Grant’s Last Battle: The Story Behind the Personal Memoir of Ulysses S. Grant

 Grant’s Last Battle: The Story Behind the Personal Memoir of Ulysses S. Grant by Chris Mackowski, PhD 192 pages

One of the books on my bucket list is “The Complete Personal Memoirs of Ulysses S. Grant.” I have put it off because the two-volume set is intimidating, especially to a reader who enjoys historical fiction than total history.

When I saw this small book on the shelf at the library, I thought I would try it. I’m glad I did. The reader/writer in me loved the first sentence: “Frederick Ward was a sociopath, but no one knew it at the time.” Doesn’t that make you want to read more? I was certainly hooked.

Most of us know Grant as the Union general who defeated General Robert E. Lee in the Civil War and who went on to become a tow-termed United States President. Two terms. But Grant had a full life off the battlefield and after his presidency. Author Mackowski does an excellent job in summing up the before the war made Grant a household name without getting in the way of this extremely personal story.

This succinct history takes place between May 4, 1884, and mid-July 1885. It is the story of Grant’s financial ruin, his tortured battle with throat cancer (from twenty cigars a day) and a drive, plus the urging of Samuel Clemens, which made him complete his memoirs before his illness killed him.

In the compulsively readable book, readers get to go behind the scenes in the life of a public man to learn about what drove him in this last stretch. And what drove him was Clemens’ assurance that the sales of his memoirs would provide financial security for his family. The memoirs were an instant hit when they were released in 1885 and remain one of the few books that has never gone out of print.

Mackowski has authored a book that is “Filled with personal intrigues and supported by a cast of colorful characters that included Mark Twain, William Vanderbilt, and P. T. Barnum, ‘Grant’s Last Battle’ recounts a deeply personal story as dramatic for Grant as any of his battlefield exploits.”

When I finished reading, I closed the book with a greater sense of respect and admiration for the “Hero of Appomattox.” 

“Grant’s Last Battle” receives 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world

THE WRITER'S LITTLE HELPER

The Writer's Little Helper by James V Smith  199 pages

https://slpl.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1200677116

Reviewed by Rae C.

I'm going to have to buy this book.  I've been writing for 30 years, and in that time I have not sold anything to a major publisher or publication.  (Or a screenplay to a studio.)  I've written several novels, about 30 short stories, two screenplays, a comic book script (for a series, not just one issue), a lot of poetry, and numerous articles for small magazines.

I've expressed myself and followed my own path. I've watched many stories similar to mine get published. I want to write something that more than 20 people want to read, so I really needed this book!

This book might seem gimmicky, but it's not.  For example, Flesch Kincaid scores. As a secretary I've used this tool for business documents, but after reading this book I'm going to use it on all my future manuscripts.  Best sellers should be easy to read!  And the author has compiled many helpful checklists and outlines for story structure and plotting.

Recommended to any writer in a slump, that is aiming for a bestseller- or at least a sale with a major publisher.

In the Springtime Everything is New All Over Again: A Dark Humor Short Story

In the Springtime Everything is New All Over Again: A Dark Humor Short Story by Esmerelda Q. Jones  26 pages

This short story has an unnamed narrator who is a writer. Based off a running joke with her (since they share a room) sister, the narrator names her protagonist Carl. The she spends the rest of the story coming up with the plot and plot twists for poor ol’ Carl.

I didn’t think it was funny, and it rubbed me the wrong way. Basically because it goes against the basic rule of fiction writing: Nothing is more boring than a character sitting around thinking and not acting. Granted this is a writer thinking, but it’s just as boring.

