Find solace in these words

As an atheist, I find it difficult to comfort people when they have suffered a great loss. In truth, the words “when you die nothing happens” comes off as quite crude. I’ve suffered loss, of which I’m still recovering from, after over a decade, so much so that I am starved for commiserations. And then I found these words. After reading them, these two words where whispered to myself, breathlessly: We’ll damn. After reading them, the pain of losing someone that I love very, very much, someone that was taken away suddenly and tragically became bearable.

Please don’t misunderstand me; this quote is not only for atheists. Anyone can find comfort in them. I share them in the hopes that they will comfort you, dear reader.

You want a physicist to speak at your funeral. You want the physicist to talk to your grieving family about the conservation of energy, so they will understand that your energy has not died. You want the physicist to remind your sobbing mother about the first law of thermodynamics; that no energy gets created in the universe, and none is destroyed. You want your mother to know that all your energy, every vibration, every Btu of heat, every wave of every particle that was her beloved child remains with her in this world. You want the physicist to tell your weeping father that amid energies of the cosmos, you gave as good as you got.

And at one point you’d hope that the physicist would step down from the pulpit and walk to your brokenhearted spouse there in the pew and tell him/her that all the photons that ever bounced off your face, all the particles whose paths were interrupted by your smile, by the touch of your hair, hundreds of trillions of particles, have raced off like children, their ways forever changed by you. And as your widow rocks in the arms of a loving family, may the physicist let him/her know that all the photons that bounced from you were gathered in the particle detectors that are her/his eyes, that those photons created within her/him constellations of electromagnetically charged neurons whose energy will go on forever.

And the physicist will remind the congregation of how much of all our energy is given off as heat. There may be a few fanning themselves with their programs as he says it. And he will tell them that the warmth that flowed through you in life is still here, still part of all that we are, even as we who mourn continue the heat of our own lives.

And you’ll want the physicist to explain to those who loved you that they need not have faith; indeed, they should not have faith. Let them know that they can measure, that scientists have measured precisely the conservation of energy and found it accurate, verifiable and consistent across space and time. You can hope your family will examine the evidence and satisfy themselves that the science is sound and that they’ll be comforted to know your energy’s still around. According to the law of the conservation of energy, not a bit of you is gone; you’re just less orderly.

Amen.
~Aaron Freeman

Unlikely place

I love social media. I really do. Although I’m not an avid user of the twatter, *cough* I mean Twitter, I do love me some Facebook and I won’t even mention Pinterest (I hear angels sing whenever I load the page). I’ll tell you why I like social media: I find inspiration from it. Although Pinterest was created for that very reason, I found inspiring words from the most unlikely place: Instagram

Here I am, mindlessly scrolling my feed page, when all of a sudden a captivating picture with enthralling words seizes my attention. I read the words, and I smiled. I wanted to share those words with you (I have the writer’s permission of course). Follow her @rubyfruitjungle and follow me @thefrenchjess

she sits on empty canvases

and waits for the new millennia that never comes

she’s not well.. but she doesn’t know.

who plays her harmonica while she is gone?

it could be me

it could be another one of me…

but I don’t feel it necessary to twist hair in circles

far too wide. far too far.

she wears a raincoat to bed

trying to save herself from the storm that never comes

she’s not well.. but she doesn’t know

tiger lily falters under her pressure

not well made- not well off

but who peels the skin off her lips when she is away?

it could be me

it could be another one of me

but I feel my own burns

no need for more wreckage

floating in a polluted ocean

she barricades her doors and windows

to save herself from the soldiers that never come

she’s not well…

but she doesn’t know

purple plush paint chips away

in her living room

but who itches her scar tissue while she is gone?

it could be me

it could be another one of me…

I am her escape.

far too far.

far too true.

truth I cannot escape.

for I am not well.. and she knows.

 

A-holes are like opinions and it’s impossible to avoid them

I was so excited, everyone. I had found one of the best sic-fi authors that I had ever read, but it turns out that asshole are like opinions; there is always one around, and it’s fucking impossible to avoid them. Assholes, that is.

After reading Ender’s Game, I thought: “This is it! Here is an author that I will follow for the rest of his career, much like Stephen King.” And then I went and Googled the name Orson Scott Card. It turns out, Mr. OSC and I have very different opinions about marriage equality. That alone would not stop me from purchasing and enjoying his books. He’s entitled to his opinion. If we were to stop using products because we didn’t agree with a manufacturer or company CEO’s opinion, then we would probably be walking around naked, homeless, with bad breath and horrible hair. So, I went on with my life, bought Speaker of the Dead, read it, enjoyed it and completely forgot about OSC’s opinion.
And then my house of Card came crashing down.

