Book Review Thursday: Distraction by J.L. Campbell

Distraction by J.L. Campbell                                  
Genre: Fiction
Publishing Date: June 25, 2012
First Heard Of: Through Author's Blog and Amazon
Purchase: Amazon
Source: E-Copy from Author
Preview: If you want to know the three women from Distraction before the novel. Please buy acopy of A Baker's Dozen: 13 Steps to Distraction. I bought this ebook before getting Distraction and have no regrets. It's a very good read.

Note: Sorry about the error that had this posted with just the image and and title on Thursday. It has now been corrected.

Summary from Amazon: Three Jamaican women walk a tightrope of decisions when their lives are derailed by blackmail, deceit and infidelity. JUSTINE CHARLES, sensible and self-contained, battles an addiction which could destroy her marriage, reputation, and relationship with her daughter. DIONNE JONES, an aggressive go-getter, takes risks that cut a trail of devastation through her family and business. KYRA MILLS, struggling single mother, is crippled by debt, bad judgment and destructive choices. Can two of the long-time friends survive startling revelations involving their partners? And will the other push her obsession to the point of danger?
Review

When J.L. Campbell sent me a an e-copy of Distraction I was so excited. Not only had I finally found a local author blogger but I also got a free copy of her novel. J.L. Campbell is the author of books like Contraband, Dissolution and several more. Distraction follows three females who are close friends and have to navigate life in Jamaica while married or in relationships. Readers meet Justine, Dionne and Kyra and the novel lets us see life through both their own perspectives as well as how they view each other. The title is symbolic as to what leads them astray. Each woman has something in their life that shouldn't be there. But the pleasures and immediate gratification cloud their minds or conscience to the later consequences.

Distraction lets readers have a front seat in seeing how abuse, deceit, hate, love, friendship and forgiveness can make or break relationships and marraiges. And people as well. No one is totally innocent and each character whether major or minor is far from perfect. We all have our faults and Distraction doesn't shield us from seeing this in the three women or if we read it even deeper, ourselves.

My personal experience with Distraction was very enlightening. One character that bothered me was Xavier. His affair with one of the women irked me in that he seemed so willing to pull her back in when she tried to stop it. But as I read I got to thinking, if her husband has so many issues and she's willing to stand by him. What the heck is Xavier's wife like? That thought actually scared me a bit since Xavier described her pretty much as being indifferent. But I've heard many times that the big enemy of marriage is not hate but indifference. So maybe that's why he was more willing to sacrifice his marriage. Another character that irked me was Dionne. Her ambition seemed to me to be to the point of greed. Out of the three she seemed to have the best partner out of the lot from the start. But she was angry at his lack of ambition and being too slow to meet her demands. That seemed to me a petty reason for some of what she did. Though I could understand her need to expand and upkeep her business. Also I liked her independence and 'don't give up attitude.' The character I loved most was Justine. She really tries to do the right thing, loves her daughter wholeheartedly and does her best to get along with her husband. But a few things he did...let's just say they fall in the 'no sar' and two go in, one comes out category, for me. Translation: No way I'm staying and high chance of committing murder (but that is just my opinion). Yet Justine really tries to keep everything together and doesn't come off as naive as she does a loving wife willing to work hard to keep her marriage together. I also had a soft spot for Kyra who started as a single woman with a teenage son and a bad on and off relationship with Warren. She goes through trial and error to get things right and with the help of her friends a few other influences takes initiative to turn her life around. Is she successful? You have to read Distraction to find out. I recommend this read to adults, especially women. Because no matter where we're from. Most of our issues are universal and Distraction moves masterfully though that universe.

Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)

C I N (C I N Series #1) by Christina Leigh Pritchard

I borrowed this book from Booklending.com over the weekend (right after joining with facebook). I'm going to the library today to download it to my kindle (no wireless at home). I will tell you next week whether it's any good. Meanwhile enjoy this blurb on the book.

Synopsis: Seventeen year old Lisa Brown’s life is falling apart. First, her mother and father divorce, then their house forecloses and now, her mother has decided to commit herself to a psychiatric hospital.

If that weren’t enough, she must leave sunny south Florida to attend a boarding school full of geniuses in cold, Lynn, Massachusetts. The city where the locals chant “Lynn, Lynn, city of sin; you never come out the way you went in.”