The one saving thing about this short story is just that: it’s short. That’s why I give In the Springtime Everything is New All Over Again: A Dark Humor Short Story 2 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

The Anatomy of Curiosity

The Anatomy of Curiosity by Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton & Brenna Yovanoff, 286 pages

"The follow-up to the acclaimed title The Curiosities: A Collection of Stories by Maggie Stiefvater, Tessa Gratton, and Brenna Yovanoff. In an unassuming corner of Brooklyn, a young woman learns to be ladylike, to love context, and to speak her mind from a very curious sort of tutor. In a faraway land convulsed by war, a young soldier hears the desert's curious hum as he disarms bombs with the person he doesn't know how to love. In a place so shriveled by drought that any drowning is a curiosity, a young writer tries again and again to tread water beneath the surface of a vast and unusual sea. Three new stories--complete with commentary on the creative process--from three acclaimed young adult authors working at the height of their powers. Curious?"  I really liked all of these stories and the writer commentary was pretty cool too.  Stiefvater's story was my favorite but they were all good and one I would definitely recommend to teens who like fantasy or horror.

Fangirl

Fangirl  by Rainbow Rowell, 438 pages

I picked up Fangirl after reading Rowell's award-winning Eleanor and Park.  E&P was a beautiful story that I really enjoyed, so naturally I wanted to see what else Rowell had to offer.

Fangirl is the story of a young woman's transition into college life, her strained relationship with her twin sister, and her first experience in a meaningful romantic relationship.  Cath writes fan-fiction inspired by her favorite fantasy book series.  She's a talented writer and has gained a strong following of readers -- the only problem is that the stories, characters, and settings she writes aren't her own creation.  She can't seem to write her own original fiction, and only finds success building from and manipulating the existing book series.  Cath is challenged by her creative writing professor to share her own story, but she can't seem to find a way to build worlds or characters that are as meaningful to her as those in her fan-fiction.

Fangirl is a breezy, quick read that reminds you what it's like to navigate that awkward time between your teen years and adulthood. 

Words With Wings

Words With Wings by Nikki Grimes          84 pages

This is a novel written in verse about a young girl, Gabby, who is a daydreamer.  Her parents are divorcing and she has had to move and start a new school and try to make friends, which is hard, because the other kids think she is weird.  She gets in trouble in school too, because she daydreams instead of paying attention, which also causes trouble at home sometimes.  Gabby’s teacher wants her to learn, but he may be able to come up with a way to let Gabby’s daydreams have a place in the classroom.  A really sweet, short book about a misunderstood child.  Reluctant readers will like it because it is short and has a lot of white space but other kids will enjoy the story and the way the language works within the book.

This is the Story of a Happy Marriage

This is the story of a happy marriage / Ann Patchett.  306 Pages
Ann Patchett is one of my favorite authors so I automatically buy her books when they come out.  You would think that I would then read them immediately, but no.  I'm usually trying to finish a book from the library that someone else is waiting for before I get to those books I purchase.  In this case I've been able to read the book bit by bit because it is a series of essays that Patchett had previously published in various magazines over the last 20-30 years.

Although the essays cover a variety of topics,  all reveal something about the author; how she writes, her background; her life.  It is something akin to finding and reading someone's diary.  What is more important, Patchett's talent as a writer shines through and will hopefully leave the reader wanting to go back and read her other books, both fiction and non-fiction.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami, 180 pages

I was familiar with Murakami's name, but admittedly, had not read any of his works prior to this. Being introduced to him via a memoir may not have been the best route to go. However, I am a runner myself, and the title appealed to me. This book is not really a biography, but a narrative of his 25 years so far of long distance running, and his love/hate relationship with it. He also makes comparisons between his running and his writing, although the writing part did not stand out to me. He spends a lot of time really trying hard to just enjoy himself and it seems to be a goal that's always just out of reach. He runs a marathon each year, and more recently has started participating in triathlons as well. As a runner, his description of his mixed feelings for the sport were familiar to me (although I am new enough to it to lean way more toward the loving it side). He has also had the privilege of running in all parts of the globe, and in many types of scenery. It's a short read at only 180 pages, and definitely appeals to someone interested in running, but if you're looking for an enthralling memoir, look elsewhere.