My husband is a comic book fanatic *cough* nerd *cough*. He has been a loyal customer of Zeus Comics for years, and pointed out an article that Zeus’ owner was quoted in. For the article, go here. Basically, OSC has been commissioned to write the comic Adventures Of Superman and Zeus Comics will not be carrying the series because of the writer’s opinion on gay marriage.

After reading the article (seriously, go read it), I decided to look into Orson Scott Card again. As it turns out, not only does he have strong opinions on the subject of marriage equality, but he is actively trying to prevent it. Now this is where shit gets real. Card has been voicing his opinions, rather loudly, about gay marriage since the early 1990s, and in 2009, he became a member of the board of directors of the National Organization for Marriage. Don’t let the name fool you, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is an American non-profit political organization established in 2007 to work against legalization of  same-sex marriage in the Unites States. The group has opposed civil union legislation and opposes gay adoption.
I’d like to point out that OSC is involved in other organizations that oppose equality but I won’t mention them here, I hate mentioning religion in anything, but please, do you own research.

I think I should point out that the comic strip has been postponed because the artist,  Chris Sprouse, has backed out of the Superman series because, and I’m paraphrasing, there’s too much negativity around it recently. That’s great, except that Sprouse didn’t state the right reasons for backing out. He should have said that he could not work with someone that has such views, or that OSC is a fucking bigot…. but that’s just me being an asshole equalitist (made up word… live with it!). If you want to see that article, go to Wired.com, or click here.

Anyway, I’m not saying that you shouldn’t read his books, all I’m saying is that I won’t, nor ail I be reviewing them. Ender’s Game, the film, is set to be released this year: The jury is still out if I will watch it.

I Like Myself! by Karen Beaumont

I personally believe that the best gift you can give a child is a book. I often buy them for other children on their birthdays or christmas (yes I’m that lame) and not coincidentally, it’s my favorite thing for my children to get, but that has more to do with me getting bored of their books more than anything else. I read to both my kids twice a day, and when the house is quiet, it’s usually because they are sitting in a corner somewhere reading… usually. Other times it means they are doing something they shouldn’t be doing which means you want to check to see why they are so quiet in the first place.

My oldest received I like Myself! by Karen Beaumont for her birthday. How can someone not like a book about self confidence??? It’s impossible, especially when it’s delivered with cooky-ness like purple polka dotted lips??? It’s funny and wacky for kids, and it reminds parents to take it easy on the self analyzing and remind your kids that they should like, nay LOVE, themselves, worts and all.

The illustrations are done by David Catrow and they compliment the book perfectly!

               

I give this book 500 000 frizzy hairs out of 500 000. Go buy the hardcover and watch your kids light up at the illustrations!

~Jessi

Book Review of Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Dear book lovers, I am elated. I have found a book to write home about, or to blog with great enthusiasm. I usually try to review whole series instead of the individual books, but I just could not wait to share the love that I have for this book. I have to give credit to my dear cousin, Michelle, for introducing me to this story. She has been going on and on over Ender’s Game for what feels like forever, and I kept putting it off. I was afraid, you see. I was afraid that I would not love the book as much as she does, and then where would our relationship be??? What if she would take insult to my dislike of the book and thus, start a rivalry that would put the Hatfields and McKoys to shame. What if one of my descendants accidentally kills one of her descendants and that leaves a whole town at war with itself, every one feelling pressure to choose sides; fathers against sons, mothers losing children. IT. WOULD. BE. CHAOS!  Well, fret not, I effin loved it, which means our relationship is safe. 🙂

Welcome to futuristic Earth, where we have suffered multiples attacks from ant-like aliens known most popularly as buggers.Welcome to a futuristic sci-fi world, where different countries have banded together (think European Union but on a global scale) to fight the buggers. Where the superpowers have been practicing eugenics in the hopes of creating their savior, their hero, their Ender.

For decades, children have been “harvested” at a young age and sent to battle school where they learn to be soldiers. When I say young, I mean barely out of kindergarden, and they spend the next 15 years at a school, in space, learning how to become expert strategists and warriors. They have found a warrior to rival all others. His name is Ender Wiggins, and his task is to save the world. No pressure.

As you are reading this, you might be rolling your eyes, thinking how incredibly far fetched it is, and it is BUT the important thing is how you feel while reading the book. You easily forget that the main character is merely a child, a brilliant child, but a child none the less. You feel as isolated as Ender does, and as remorseful as his handlers are. In short, it’s emotionally wrenching and the author is a master.

