Something for everyone
Review by Tracytid
This review is from: Milo Moon (Paperback)
Milo Moon has something for everyone. There's a conspiracy theory, suspense, political intrigue, a little bit of romance and above all some really good story telling. The Swiss government are faced with a dilemma when a police officer unearths a shocking secret upon meeting Milo Moon and Mary Seaton.
Derek Haines carries you through the story with ease and has a great knack of building suspense, I found it quite hard to put the book down at times. He writes in a way that makes you care about what happens to his characters, even the not so nice ones and he describes Milo and Mary's child-like wonder at their new world with humour and a touch of sadness.
There are touches of George Orwell and Iain Banks in Derek Haines' writing and at times this book reminded me of films such as Logan's Run and more recently, The Island. A thoroughly recommended read.
Original Link
4th December 2010
Other links for Derek Haines
Derek's Vandal Blog
www.derekhaines.ch
Derek on Twitter
Derek on Facebook
Loss, Limbo, Life and Love (Paperback)
Reviewed by Cheri
I read this book twice since receiving it on Nov 28th. Four reasons: a.) The author is one of my favorite people on Twitter b.) I do love biographies and autobiographies c.) I love poetry. Even poetry that sometimes reads like it could be set to music...in this case, the Blues. d.) I read a teaser sample that made me tear up which I rarely do, so I had to have it.
The gist of this book actually can be described as many novels can be described: boy gets girl, boy marries girl, boy loses girl, boy kind of goes out of his head, but recovers to find happiness again. The thing that makes my eyes tear, it's not a novel.
An enjoyable read
Review by jenku
This review is for: Milo Moon (Paperback)
Not usually in the genre I use to read, this book was a pleasant surprise. The story starts a little science-fictionish, but soon develops into a political thriller that kept me hooked all the way through. It is well written in an easily flowing prose with lots of enjoyable dialogue.
An extra plus for naming someone Carruthers in an espionage context.
An enjoyable read
Reviewed by jenku
This review is from: Louis (Paperback)
"Louis" is the fascinating story about a man who had little choices in his life, yet lived a life many a young boy dreams of living. Raised from early childhood to become a spy, he is sent to places like Egypt, Switzerland, Palestine and South Africa. Still, his life is a lonely one, without the company of a woman or family. Whether it is all true or not doesn't really matter, it's a fascinating tale to read and Derek Haines' easy style of storytelling makes it a enjoyable read throughout.
A thought provoking read
Reviewed by Irish Eyes
This review is from: Nobody's Fault (Paperback) (Reissued as Dead Men)
This is a tale of three men all dealing with relationship breakdowns which in itself makes it very different. As a woman I found it fascinating to see things from the other side of the story and Haines gets across, in very raw, real, terms the anguish a man goes through when he has to relinquish his children. This is a book that you won't put down and forget but will mull over for sometime afterwards.....
The Blogger's Bible
Reviewed By Jack Eason (Beccles, Suffolk, England)
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Vandalism of Words (Kindle Edition)
I have just finished reading, crying tears of laughter, and agreeing with, the selection of Derek Haines' blogs.
If, like me, you contribute to the blogosphere in some small way, or if you are considering adding your two pennies worth, I urge you to read Derek Haines "Vandalism of Words". In collating this collection of his blog posts, Derek has unwittingly created the Blogger's Bible, or if you want to look at it another way, He show's how to blog. I thoroughly commend all who love the written word to get a copy.
Do as I have by starting your day reading three or four of the blog posts contained in "Vandalism of Words" pages. You won't regret it, and it will definitely put a smile on your face...
A Strange Read
Reviewed by Vivo
This review is from: An Uneducated View of Sex, Food and Politics (Paperback)
This was a very strange read. At first I had trouble understanding what the book was about at all. It wandered from subject to subject with seemingly gay abandon and then suddenly came together at about page 125. The author describes it as a rampage, and I have to agree. He even admits to forgetting the foreword and then includes it half way through the book.
In the end, it is collection of thoughts about parenthood, life, age, love and things the author likes and doesn't. It is the first book I have ever read that has recipes dotted through the story, but they really are connected to each story. I haven't tried to cook any yet though. Some of the stories are truly off the wall, but then I think Derek Haines really wants his readers to think he is a bit odd.
It was an enjoyable read and written in a very direct and individual style.
I don't read poetry
Reviewed by Vivo
This review is from: Loss, Limbo, Life and Love: A Poetic Journal (Paperback)
I don't normally read poetry, but this book was just so very different. It is a story, but mixed up in time so I had to piece together the story of the year for myself. The author exposes himself and it is so clear what his emotions were at the time of writing each poem.
Once I had finished I understood the pain, suffering, recovery and re-birth that the writer experienced over this one year. It is rare to find such raw feelings in poetry. Nothing is hidden, but it is a bit of puzzle to solve when trying to identify the characters that reappear regularly, and where they fit. Wives, girlfriends, lovers and friends seem to pop up from time to time and then disappear. Only to reappear later in a different mood.
One thing is for sure, it hides nothing and made me think about how I would react in similar circumstances.
Well worth a read, even is poetry is not your normal cup of tea.
