Book Review: The Man Without Shelter by Indrajit Garai
The Man Without Shelter
Author: Indrajit Garai
Published: September 5, 2022
119 Pages
Reviewed By: Jessica
Dates Read: November 2- December 10, 2022
Jessica’s Rating: 4 stars
Book Description:
Lucy, a young lawyer, is on fast track to partnership in her firm. Arnault, a convicted felon, leaves prison after two decades through a piece of evidence in his favor. The two of them come together during a rescue operation at the centre of Paris, and then they go on with their separate lives.
Months later, their paths cross again at a camp for migrants on the edge of Paris.
Jessica’s Review:
Though short, The Man without Shelter took way to long for me to read. This was all on me as I was adjusting (and still am) to working at a new office location with a longer commute. I found myself more tired shortly after the immediate move, but will hopefully become fully adjusted soon. Part of it is also this time change and it getting dark so much earlier! Needless to say, I would like to re-read this one again in a much shorter time! But back to the book:
I enjoyed this novella! The beginning gets straight to the point with Arnault’s sudden release from prison after 20 years! It is listed as a ‘sudden and immediate’ release at 3am, which I had a hard time believing. I can’t see someone being released without any help in the middle of the night. But this start really pulled me in as a reader!
With Arnault’s release, I instantly became “Team Arnault” and rooted for him the whole story! He was released due to DNA evidence and we go along with him as he leaves the prison and tries to start life on the outside. But it’s much harder than expected because he doesn’t even have a current ID and has many issues getting that.
With this novella, Garai shows us a part of Paris that many of those fortunate will never see. We experience the homelessness, migrant camps, despair and violence that some experience daily. In addition to the social elements given, Garai also gives us a legal drama, which I enjoy.
We also have Lucy’s story where she is emerging from scandal in her law firm and gets in over her head while trying to help Arnault. Their two stories come back together and I really enjoyed the ending. It seemed — or maybe it was just this reader hoping — that there will be a continuation to this novella.
I received a copy from Garai’s assistant to read and review in my own time, which I unintentionally did. It was a pleasure to read.
Book Review: First Blood by David Morrell
First Blood
Series: Rambo: First Blood #1
Author: David Morrell
Published: 1972
320 Pages
Reviewed By: Kim
Kim’s Rating: 3 stars
Book Description:
First came the man: a young wanderer in a fatigue coat and long hair. Then came the legend, as John Rambo sprang from the pages of First Blood to take his place in the American cultural landscape. This remarkable novel pits a young Vietnam veteran against a small-town cop who doesn’t know whom he’s dealing with—or how far Rambo will take him into a life-and-death struggle through the woods, hills, and caves of rural Kentucky.
Kim’s Review:
I’ve been watching Rambo movies since I was a kid. Of course we had to watch the tv edited versions because they’re rated R, but honestly, they’re not much different! I re-watched the first three recently and I noticed that it said that First Blood was based on a novel, so of course, I bought and read the novel. And I was so disappointed! This is a rare case where the movie is absolutely better than the book! Stallone did an excellent job adapting it and improving on the original story. I did not like John Rambo in the book. I sympathized a little, he absolutely was not a victim. Everything the sheriff did, with the exception of a little bias initially, was appropriate and within the law. Everything was more extreme; Rambo killed everyone! And I don’t want to give away the ending, just in case anyone wants to read it. But it sucked!! If you want to know Rambo’s story; go watch the movies.
Purchase Links:
Amazon US
Amazon UK
Type N Series
Type N Series
Author: Michelle Onuorah
The Type N series is supposed to be a trilogy. The final book has not been written yet. Type N is the first book I read by Michelle Onuorah. I have since read all of her novels. I think I just came across Type N searching on Amazon one day. The cover is simple and what drew me to the book. Then I read the description and I HAD to read the book! Both books in the series are short, and fast paced. I never wanted to put my kindle down as I read them! I don’t give out 5 star reviews like candy as some reviewers do, I have to be blown away to give a 5 star review. I loved both of these books! Both books received a 5 star review from me. **Both books in the series that have been written will be featured today.
Books in the Series:
Type N
Taking Names
Type N
158 Pages in Kindle
Published: May 26, 2013
Dates Read: June 29-July 1, 2014
My Rating: 5 Stars
Book Summary from Amazon:
What would you do if your blood could cure cancer? 18-year-old Nicolette Talloway is the target of a worldwide manhunt because of her blood type. When delivered via transfusion, her blood heals any ailment a human has and strengthens their immune system. The cure for cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other previously incurable diseases is running through her veins. Her blood is the only type of its own known to exist. As a result, Nicolette is no longer a private citizen but is the world’s most wanted and sought-after human being. As she runs from government appointed agents, the question begins to shift from what her blood can do to why she has it. Is this a gift from God? And if it is, what does he want her to do with it?
***Please note there is occasional cursing, violence, and references to spirituality within this work of fiction. Reader discretion is advised.
My Review in 2014:
I am not a fast reader. But I could not put this book down! Within 24 hours of picking it up I had 69% read and the book finished within 48 hours! If I had not had to work, I would have had it finished within 24 hours.
It grabs you from the beginning. So much of it seems like that is what would happen if a we found a person who actually had curative blood. There were two parts of the book that did not seem realistic to me: (BEGIN SPOILERS: When Jason’s friend (I forget her name as I write this) taught them to fight- I thought they picked it up and were too good too quickly. And the bigger unrealistic thing to me was when Jason took Nicolette to Disneyland because she was stressed- if you are on the run from the government you wont take a side trip like that! END SPOILERS)
Regardless of what I mentioned above, I REALLY LOVED this book! It was just too short (150 pages) the good thing about being short like that is that there wasn’t any space to drag. I look forward to the sequel once the author finishes it!!!!!
Taking Names
147 Pages in Kindle
Published: November 7, 2014
Dates Read: October 21- November 2, 2014
My Rating: 5 Stars
Book Summary from Amazon:
They took her love…and gained her enmity.
Nicolette Talloway has finally found happiness. As the only person in the world whose blood can cure any disease, she has managed to give her blood on her own terms without any interference from the government. Sure that she has found a permanent solution, she and the love of her life, Jason, settle into a new beginning together.
That is…until they are found.
There is a new President in charge and a new agenda written for Nicolette’s blood – whether she wants to play ball or not. The problem is: they’ve pushed her too far. And when she finally decides to take matters into her own hands, Nicolette will no longer run from authorities or give her blood but will stand her ground and start Taking Names.
My Review in 2014:
The second in the Type N Trilogy and it did not disappoint! Taking Names is another fast paced book that I did not want to put down! I only wish I had been able to read it as quickly as I did with Type N. I like seeing how Nicolette grew from the child she was at the beginning of Type N to now. I can’t wait to see where Michelle Onouorah goes with the final book in the series.
I had in my head that the ending was going to go in one of two ways. Both would have been good cliffhangers in my opinion. And one of my thoughts was how she did end the book.
The spiritual elements are well done as well with an important issue Nicolette faces: Forgiveness. Michelle has said that she is a Christian and that is in her books, well done, and not “in your face”.
I can’t wait for the final in the series! I can’t wait to see how this story ends for all the characters. Great job Michelle!!!!
**I was sent an ARC in exchange for a review from Michelle Onouorah.
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