I’ve been very busy caring for the kitties, especially Felix who requires a lot of meds and supplements and vet visits. But I did manage to write my reviews for the other two nonfiction picks. Click on the book covers to order from Amazon.
Ellie Presner’s memoir Surviving Hollywood North: Crew Confessions from an Insider was a fun fly-on-the-wall read, especially if you recognize some old film/TV that was filmed in Montreal. That is where Hollywood North existed: in Ellie’s hometown of Montreal. Ellie worked as a script coordinator for a decade during the heyday of Montreal’s film industry. Ellie had to be extremely organized, competent, and a grammar expert for this job. I had to laugh when she would assert her opinion over a word choice or idea with an arrogant screenwriter or bigwig. This high stress, fast-paced job seems to have been something Ellie could handle with aplomb, and the necessary adrenaline shines through in the voice of the book. Ellie’s jobs were all temporary because that is how it works in the field. Each job was created by the timeline of the film or of the season. Ellie tells the story of several different jobs, doling out behind the scenes gossip—mainly what she herself experienced or witnessed. Documents from Ellie’s work sprinkle the book, allowing the reader a first-hand look at the work. She also gives examples from her humorous work memos, designed to relieve stress for the staff. My favorite section of the book is her work for actor Patrick MacGoohan who was writing a screenplay for a movie based on his cult classic TV show, The Prisoner. I felt sad with Ellie at the end when she witnessed the last days of “Hollywood North.” You can find Ellie at her blog Crossed Eyes and Dotted Tees
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Flashes of Life: True Tales of the Extraordinary Ordinary, by Pamela S. Wight (of roughwighting blog) is a little gem of inspirational very short (flash) stories that explore the divine in everyday life. They remind me a lil bit of the “domestic farce” literature of Jean Kerr, Shirley Jackson, and Erma Bombeck, but more mystical than practical. I suspect because of the piece entitled “How Was Your vacation, Erma?” that Bombeck is a muse for Pam. But Pam’s approach to the material of the day-to-day life of a mom, wife, and grandmother is to look for what lies beyond, rather than in rigorously mining the humorous. Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of humor in the book, but I am left more with a sense of awe for the majesty of life. For instance, in “Oxen Mystic,” Pam suffers a nighttime seizure in the bathroom when she’s home alone. Alone, that is, except for her dog Henry. He takes charge of her medical care, licking her and then covering her with his warm body, until she can crawl into bed three hours later. After Henry passes away, Pam still can feel his presence, even hear his “voice” in her ear. The storyteller of Flashes of Life is insightful, gentle, and open to each experience. While the book can be easily read in a couple of sittings and the essays are short, the book occupies a large presence in the heart and mind of the reader long after the last page. You can find Pam at her blog roughwighting.net
What a gorgeous review of my Flashes of Life, Luanne. What you “felt” while reading my book (and after) is exactly what I hoped for while I wrote out my heart (and soul). THANK you so much.
I’m off to download Ellie’s book, which sounds fascinating, and to follow her on her blog. Thanks for introducing us to her and her memoir.
I’m so glad you like it, Pam! i’m sorry it took me so long to post it. Dealing with the kitties :(.
The kitties are priority one. Thinking of you and them. And still so grateful for your review. 💚
Wow! Thanks so much for your lovely review of my book, Luanne! Have I ever mentioned you’re my favourite reviewer? You make me want to buy my own book! 😄 I will check out the other folks’ work you’ve talked about – as soon as I’m more awake and can do them justice! Thanks again, lovely lady!
LOL, that might not be financially wise. Thank you for your compliment!!! XO
Dear Luanne, so sorry that Felix is not doing well. How lucky he is to have you as his human companion!
Enjoyed your reviews.
I’m immersed in editing HAND OF GANESH, for the nth time. Have vowed to finish by Sept. 1st.
Good luck with the self-imposed deadline, Elaine! Thank you about Felix. Pear, too, is on the decline. Thanks for reading!
What a lovely review of Pam’s book!