The plot is effin off the charts!!!! (to understand my excitement click here ). FINALLY! WE GOT OURSELVES A STORY. This book ends well, and if you never pick up another one of Orson Scott Card’s books again, you will die a happy death, but I hope you don’t do that. Stop reading his books I mean. He’s a great writer and his work deserves to be read. High praise, coming from me. The ending leaves you wanting more, but it’s not so desperate to have your attention that it becomes fucking ridiculous. It twists and turns and by then end of it, your mouth is agape and you’re saying to yourself “Holly shit, that just happened!” but then you give it a few moments and then you think: “That makes total sense.”

Should you read this story? No

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA Just kidding. You would be crazy not to. It’s amazing and awesomely awesome!

2 zero-gravity thumbs up!!!!!

Book Review of Chosen by Paula Bradley

Wow, where to start… Let me begin by stating that after I finished reading this book, I spent HOURS trying to figure out how I felt about it. I’m happy to announce that the verdict is in: I hated it. Harsh, I know, but let me explain.

The story is of a woman, named Mariah, who’s attempted suicide has left her with a gift: She is able to locating abducted children psychically. She speaks to the children in their minds and has them describe where they are, Mariah then provides the information to the FBI and everyone goes home happy. Her powers are said to be a gift from God. The book is FULL to BURSTING with religious overtones, but as it turns out, it’s actually a sci-fi novel, a series, actually, one of three.

So, after the first chapter I became seriously annoyed with the publishing company for not categorizing this book as a christian fiction (yes, it’s a category) instead of whatever else genre they decided to put it under. This book seems like someone’s awful interpretation of the History Channel’s Ancient Aliens because as I stated earlier, aliens are involved with her powers, not God, but still, once this is discovered, the religious aspect still wasn’t dropped. It’s like the author decided to change genres in the middles of the book. I hope I’ve made this point clear; this book is having a mid-life (chapter) crisis. It needs to buy itself a Ferrari and get over it already.

The writing is, eeeeeeeeeh, alright? (<- yes, the question mark is intentional) I’m trying not to be to harsh, I feel like I’m beating a dead horse, but… it was bad. It was bad. There I said it, the. writing. was. bad. Phew! I fell better getting that off my chest. I suppose I should back up my opinion. I’ll use the main character as an example. Over and over again the author drives home the strong moral fiber of Mariah’s character. So that point is clear, very clear. What really makes the writing “not great” is that every character that meets Mariah is stunned by her beauty, she’s breathtaking, a vision of beauty, blah… but then there is only one mention of her physical appearance, and that is done only in passing. Frankly, it’s very Twilight-y.

What really gets me, what really chaps my britches, is that there is no plot resolution at then end. None, zilch, rien.  Usually, a novel, even a series, will have resolutions for at least MOST of the plots. If there will be a second book, sometimes you will also have a twist or a new plot form at the end of the book, which this one had, and that just added to all of the other drama that was not resolved. efghiwfhoq; ODHadjhv (sorry, that was me slamming my head against the keyboard)

So, do I recommend this book. En Oh.

~Jessi

Series Review: Black Dagger Brotherhood, J. R. Ward

I love stumbling onto a book series when they are a few books in. I discovered this one while looking up the author. I’ve read some of her other books before and liked her so much that I wanted more. Happily, I found this series when they were 8 books in–there are 10 with #11 coming in march–and was absolutely giddy. I read the first 8 this past summer while I was vacationing in Canada (I’m a fast reader, and no I don’t skip pages or lines) and the rest when I returned to Texas in August. These books fall into the erotica (porn) category, much like Fifty Shades series, but this book would make Christian Gray blush. I should note that I also read this whilst the hubs was deployed (note to self, stop reading porn when the hubs is away)… (revised note:read more porn when the husband is away) and therefore my opinion might not be entirely objective. With that being said, I effin love this series and am anxiously awaiting the 11th installment.

Like I mentioned above, it’s an erotica but it’s a bit more raw than Fifty Shades series. There’s no dainty bitchiness, and my favorite part, you also get to read from the man’s perspective. Each of the book revolves around a different character which makes for a dynamic storyline, although all characters make a constant appearance in each book. I did notice, though, that the further into the series I got, the more the storyline expanded, which is a good thing. Seriously, who can spend day and night banging their brains out???? Not me, there’s laundry that ain’t going to wash itself.

