Hi guys and gals!
Welcome back to another bookish day here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.
Once upon a time, there was a girl. She was a reader, through and through, letting the stories she climbed between the pages of carry her away to lands unknown, times unfamiliar, and adventures beyond her wildest dreams. This same girl would share her adventures so that fellow readers could experience a glimpse of her journey, and be tantalized to embark on one of their own. Then it happened...one day she came upon a title that, while intriguing, wasn’t quite making the connection she was use to enjoying between the written world and herself, and the book was put aside for another time.
You see, fair readers, while not every book is for every person (no matter how much we would like them to be), the right book can still come along at the wrong moment, and catch you off guard. Whether it be your mood, change in season, work life, personal life, or something completely random, there are wrong and right moments to pick up a particular title. So, yes, while I was to read and share this one once-upon-a-year-or-so-passed, now was the right moment (...and much thanks to the author for their patience and gentle nudge towards this title once again). Without further ado, let me get to the title at hand, so that you can be off on your own adventures! Prepare to step into a story within a story as we explore between the pages of...
by
Charlie King
9781913781057
Caab Publishing Ltd
About the book…
After the death of her father, Lizzie Barnes’ life takes an interesting turn when her mum brings home a journal.
Lizzie decides to use the journal to write short stories involving her beloved teddy bear Rodford and his arch-enemy Dr Ofdor, a villainous grizzly bear.
She soon notices it is no ordinary journal as people around her begin to have dreams based around her stories.
When Lizzie begins to experience the dreams for herself, she finds that as the creator, the rules of the journal can work against her.
Lizzie, with the help of Rodford and a rat named Ridgeley, must explore the different worlds while facing the dangers she created, including Dr Ofdor, to free herself from the workings of the journal.
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This read around, I was able to fall right into the story. I could feel the loss Lizzie and her family experienced. I could understand the fall from hero status that happened with someone she loved, and the confusion as to how it could possibly be true. I was worried about her mental and emotional well-being as she navigated these unknown waters even more alone as she pushed people away in an effort to find her footing. I was so grateful when she started writing again because that outlet to express herself and explore her inner thoughts was something so enriching to her soul.
The adventure portion really begins when her creations take on a life of their own. I was as astonished as she to read, see, and hear what was happening, but ever so curious as to the why, and how of it all. I admit, I didn’t take too kindly to some of her characters, Dr Ofdor being a given because HELLO villain, but Rodford was a surprise. Yes, Rodford...her trusty teddy bear friend come to “life”...I just had an odd feeling about him, which was justified to a degree, but I’ll let you figure all that out on your own. The one “person” I had no qualms about was Ridgeley...in life and in dreams. In life, his presence was guiding, as he tried to step in and come to Lizzie’s aid against the bullies without causing her more trouble...and yet his story’s end was rather peculiar to me. I couldn’t justify what happened in order for it to settle in my mind. In dreams, Ridgeley the rat is a spur of the moment character that loves to pop up in the nick of time, but I never had a moments hesitation about him. His little ratty heart seemed pure, honest, and loyal...something he unfortunately ends up proving time and again as the adventures grow rather dangerous!
All in all, it was a story that showed loss affects everyone in different ways, bullying is never something to be simply accepted, and life can get brighter even in the darkest of times. The ending for Lizzie and her family felt true to heart, and it brought a smile to my face (and a tear to my eye) to see the return of one of her own beloved characters.
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About the author...
My name is Charlie King. I am an author from Croydon, England. My first books, The Lyons Orphanage followed by The Lyons Legacy are self-published while Lizzie's Dream Journal has been published by CAAB Publishing. There has been positive feedback on both books which is a great vindication for myself in regards to writing.
I always considered writing to be a hobby no matter the content. That is why I like to use this site for my own personal blog where I discuss topics like sport, film and TV, society and observations of an author's life as well as write satirical articles to bring a lighter side to my writing.
I have had an interest in English and writing ever since I was young and it has stuck with me throughout my education. I have a BA Hons in Journalism with English Language from the University of Portsmouth. When I finished university, I found that Journalism was no longer for me but I still loved to write so instead I wrote in my spare time.
The thought of writing a book crossed my mind many times over the years; I even tried to write a book a long time ago around the age of ten/eleven but it was terrible and lucky not seen by any eyes other than my own. The thought of that book put me off from thinking I could write a decent book. However, with time and the right idea, the writing improved but there is always room for improvement
I enjoy the balance of writing and creating stories with living in the real world, working as a legal assistant in a law firm.
I will continue to write no matter how many people read it. Writing is and always has been my passion.
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Special thanks to author Charlie King for the copy for review! For more information on this title or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today.
Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!