And, they aren’t kidding. Lisa must live in a tiny shack with two strange teenagers, a dog named Pig who growls when you look at him and a cat named Rat. “Mind the cat,” everyone says. What the heck is wrong with this place?

Lisa thinks she’s landed in her own house of horrors with the anti-social Alex and his facetious sister Ally. But, the real drama begins the day she is struck by lightning… 

Purchase: Amazon

Book Trailer: 

Cover Reveal: If I Let You Go

Yes I'm at the back of the line. Sue Me. Kyra Lennon is back with her second book to be released next month. With a beautiful cover and a synopsis that sucks you in. Kyra has yet another creation that will catch your attention. Enjoy.

If I Let You Go by Kyra Lennon (Novella)

Release Date: October 22, 2012

Category: New Adult 

Synopsis: Madison Connor is about to lose it. Her job, that is. For three years, she’s taken care of Dominic Hartley’s five year old daughter, Tilly, but her world is flipped on its head when Dominic tells her his latest promotion is taking him to New York. With Tilly having a meltdown over the move, Madison and Dominic get into a fight that changes the entire nature of their relationship, causing Madison to ask herself a big question. Can she let him go?

Book Review Thursday: Return to Finkletom

Return to Finkleton by K.C. Hilton
Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy
Publishing Date:
First Heard Of: Goodreads and Author's Website
Purchase: Amazon
Source: Won Giveaway on Author's Website











Summary on Goodreads: When the Finkle children discovered magical secrets in Uncle Harry’s shop, they vowed to keep them safe. Two years later Jack, Lizzy and Robert realized that the perfect weather wasn’t the only secret waiting to be discovered in the mysterious shop. Things aren’t always what they seem to be!

There were people who would stop at nothing to acquire land in Finkleton. Of course, there were also those determined to protect the little village from greedy outsiders. Will selfish desires destroy the village of Finkleton?

It was only a matter of time before those who cared about Finkleton and those who cared only for themselves would come into conflict. The result of this outcome would likewise depend on a matter of time.

Once again Jack, Lizzy and Robert must learn to work together to protect the magical secrets of Finkleton.

Come along to Finkleton. A new, magical adventure is about to begin!
Review

Having never read the first book The Magic of Finkleton, I worried temporarily if reading the second one in the series would be hard or confusing. But I was relieved that the author took me on a journey that left me with enough tidbits of what happened in the first book to keep me on track and not take away or slow down the story of the current book. First off this is a children's book and as typical of many children's books it's written in a language for children to understand. So if you can't stand the explaining or style of books for small children no matter if it's a book that can transition to an adult loving audience like myself, Return to Finkleton is not for you. In Return To Finkleton the Finkle children: Jack, Lizzy and Robert have to protect the secrets of a shop inherited by their family.  Also there was the issue of greedy outsiders like Mr. Lowsley who wanted land in Finkleton only to discover it's secrets for profit. The secret being that Finkleton is not just a magical place but within the shop are things that determine the town's prosperity or downfall. Like objects that have the ability to control weather (e.g. an hour glass that can control the rain). After two years of perfect crops they discover a room under the library. What seem to be harmless books bring about a series of calamities including lightning and the burning down of Miss Caroline's home.

As the children try to fix disasters happening in the town, Robert tries to fix everything out of regret and guilt. Unfortunately he ends up messing with a clock that takes him forward in time to a Finkleton that has Mr. Lowsley actually residing there and Miss Caroline living in the Bakery since she never got to rebuild her home. As he works to get back to his time, he and the future version of his siblings learn lessons in trust, honesty and having faith in each other and others around them. How everything comes together and other misadventures will be an enjoyable read for those willing to get a copy and join all who have read this book and been transformed into fans of three children trying to take care of a town called Finkleton.

This book was a fun read for me. As a bibliophile I really got into the character of Lizzie a book lover like myself. Robert the youngest will appeal to readers who know what it's like to be the young one in the family and having to sometimes force people to listen to you. Jack the eldest shows how older children can take on responsibilities beyond even their capabilities sometimes because they feel it's their duty and end up being overprotective. K.C. Hilton created a magical story in a town when everything goes perfectly until human error or greed gets in the way. Proving no matter how perfect something seems, nothing is perfect. A great lesson for children as well as the fact that anything can be worked out with love and co-operation. This book is for ages 8-11 and will capture the interest of any child who loves reading fantasy or a really good book. And even a couple adults.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars

Genre Favorites Blogfest

Today is Ninja Captain Alex's blogfest and I'm taking part. The Genre Favorites Blogfest  has each participant picking their favourite genre for movies, music and books.

