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Johan Twiss

Teoksen 4 Years Trapped in My Mind Palace tekijä

7 teosta 76 jäsentä 12 arvostelua

Sarjat

Tekijän teokset

4 Years Trapped in My Mind Palace (2016) 34 kappaletta
I AM SLEEPLESS: Sim 299 (2015) 22 kappaletta
30 Red Dresses (Freedom Novella) (2017) 10 kappaletta
The Fourth Law of Kanaloa (2017) 2 kappaletta

Merkitty avainsanalla

Yleistieto

Syntymäaika
20th Century
Sukupuoli
male
Kansalaisuus
USA
Asuinpaikat
Saratoga Springs, Utah, USA

Jäseniä

Kirja-arvosteluja

(4.5 / 5)
Fourteen-year-old Aaron spends two years paralyzed, but still aware of his surroundings. He's believed to be brain dead, though, and left to his own thoughts during that time. After two years with only his imagination to sustain him, inside of which he created a world he calls his Mind Palace, he gets a new roommate--Solomon, a dementia patient with a colorful history. The next 2 years are the best of Aaron's life, so far. An unlikely friendship is forged, and neither Aaron nor Solomon will ever be the same.

This is a book that I worry I'm going to have a difficult time reviewing. I really liked it, but it's hard to explain why without giving anything away. There were moments that made me laugh, moments that made me cheer, and even moments that made me tear up. It was an interesting conglomeration of historical fiction and fantasy, and I really liked the characters.

Before Solomon moved in, Aaron had to find ways to cope, and he became a bit snarky and sarcastic (in his mind). This led to some humorous observations. And his paralysis led to a similar situation to someone who's lost a sense, and the way their other senses compensate for that loss. As such, each other character that ever entered Aaron's room was associated with a specific scent, which carried on throughout the book. I really appreciated this small touch.

The book takes place in the late 80s, and we get to experience some specific points in history, thanks to Solomon. 1920s NYC, the Chicago jazz scene of the 40s, and a night during WWII, amongst other things. Not to mention the first-hand experience of the 1989 earthquake in California.

Considering the name of the book, I thought the Mind Palace was fairly under-represented. In the end, I think it could have been written out of the book and it wouldn't have made much difference. Partly because of this, and partly because of some comments made in the second half of the book, I expected a vastly different ending. I did like the ending, but was waiting for something more that never happened. That is my only real negative comment.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book, and would highly recommend it for everyone who enjoys historical fiction, as the fantasy aspect is not a detraction whatsoever, and for readers of all ages.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
… (lisätietoja)
 
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Kristi_D | 4 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Sep 22, 2023 |
Book Title: 30 Red Dresses
Author: Johan Twiss
Format: Kindle

My Thoughts:
Some stories awaken the sleeping conscience. This is one such novella that pricked my brain. This is the story of little Veata, an eight-year-old girl, looked after her Uncle in the most terrible manner, undergoes a lifetime experience of being trapped in the sex trade. The story is about hope and escape. It is difficult to imagine an eight-year-old going through the most heinous act by the fellow humans who co-exist with her.

This happens to be one of the heart-wrenching stories I ever read.

What to expect from the story?
Expect a gritty adventure of a little girl Veata, a victim of un-parenting and domestic abuse by her Uncle. She is sent into the dirty business, and the story happens to take a twist when author James Moore visits Cambodia. The story is set up in Cambodia, and it talks about the less talked human trafficking that exists. The story, however, ends on a good note with many hurdles that the characters face.

Who can read?
As this story is about human trafficking and girl child abuse, I recommend this book to be read-only by adults. The book can be skipped by Young teenagers too. But, under the guidance of elders, this book happens to be an eye-opener.

How good are the characters?
This story has many central characters. Every character has its own story and importance in the engagement of the story. Be it the character of James Moore, an author or the little girl Veata through whom a large human trafficking case unearths or Munny, the translator and many more; each contribute to the heightened emotion in the story.

How good is the narration?
An engaging and thoughtful narration is observed in this story, 30 Red Dresses by Johan Twiss. Every paragraph in the story is written with honesty, and the usage of simple language amplifies the emotion. A human with general common sense will surely feel the pain of those little girls trapped for all the wrongdoings. This is where author Johan's acting skills shine. The description and intrinsic explanation of the place, scene and emotion stand high.

How good are the language and grammar?
Easy language with adequate vocabulary is used in the story.

How good is the Author's writing style?
This is my first book by the Author Johan Twiss. His writing, I felt, is a slow poison. It starts seeping into the mind as and when a chapter is completed. His simple and engaging writing with a fair amount of drama, including humour, is a good work with the words.

How entertaining is the book?
The book is written about human trafficking. The most disturbing part of the story is little girls from eight years are used in running the flesh trade. There is drug usage, abuse and crime against women that is mentioned in the book. Though it is disturbing, the story is realistic and thought-provoking.

Final Verdict
A heartbreaking story!

Rating:
4/5










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BookReviewsCafe | 5 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Apr 27, 2023 |
I haven't read a time travel, love story this good since "Somewhere in Time". Exquisitely written, the author immerses you in each character's feelings to such a depth that you become them.

I was Aaron Greenburg, trapped in his lifeless body, madly struggling for human contact. And then I was his roommate, Solomon, an elderly man with dementia, reliving his life.

But the incredible magic of this story lies within the interplay of the lives of all of the characters and the loving, painful, ecstatic and ultimately life changing experiences they share. And the end, oh, the end.

Do yourself a favor and don't put this in your TBR pile. Read it now! You will thank yourself.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
… (lisätietoja)
 
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Windyone1 | 4 muuta kirja-arvostelua | May 10, 2022 |
Looking at the cover, I never expected what was coming. I’m sure I read the blurb before I picked it up in 2017, but not before I started reading it this week and WOW!

30 Red Dresses by Johan Twiss was such a surprise to me. I have a file of short stories and novellas, and chose 30 Red Dresses as a One Sentence Review to wipe it off my TBR, but after reading it, I changed my mind. It hit me so hard, I had to share more.

It was so sad from the very beginning. Venta is eight years old. It’s her birthday and her uncle is taking her to town. She’s excited, but…my heart fell to my gut. Her uncle is a disgusting human being, so I knew she was in for a rude awakening.

Sex trafficking is all too real. I cannot imagine how a young girl of eight could in any way comprehend what is happening to her. I was so far past mad, angry, seeing red, disgusted…

What does a white giant, a Cambodian and and 30 red dresses have in common?

An incredibly powerful story where the characters lives are changed forever and I teared up a time or two because the story went so far in such a few words. Strong. Powerful. Thought provoking. Sickening, yet hopeful.

The author’s note at the end of the book is just as powerful as the story.

See more at http://www.fundinmental.com
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sherry69 | 5 muuta kirja-arvostelua | Feb 13, 2022 |

Tilastot

Teokset
7
Jäseniä
76
Suosituimmuussija
#233,522
Arvio (tähdet)
½ 4.3
Kirja-arvosteluja
12
ISBN:t
14

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