Mandy Eve-Barnett's Blog for Readers & Writers

My Book News & Advocate for the Writing Community ©

Bibliophile’s Collective Tuesday – National Biographer’s Day

May 14, 2024
mandyevebarnett


The definition of a biographer is ‘a person who writes an account of someone’s life’.

With National Biographer’s Day on the 16th, I was thinking about the multitude of biographies available in libraries and bookstores around the globe. Many are, of course, about famous people. These biographies give us a glimpse into a person’s life from an external source’s perspective. They may be quite accurate to some degree, but can anyone really know another person, truly? All of us have internal lives, places in our minds and souls that are private.

There have been a lot of biographies throughout history that try to gain that inner perspective. Some are better than others, especially when written by a spouse, or another close relative. We need to keep in mind these narratives are one person’s idea of another, a viewpoint from ‘outside’ another’s personality and life. Some raise questions about behaviour, life experiences and relationships seen through the archetype of mass perception. However, we are drawn to these stories to find a deeper connection to a favoured personality, a movie star, an historical figure, or industrial giant.

For me one autobiography that stands out is by Sheila Hancock entwined with a biography of her late husband John Thaw – The Two of Us – ‘When John Thaw, star of The Sweeney and Inspector Morse, died from cancer in 2002, a nation lost one of its finest actors and Sheila Hancock lost a beloved husband. In this unique double biography she chronicles their lives – personal and professional, together and apart.’ Personally, I loved this actor. His characters had depth and he played them with expertise and understanding and a unique style.

Which biographies have you enjoyed?

    Bibliophile’s Collective Tuesday – Children’s Book Week

    May 7, 2024
    mandyevebarnett


    This week we celebrate Canadian Children’s Book Week to celebrate books, reading and the connections they bring. Many schools, libraries and bookstores are hosting local authors and having special events throughout the week to promote the wonder of stories.

    The first Children’s Book Festival tour took place in 1977, organized by the newly-established Children’s Book Centre. It featured just eleven authors, taking them to schools across the country over seven jam-packed days. Today, that celebration, now called Canadian Children’s Book Week, includes dozens of creators and hundreds of events in a single week.

    My own children’s books are available through online platforms for all school levels.

    Each of these books deals with self-worth, friendship, love of family and the natural world, valuable lessons for all kids.

    Bibliophile’s Collective Tuesday – A Shoutout to All Independent Bookstores

    April 30, 2024
    mandyevebarnett


    On Saturday 27th April, I joined several local authors to present and read from our books at The Sherwood Park Bookworm. This store is a treasure trove of books, readers and authors rolled into one, with friendly and knowledgeable staff. I am honoured to have all of my books stocked there, and have enjoyed time among the numerous shelves as reader and writer.

    As readers, we are drawn to stories, but can also admit to favored authors and genres. Finding a new author’s work is the ultimate high. We consume each book with passion and escapism. This is where a local bookstore comes into its own. The staff, using their expertise, will find many similar authors and genres to expand your TBR pile.

    Have you discovered a ‘new’ author recently?

    As you can clearly tell I was in my happy place and thrilled to share a chapter from The Commodore’s Gift. Connecting with new readers and networking with other writers is always a joy.

    Bibliophile’s Collective Tuesday – Book Day Celebrations

    April 23, 2024
    mandyevebarnett


    As readers any excuse to read is a good excuse – right? Well today is not only World Book Day, but also World Book Night, so we can read to our hearts content with official permission. Happy reading.

    As an avid reader myself, the magic of stories, for me, is being transported to a fictional world by an author’s narrative. The locale might be modern, ancient, or make believe, but it is the artistry of a combination of words, sentences and paragraphs which draw us in to the character’s world. Some linger with us after the story ends, they become part of our memory banks.

    What book are you currently reading?

    Which book(s) has/have stayed with you in your memory and why?

    Of course, the other major celebration today is Shakespeare Day, the whole world knows this author. His impact on literature then and now is nothing short of spectacular. His extensive list of plays cover comedy, history, tragedy and added to those are his poetry, all of which are still performed, adapted and read today. This is the legacy many writers aspire to.

    Do you have a favourite Shakespeare Play? Which One?

    Bibliophile’s Collective Tuesday – A Suspense Story

    April 16, 2024
    mandyevebarnett


    I love to hold suspense in my stories with unexpected endings. I hope you enjoy this one.

    A Perfect Plan                                  

    The old theatre seats looked grey under their cloak of dust and debris.  George walked down the center aisle, motes of dust billowed and swirled over his shoes and neatly pressed pants. There were no echoes of laughter, music or projected voices of actors, just a silence of lost times.

    George’s hand gripped the briefcase’s handle, his knuckles white and sweat making his hands, neck and back sticky. He understood it was a good meeting place for the recipient but for him it increased his fear.  He’d tried to bluff his way out, threaten police action and even pleaded but the blackmailer was insistent on the amount of money for his silence. The facts relayed were undisputable and George knew he needed to comply with the demand. If his secret was revealed he would lose his position as a high court judge and also the respect of his peers and community. He did not consider his immediate family, after all their presence gave him the respectability he required.

    George tried to think how anyone could know about his particular weaknesses – he was always so careful, so precise in its execution. A footstep behind him, George froze to the spot. A sharp authoritative voice directed.

    “Do not turn around, place the briefcase on the floor and continue walking.”

    George bent at the knees slowly and laid the case on the floor. He felt his skin tighten, and took a deep breath. Now, or never.

    Turning as quickly as possible, he twisted around and aimed the gun at the dark clothed figure behind him. Without hesitation he pulled the trigger – ozone, a flash of light and a familiar face illuminated for a brief moment.

    “What the hell, Simon?”

    The figure fell to the ground.  George fell to his knees beside his son. Blood oozed from his young man’s mouth, his eyes glazed.

    “Oh, my God, what have I done?”

    George frantically searched his pocket for his cell phone. Thundering footsteps filled the theatre.

    “Drop the weapon, raise your hands and stand right where you are.”

    Handcuffed George was led away. Simon smiled; the bullet proof vest and fake theatrical blood had done their job. Now, he and his mother were free of the ogre they had feared for so long.

    Blog at WordPress.com.