Movie: Drama and Science Fiction. My father loves Action movies and Drama and my mother is a big Science Fiction fan. But unlike my other who also likes my other fave genre. My dad HATES science fiction with a passion. I try to get him into one now and then but it's always a big fail. Oh well, we can still watch Seinfield together. Anywho, back to my favourite movie genre. Drama just pulls me in and the fact that  it takes on real life situations is a big plus. A good drama movie has you talking about it long after the end. My favourite movie of all times is the crime-drama The Untouchables. It's just amazing. When it comes to science fiction I enjoy being taken places I've never been and can never discover outside my imagination. The Terminator is one of the best Science Fiction Movies Ever. I will not have a debate. I also enjoy watching Species over and over, which is not exactly considered the best of the alien movies but still one of my faves.

Music: This is a toughie for me. I don't have any one favourite music genre. But I will focus on the ones I listen to most. That would be Alternative, Pop and Punk Rock (Green Day all the WAY). I also enjoy local reggae but I haven't listen to a lot over the years and the over abundance of dancehall has been a turn off because over 80% of what gets most promoted is just plain slackness. In my teens rap, hip hop, reggae and pop were my favourites. But in my late teens and adulthood I had started turning away because they lost what I loved most, a powerful message. With the exception of reggae, in that category I just felt that the music played was for an older generation, not being updated fast enough for the younger ones. I still loved the classics but the ones coming out now just do the same old thing but less powerful and frankly boring. There were exceptions but exceptions don't overthrow popularity and interest. Of course Bob Marley is one of the best musicians of all time. Best Jamaican one by a landslide.

 Like I'd ever leave out Bob.

Books: My fave genre is young adult. No doubt there. And the sub genres for that would be fantasy, paranormal, and in the last two years or so, dystopia. I was first introduced to fantasy through Harry Potter. Back then I was in my early teens and a contemporary girl. The furthest I went from traditional contemporary were V.C. Andrews novels (which I still love). But as I got older fantasy took hold and then another genre popped up. Paranormal. I was seduced by the writings of vampires and ghosts. Werewolves came into the picture with Twilight and otherwise are pretty much in the movies for me. But this genre is ever evolving and with The Hunger Games and Divergent series, isn't going to lose my interest anytime soon.

Guilty Pleasure: Animated Movies. Animation is an obsession for me and I'm always looking for the next animated movie, show or series to get obsessed over. When it comes to movies I love those that  takes me into the world that it's set in. Makes me feel for the characters whether it's for their success or downfall. That's why I'm so in love with Pixar Movies. From The Incredibles to all three Toy Story Movies (was I the only one who cried during the last one). Also Japanese anime like Akira and Metropolis, two of the best anime movies ever made.

Thank you for stopping by. Also shout out to Alex for such a great blogfest idea.

Cover Reveal: The Perfect Clone by M.L. Stephens

The Perfect Clone by M. L. Stephens
Expected Release Date: 10/2012

Laura wants to have her husband’s child. The fact that he’s dead is only a minor setback. She’ll get what she wants, it’s just a matter of how. 

Intrigued by Laura’s progress in the field of human cloning, Richard Avery steps up to the plate and offers the use of his secret lab facilities. Before he’ll allow her to clone a child of her own, she must first create one perfect clone for him- using DNA samples from the Shroud of Turin. 

Jumping in head first, Laura’s work is successful and the shroud’s cloned embryos are implanted into a virgin surrogate. Nine months later, twins are born. One is deemed unworthy, the other non-viable. Richard demands that she continue her work. He wants a perfect clone…one that he can ‘use’. There’s no time to celebrate her accomplishment before finding out that Richard has morbid plans for her creations. He wants a clone that he can use to rule mankind under a New World Order. Unable to leave the Society’s compound without risking her life, Laura turns to her unlikely friends for help. Ghosts and angels might be the only ones who can guide her safely out of this. 