The series revolves around a brotherhood of vampire warriors that have been raised and groomed to protect the vampire species from an evil species of immortals that were created for the sole purpose of killing all vampires. Let me make this clear: vampires=good, vampire hunters=bad. I know, I know, vampire stories have been done to death, but trust me, no one twinkles in this one, and there are no half naked teenaged werewolves running around either. No, this author had an absolute stroke of genius when she created her vampires: The species can only survive and thrive by feeding from the blood of the opposite sex, therefore removing humans from the food chain. Brilliant!!! I won’t give more away because I don’t want to spoil the stories, so please read them.

If you have read these, I would love to hear from you, leave a comment, but please NO SPOILERS.

~Jessi~

I wanna share!!!!

Hey gang, I’m working on a few reviews, but I’m in a sharing spirit. So I thought I would share my books! I use a Nook Color eReader (no B&N did not pay me to say that) and they have a “Lendable” option on some books. Turns out, some publishing companies don’t suck and they actually want people to read their books. Anyhoo…. you can go on http://www.barnesandnoble.com, scoll to the very bottom of their page and download their reader for free. It’s available on pc, mac, iPhone and Android devices. I have HUNDREDS of books in my library (I told you I love books) and some of the books that I have reviewed here are available to lend. All you have to do is add me as your friend. Send me a message to writtenmusing@gmail.com with your email address or simply add mine to you nook account friend list and we can start sharing. 🙂

Screen shot of http://www.barnesandnoble.com where you can find the free app download

I promise not to spam you or share your email with anyone, my only purpose is to allow you to read some of the books I have in my library for free.

I hope you enjoy the books.
~Jessica

Book Review of Closer Than Blood by Gregg Olsen

Hi Gang! This is it, my last book of 2012 and I have to admit, it was quite disappointing. By reading the write ups on www.barnesandnoble.com, I was under the impression that this book would scare my pants off much like Stephen King is capable of doing, but really, the book was completely predictable, and not at all frightening. Even the book description was misleading: You are led to believe that one of the twins is the one leading the way in terms of “main” characters, but really, it is a detective.

For all the disappointment I felt with the storyline, I felt the author redeemed himself with his writing talent. It’s cleverly planned out, and creatively structured. The only thing that I didn’t enjoy about the writing is that the author switches narrative perspective mid-paragraph and can get  bit confusing at times. It is totally a valid writing style, I’m just not a fan.

With all that being said, I do recommend reading this book. I know, I seem to be contradicting myself. It’s a good murder mystery novel, and should be shared, just don’t be expected to be scared or anything. If you choose to read it, please share your thoughts. I’d love a second opinion. 🙂

It is new years day, so I say to you, dear book lover, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!! My next review will be of the back of a champagne/wine/beer bottle (probably all of them).

Cheers and wishes of great prosperity,

Jess

The Parasol Protectorate Series, Gail Carriger

Hiyo everyone! I’ve been offline the last few days as it would appear that sick children require parental attention. I know! I was as shocked as you are! Fret not, dear book lovers, I still had time to read. In fact, I finished, this very evening, a fantastical series involving werewolves (quite fury), vampires (the non twinkle variety) and handy dandy parasols with a touch of steampunk! BRILLIANT!!!

The Parasol Protectorate Series by Gail Carriger is a 5 book series that absolutely appealed to me. As most things steampunk (for definition go here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk), it is set in British Victorian Era in, you guessed it, London. Her take on the supernatural is unique and intriguing, which is very difficult to do these days. I find that most authors try very hard, and fail miserably at trying to reinvent the werewolf and vampire (Twilight anyone?), when simplicity will do.

The main character, Alexia, has no soul. Don’t worry, though, because if you were to ask her, I’m sure should would tell you that it isn’t a terrible affliction to have, and even having a soul very much complicate her life. The events in the 5 books revolve around her lack of soul, which is where the cool supernatural stuff come in. Sorry, I’m being vague, I know. It’s difficult to explain how AWESOMELY FANTASTIC this series is. I love Alexia, she’s smart, sarcastic, quick witted and nothing seems to ruffle her bonnet: The kind of woman I strive to be. Her love interest is much the same, which I believe is the reason why is it such a great relationship (much like the old couple from “Up”.

Gail’s writing style is great. She’s very descriptive without being annoying. The dialog is funny and entertaining. The characters are well developed but not over exposed as to not leaving any room for growth. And I love that you read from different characters’ perspective, giving you a “behind the scenes” feel.

The only negative thing that I have to say is that there is somewhat of a loose end at the end of the series. It’s not much really, and I’m sure other readers don’t care, but Alexia’s sister’s part of the story seems unfinished. Maybe there is another follow up series in the works? Who knows.

 

I give this book 4 top hats out of 5

Let me know what you think, I’m dying to hear from you.

~Jessi