallery Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, Inc. It can be found on Amazon.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace }i{

Dec2

RECYCLED BOOK READING CHALLENGE – BAR FLOWER

Posted on December 2, 2016 by ghostmmnc

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RECYCLED BOOK READING CHALLENGE – BAR FLOWER

https://lifexperimentblog.com/2016/01/26/recycled-book-reading-challenge/

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The recycled book reading challenge is where we post a review of a book we’ve read the past month. Ultimately, it should be a used book, found at library sales, yard sales, thrift stores, etc. We know we have lots of books stacked up, ready to be read. Now is the time to pick one up and actually read it!

Find out more about this challenge by clicking the link above. It’s fun! 🙂

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My recycled book this time came from the book store, in their used section. I’ve had it quite a while, and I’m glad I finally got to read it. It is called “Bar Flower”, and is a memoir written by Lea Jacobson. Here’s a photo of the cover.

Ms Jacobson writes of her experiences in Japan. She studied the Japanese language in college, and was fluent in speaking it. So, she decided to go live in Japan to pursue teaching. She did find a job, and enjoyed it, but ran into trouble with the organization she was obligated to, and their rules.

Still needing a job, she investigated the businesses of the night…the nightclub/bar scene, which is a major, complicated industry there. She did secure a job in one of the nightclubs, as a hostess. These jobs were classified as being in the sex industry, yet the jobs of being a hostess, was not at all selling sex. The girls were only required to sit at a table in the bar, and visit with the male patrons who came in. They were to provide drinks (at the customer’s expense), and be pleasant to talk with. That was all, and it was strictly enforced by the bar’s ‘mama’ proprietress.

Lea made friends with some of the other girls who worked there, had fun dressing up, and of course drinking. She had one job at a certain bar for a long time, then one at another place. She would go back home to the U. S. from time to time, to continue her studies, but always came back to hostessing in Japan. She still had dreams of teaching, though.

It was a very interesting book, that gives a glimpse of what the nightlife is like in some areas of the Ginza in Japan. It also goes into her struggles with alcoholism.

If you enjoy memoirs that are a bit different, you would like to read this one.

I noticed it is available on Amazon for only one penny!

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Thanks for visiting! Peace }i{

Nov1

RECYCLED BOOK READING CHALLENGE – SURVIVING ANTARCTICA

Posted on November 1, 2016 by ghostmmnc

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RECYCLED BOOK READING CHALLENGE – SURVIVING ANTARCTICA

https://lifexperimentblog.com/2016/01/26/recycled-book-reading-challenge/

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This is the first of the month, so it’s time for another book review.

This challenge asks for us to take one of our ‘recycled’ and ‘used’ books, and actually read it. If you’re like me, you have lots of books stacked up that you haven’t gotten around to reading yet. I get most of my recycled/used books from the library book sales, and I do have a lot of them. They all sound interesting, but then I get more, and the earlier ones get pushed back to be read another time. Well, here’s a chance to dig one out, and read it, then do a review on what it was about. So, here’s the one I read last month.

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“Surviving Antarctica”, by Andrea White, was published in this paperback, in 2005.

I liked it because I really like survival stories, both fiction and non-fiction. This one is fiction, and is set in the year 2083.

It seems in that future world, the government has ordered everyone to watch only reality TV, and there are hundreds of them on air. The characters in this book are teenagers. They have to play a game toss to determine if they get to attend high school or college. Only the winners get to go.

One of the boys decides instead, to try his luck on the reality show, called Antarctica Historical Survivor. They offer a big cash prize, which he’d love to win. He and several other teens are selected to participate. The problem is, this is ‘true’ survival. No help will be provided them at all from producers, and it is very cold in Antarctica! A lot of their hardships are written into the plans for the kids, which they do not realize. All their journey is scripted to be exactly like a time in history. This one is to recreate the journey of explorer, Robert F. Scott, and his attempt to be the first to reach the South Pole, in the years of 1910-1913. Here is a big difference between the reality shows of today, and this futuristic story…they are being filmed, and broadcast live, to millions of people watching.

The story continues, as they try to figure out how to actually survive the harsh conditions, with very little food or supplies.

I’d say this is one of my favorite books to read in a long while, as I do like watching reality shows on TV, too. It is available on Amazon. If you decide to get this book, I think you’ll enjoy it.

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Thanks for visiting! Peace }i{