Link Author: Facebook, Google+, Goodreads

I participated in this cover reveal through Ashley and her blog The Bookish Brunette. If you want to take part in a cover reveal or a book tour, go to her blog and sign up. You'll receive emails requesting your participation and if accepted will be informed by email as well with all necessary info.

Book Review Thursday: What to Expect

My weekly book reviews have been on hiatus for a while but no more. As of next week I will be starting to review again. Book Review Thursday has me weekly reviewing a book I've read whether it's in print or an e-copy. Below are the books I will be reviewing for September.

September Schedule:

September 20 : Return to Finkleton by K.C. Hilton

September 27: Distraction by J.L. Campbell

Stormdancer (The Lotus War, #1) by Jay Kristoff and 99 Followers

I am beyond excited about the US release for this book. I have been crazy about it since the beginning of the year. The UK edition is already out but I love the cover for the US hardcover version (cover posted to the left). Jay has created a colourful world that will draw in any reader. I recommend this book to anyone who loves reading fiction and especially fiction with great world building. Now scroll down for the blurb and buying options.

In other news. I am 1 follower away from 100 followers. Thank you everyone who has decided to make my blog one to follow and a special thank you to those who leave comments. Your words let me know your thoughts and that helps me keep a blog you're willing to come back to to. Thank you and much love.






Blurb from Goodreads : A DYING LAND 
The Shima Imperium verges on the brink of environmental collapse; an island nation once rich in tradition and myth, now decimated by clockwork industrialization and the machine-worshipers of the Lotus Guild. The skies are red as blood, the land is choked with toxic pollution, and the great spirit animals that once roamed its wilds have departed forever. 

AN IMPOSSIBLE QUEST
The hunters of Shima’s imperial court are charged by their Shōgun to capture a thunder tiger—a legendary creature, half-eagle, half-tiger. But any fool knows the beasts have been extinct for more than a century, and the price of failing the Shōgun is death.

A SIXTEEN YEAR OLD GIRL
Yukiko is a child of the Fox clan, possessed of a talent that if discovered, would see her executed by the Lotus Guild. Accompanying her father on the Shōgun’s hunt, she finds herself stranded: a young woman alone in Shima’s last wilderness, with only a furious, crippled thunder tiger for company. Even though she can hear his thoughts, even though she saved his life, all she knows for certain is he’d rather see her dead than help her. 

But together, the pair will form an indomitable friendship, and rise to challenge the might of an empire.

UK Edition: Published September 1, 2012 (I have seen some variations but it's definitely available in the UK as of today)

Purchase: Amazon UK

US Edition: Published September 18, 2012

Purchase: Amazon, IndieBound, BarnesandNoble

My Kindle Baby

My darling kindle is one month old today. I remember the Saturday I bought you in August. It was the day after getting my pay check. Definitely worth it! Love you. Shout out to all the e-reader owners. I am officially one of you now.

Strength Cover Reveal

When I got an email from Carrie Butler about being a part of  the Strength cover reveal I must admit I'd totally forgotten I had signed up. A lot of times because my blog has under a hundred followers, I don't get accepted for cover reveals direct from the author or host promoter. But there it was and I accepted of course. Now I'm promoting Strength and I'm glad to do so. The synopsis drew me in and the cover was one of the few shirtless male covers that didn't turn me off because the way it was done just screamed porn (no thanks). The man on the cover just looks like a strong man. A strong sexy man. I found out about Carrie though the blogging community and she seems to be a nice talented person. I will be ready to purchase a copy of Strength on March 7 next year. After reading this reveal, I hope you'll consider doing it too. Plus there's a really nice trailer. Enjoy.

Title: Strength

Series: Mark of Nexus – Book 1

Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing   
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (PNR)
Release Date: March 07, 2013

Synopsis: When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn't look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn't look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation—and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few minor setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.

They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do—even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.



Links:

Where to find Carrie:

WEBSITE  |  BLOG  |  SSP  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  GOODREADS  |  GOOGLE+ 

Where to find Strength:

BOOK PAGE  |  GOODREADS  |  FACEBOOK (New!)

Strength Book Trailer

The Truth is Revealed

So today is the day. Ready to find out what is true and what is fiction.

Fact or Fiction Part One: Fiction. I have never had such a mix up at the library. They're very good at keeping the numbers straight. I can't believe how almost everyone thought it was true. I knew doing a simple story would make the guessing harder but damn...I was way too right on this one.

