A Private War II Book Review from @kleffnotes

The sequel to A Private War, A Private War II, focuses on Andre’s return to Alabama, where he struggles to cope with his life after the war. Beyond dealing with what would be a typical adjustment period, Andre will also begin working at the paper that covered his trial, which is an additional element to cope with when it brings up elements of his childhood that he had thought were answered. This story brings previous characters back together and involves another intensive climax for everyone in Alabama. Continue reading “A Private War II Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Interview with Rosie Mae and Pastel Supernova from @kleffnotes

I had the opportunity to chat with Rosie Mae and Pastel Supernova, two women who have launched a brand new space in Toronto for those who want to experience the world of showgirls through dance training. Burlesque Uni allows these two performers to share their knowledge and help others find themselves. I asked them all about their work and what it is like being a performer. Thank you to both of them for taking the time to answer my questions. Continue reading “Interview with Rosie Mae and Pastel Supernova from @kleffnotes”

A Private War Book Review from @kleffnotes

Perry Cockerell’s A Private War is the first of a trilogy, all of which I will be reviewing for The Nerdy Girl Express. This first book focuses on two African American Army privates who are fighting in the European and African campaigns during World War II. When one African American soldier is accused of shooting the other, the first African American war correspondent finds himself conflicted on how to cover this particular case in the press. The story is told with two separate plots that come together in the middle. Continue reading “A Private War Book Review from @kleffnotes”

The Curse of the Werepenguin Book Review from @kleffnotes

Bolt Wattle dreams of a family, but not just any family, the return of his true family. He’s been living in an orphanage for years, hoping that his long lost mother and father will return. One day he is summoned into the headmistress’ office where he is informed that he has been requested for adoption by a mysterious Baron in the country of Brugaria. Once Bolt arrives in his new home country he is confronted by a series of strange occurrences. A fortune teller warns him that he must beware the penguins, people faint and scream at the very mention of the Baron he is going to live with, and there are even threats of being hit wit stale bread. The Curse of the Werepenguin is a delight to read and is something that readers young and old who love a little bit of silly with their spooky will enjoy. Continue reading “The Curse of the Werepenguin Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Joe’s Alamo: Unsung Book Review from @kleffnotes

Joe’s Alamo: Unsung delves into the rich history of the Alamo as well as other elements of American history by focusing his narrative primarily on minority populations that were a vital part of the battle. The title character Joe is originally presented to readers as a slave who finds himself being sold to a young school teacher, who has grand designs for the future. These two men wind up traveling to Texas and during their time together Joe learns to read and ultimately speak Spanish, which would ultimately help him survive. Continue reading “Joe’s Alamo: Unsung Book Review from @kleffnotes”

The Bobcat Book Review from @kleffnotes

Katherine Forbes Riley’s debut novel The Bobcat is a beautiful read that showcases nature and the connection that can be found even when you are trying to stay isolated. Laurelie is a young art student who is struggling to get through her the day after one terrible evening. As she tries to find ways to keep herself safe in her own little world, the outside world slowly begins to open back up to her. One young man and a bobcat bring her back into an element of her former self, but when a young boy she babysits disappears she worries that she won’t be able to keep her fragile new world together. Continue reading “The Bobcat Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Good Sexual Citizenship Book Review from @kleffnotes

A societal change is happening, which is leading many people to stumble as they try to understand and become more knowledgeable as sexual partners. As we look at the world today it might baffle some people that the idea of victim blaming still exists or that people are judged by the kind of sex that they do or don’t participate in. Good Sexual Citizenship: How to Create a (Sexually) Safer World works to promote empathy and understanding in order to break down hostilities connected to sex. Ellen Friedrichs examines the historical and factual backdrop of gender disparities, women’s rights, sexual violence, and a number of other topics. All of this is designed to help the reader use this information, along with guided exercise, to determine their ability for good sexual citizenship. Continue reading “Good Sexual Citizenship Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Interview with Josh Covitt and Michael Feld from @kleffnotes

I had the opportunity to ask the Josh Covitt and Michael Feld, the creators behind 40 Minutes Over Maui. I dropped my review of the short film earlier today and thought this made for the perfect follow-up to help readers get a better idea of the story and what inspired it. Covitt and Feld recently showed their film at the LA Shorts Festival. Thank you so much to both of them for their great responses. Continue reading “Interview with Josh Covitt and Michael Feld from @kleffnotes”

40 Minutes Over Maui Short Film Review from @kleffnotes

Inspired by the strange true events that occurred in January 2018 in Hawaii, 40 Minute Over Maui, is a comedic examination of what happens when you are unexpectedly confronted with you own mortality. Josh Covitt and Michael Feld adapted the false missile alert that did actually occur in Hawaii and crafted it into a short that is funny and touching. When a vacationing couple receive the alert they have to cope with the fact that their lives, as well as all of humanity,  could be ending in minutes. Continue reading “40 Minutes Over Maui Short Film Review from @kleffnotes”

Low Short Film Review from @kleffnotes

Daniel Bogran’s short film, Low, recently screened at LA Shorts and tells the story of what happens when someone commits an act that they aren’t sure how to get back from. Jef, played by Vincent Cusimano, tries to keep his composure after suffering the consequences of a decision he can’t seem to outrun. As things unfold he finds himself being forced to confront his regret through a series of thrilling and strange coincidences. Continue reading “Low Short Film Review from @kleffnotes”