I thought Patrick McGoohan in the Prisoner was so cool. 😀
He was cool in Secret Agent, too! Very neat shows. Thank you re the review, Merril!
You’re welcome. I remember the Secret Agent song more than the show. 😀
My son used to sing that song when he was a kid: Secret ASIAN man! He first thought that’s what was being sung. Somewhere I have a recording.
OMG. I’m glad I wasn’t drinking anything because that made me laugh. 🤣
😹😹😹
😀
I agree, Merril. A gorgeous review. 🙂 And just to continue the dialogue here, I always thought the song verse was “Secret ASIAN man,” also. 🙂 Um, until my 30s!! ;-0
That’s just too funny, Pam! 🤣
Lol
Great reviews, Luanne. Wonderful books.
Thank you, Anneli. I enjoyed them very much!
May mention that Anneli was my editor/proofer? And a fabulous one, at that.
Lots of writers singing her praises!!!
Sounds like two really great reads – you’re good to give the reviews!
Thinking about you and your precious kitties.
Sending love and hugs
Thanks, Sheila, for all. Yes, these are trying times at the kitty house here. XO
Both books sound excellent! I was wondering if Ellie’s Hollywood North experience might have included the Quebec sex comedy “Loving and Laughing” (1971) but I see that it predated her work by twenty years.
I hope Felix and Pear are resting comfortably under your ministrations.
Never heard of it!
They are, but everyday I wonder how long.
I’m sure you’ve never heard of “Loving and Laughing”! It was very far down on the B-movie scale.
I’ll be thinking of you and your kitties.
Great reviews, Luanne! My heart is with you and the kitties <3
Thank you so much. XOXO
😘🤗
Wonderful reviews Luanne, and sending lots of hugs for and Felix and Pear.
Thank you, Gwen! I will pass some hugs to the kitties and keep some!
My niece has just got a male kitten and is trying to get acceptance from her adult male Siamese whom she has had for years. I’ve been drawing on your wisdom to coach her through. Hissing has reduced. Butt sniffing by the dominant cat is looking promising 🙂
I absolutely loved Pam’s book and her novel too. Her writing style hooks you in and you just can’t stop reading. It spans so many emotions that you can laugh and cry in a few pages. Both of her books that I’ve read were books I stayed up late to finish. Rare for me. I’ll check out the other one too.
THANK you, Marlene. You make my heart sing. <3
No exaggeration here. I really loved them.
Love your review of Pam’s books, Marlene! Hope all is well by you.
These are both lovely reviews, Luanne. I didn’t know that about Elli’s career. I’ve enjoyed her blog for a long time. I’ll have to get that one. The other sounds like I nice piece of inspiration to have around when I need that sort of thing.
Hi Eilene, and thank you! Ellie and I have just followed each other on our blogs. (Thanks Luanne.) So many wonderful people out here in the blogosphere, and I acknowledge them in my book, Without their encouragement, I never would have published my Flashes of Life. <3
Enjoy!!!
Flashes of Light sounds really good as I enjoy other short forms like stories & essays along w poetry in the genre. Sounds like a genuine book!
Thank you, Jade. My flashes most certainly come from the heart. <3
Very much so!!!
It’s great to see Pam’s book here, Luanne. I loved her flashes and could relate to so many of them. She’s a talent to behold. And thanks for the introduction to Ellie and her book. Happy Reading.
Hi Diana. “A talent to behold.” What a delightful expression. I’m going to hold that one in my heart. <3
My pleasure. <3
Thank you! Back atcha! xo
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Your review writing is wonderful, Luanne! xo
Oh, thank you, Carla. That means a lot, coming from you!!! xoxo
Luanne, two wonderful and striking reviews! You reach into the heart of the books and I am interested in checking out Ellie’s book. I’ve read Pam’s and wholeaheartedly agree with your incredible insight into the book. It does indeed convery ‘the majesty of life’! Such depth and understanding of both the stories and Pam’s life. Congratulations to both authors!
Here it is. Hah, I am so behind in my comments! Good grief! Thank you, Annika. XOXO