Have to give a special shout out to Elizabeth Seckman who not only guessed right but also said she thought I'd mix up the bag and leave with it if it were true. While I have never left with the wrong bag (had the counter guy/girl try giving me the wrong one at stores and other places but I always was alert enough to tell them that wasn't my bg on the spot. I think it's because I'm paranoid that someone will pilferer my bag when it's out of my sight. I actually empty my bag and carry around everything with me at the library. True story. Even my books - unless it's a library book).  I did leave without my bag once. And yes it was the library and I had to turn back and get it. I didn't get too far but me and the lab tech on bag duty had a good laugh when I returned to get it.

Fact or Fiction Part Two: True. Damn I need to do more personal post. I was so worried because it dealt with submissions that everyone would guess it was true but...wow almost everyone thought it was false. Yes I was saddened about the changes at Bookends, I loved being paid for my poetry and it's hard to do that in Jamaica when you're not some literary professor or a well known 'Representative' of the Arts. I mean a lot of the famous poets out here are middle-aged! And through the magazine, I even made friends with Kezumie McKenzie, a mulit-winner of our yearly JCDC Writing contest in the poetry section. I entered in 2010 and will try again next year.

Thank you Emily and Melodie for this bloghop. Can't wait to see the winners.

Oh and lastly can anyone guess which book the line Real or Not Real comes from. All I will say is that it's a dystopian novel and that it's in book 3 of a trilogy. Not much to go on but I thought it was cool to use for the start of the Fact or Fiction Bloghop: Part 2 story. And another clue, Real or Not Real was used as a game. See you guys on Monday!

GUTGAA: Meet and Greet

Deanna has organized GUTGAA and it is a great event for writers to meet each other and pitch their work.

Hi, I'm Sheena-kay Graham and I am a writer. While I have only been published in a literary supplement for poetry so far. I feel that I've done much to get myself ready to be a published novelist. The supplement was in The Sunday Observer and named Bookends Magazine. I was a paid contributor between 2007-2011. I stopped after months going without acceptance after changes in their line-up phased out poetry. But I enjoyed that experience and will only look forward to accomplishments like finally creating a blog that keeps me in contact with aspiring novelist and writers like myself. I look back on my first blogpost October 25, 2011 and find this quote very self-fulfilling.

My real name is Sheena-kay Graham and my nickname (and now my blog's name) was self given and inspired in part by the movie  Sheena: Queen of the Jungle. Also my love for Africa, my skin and believing in fact that we can take hold of our destinies. My nickname symbolizes this for me and creating this blog furthers plans for professional success.

I believe by writing and now having several w.i.p.s in the works and a novella Sacrifice Her to be self published late October that I have followed my path as a writer and will only improve. My writing path is to both self-publish and submit my manuscripts to traditional publishers whether by myself or through an agent. GUTGAA is great in that it gives us all an opportunity to meet others at different points in their journey. Before this I've met several like myself who are either still writing their book or submitting it to agents and publishers if they're not self-published. And yes there are those who have had their work accepted to be published or have gotten an agent. I am happy for all of them. 

Now straight to the questions:

Where do you write?

Mainly in my bedroom. I also do a bit of writing at the library. Sometimes I make notations while on the road.

Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your left. What is the first thing you see?

I see a chair blocking the dresser. Sorry no great secrets to enthrall you with. That's what my books are for. *Winks.*

Favorite time to write?

Whenever I'm least bothered. I used to fear whether it was day or night but noticed when I'm in my element I can write at anytime. Including day, night and even early hours. 

Drink of choice while writing?

It depends. I love fruit juices and HATE coffee. No disrespect to coffee drinkers. 

When writing , do you listen to music or do you need complete silence?

Silence is best for me. I have given in to temptation to write with music on before and always get the job done a lot slower. Even when typing up something from what I've already written by hand.

What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript and where did you find it?

I'll speak about the inspiration for my latest W.I.P. Nevermore was inspired by a call by Entangled Publishing for Halloween novellas with a zombie twist. While I have decided not to submit to them. I have picked a few other publishers I will send it out to when it's fully polished. I'm aiming for a small press for this one.

What's your most valuable writing tip?

Never give up. In the past I often wrote to a point then stopped. I have a pile of unfinished novels. While they used to be a great regret, now they're a huge inspiration. How inventive I've been to have work still waiting to be completed as I come up with and write new work. Some writers can only create a few works in a lifetime. I have a nice load and am very proud of it. As I go on my journey, I will have huge well of creativity to accompany me. So I say to all of you keep going and turn what you might consider a negative into a positive. If you can't don't let it keep you from your writing or life destiny. The only fate we can't get away from is death. Life is a choice, live it.

So there you have it. I have introduced myself and hope you will go out and do the same or visit others and let them know you've read their post and create new relationships of your own.

IWSG & Fact or Fiction Bloghop: Part 2

Yes this a combined post.  IWSG is  a great forum to express any writing insecurities. Right now I'm competing in the What I did last summer fact or fiction Blogfest. It is fun and nerve biting to be competing for writing prizes. First prize winners get a book of their choice and two runners up get an opportunity to have their own book critiqued. Win or lose I'm having fun. But let's face it. I want to win a prize. So wish all us entrants the best of luck and yes this is probably the shortest IWSG post ever. Sue me. WAIT! DON'T!

I am happy to be taking part in part two of the Fact or Fiction Bloghop. Can you guess what is fact and what is fiction? Well let's get on it and see if you're right and who is just plan wrong. Click here to read Part One. Thanks Emily and Melodie for this exciting bloghop.





Real or not Real?

I couldn't believe it. No acceptance all summer. Bookends Magazine after accepting my poetry over the years had finally tapped out. I should have seen it coming. Poetry was getting less and less space. What was once five to seven slots a week dropped to two and sometimes even zero. Short stories and essays and book/movie reviews seemed all the rage now. I could try sending some short stories but the reviews were only done by their official staff. I was a paid contributor. Only paid when my work was accepted, no salary. And a lot of the short stories were also done by Sharon Leach, the magazine's editor. Talk about cutting cost.

I can remember my first accepted poem. I was so excited about being accepted by a local magazine. And paid! Their main rival Arts and Entertainment, a section of the Sunday Gleaner, only took free submissions. So my love affair began in 2007 and now ends Summer 2011. It's clear that they're no longer interested in poetry. I was already competing with teachers, professors, published local authors, local literary award winners and others like myself who aren't big names but submit anyway. Now the names are almost always the same when a poem actually appears. It's not easy to move on but after months of no acceptance, dwindling space and the fact that they're others to submit work to...it was great while it lasted.

Moving on is tough but I have become more focused on getting a novel finished and publish worthy. Also I still have my dream of travelling to Europe to visit the sites of some of my favourite poets and also meet some who are still alive. In Jamaica my favourite was Louise Bennett but she died before I could meet her.

So as I move on, I'll remember all the fun times. Poetry a;ways holds a special place in my heart and I wish the magazine all the best. Someone once said Poetry is the Cinderella of the arts. Well this Cinderella needs a new pair of shoes.

Fact Or Fiction Bloghop

Thank you for hosting this bloghop Emily and Melodie.

Fact or Fiction? You Decide:

I walked down the road and entered my local library. It was in the afternoon and all I wanted was to pick out three good books and head home. A library a short walk from home was very convenient and the free internet didn't hurt. The last internet cafe to open in the mall nearby closed earlier in the year. No surprise. Prices in Jamaica are already outrageous. Free has no competition. Plus the internet quality's better at the library anyway.

After searching through several rows I found the ones I wanted and borrowed them. The lady at the desk smiled as she took my cards and handed me the books I'd be hogging over the next two weeks. Books are a big love of mine. My dad was a big book buyer when I was in my teens but as I got older he just stopped reading. Sad really, I'm the last true bibliophile in my family.

So I went to the bag area and to get my bag. But the security behind the counter handed me the wrong one. When I told him so, he showed me my number. On a bright red bag. I had to take a deep breath and explain that bag wasn't mine. Also that my bag is always empty because I never leave anything in it since the library isn't responsible for theft. With a sigh he asked me which bag was mine. After looking around for infinity, I found the brown thing stuck between four other bags. When he picked it up he was annoyed to see it also had the exact same number. I had to hide a laugh as I took it gently and wished him a good day.

Outside I burst out laughing. After I got home I realized something. The man had stuffed the red bag at the bottom without putting back the tag number on it. I sighed hoping God would help the poor woman who'd sooner or later come to collect it.