ARC REVIEW: Corridors of My Mind by Angel Chadwick

A nonfiction work; a memoir about certain aspects of the author's life, family and community written by the author in the form of literary poetry.

I was given a copy of this novel in return for an honest review


I like poetry and I write poetry, so reading Corridors in My Mind was a simple task, though writing the actual review was difficult.

I had mixed feelings about this collection of poetry. First off it was way too long and it needs a better cover, something that gives you a hint at the depth of emotion awaiting you in the pages of this book.

Many of the poems in this collection were quite dark, almost all of them, this novel could have done with a bit of light hardheartedness thrown in here or there.

My favorite poem was Changing Beauty, it really spoke to me. Here's an example of why:
Nails like barbed wire
A dry wit like a can opener.

Many of the poems were quite brilliantly written and touching, while others felt like a one trick pony.

I wonder over how many years these poems were written? Some read like very juvenile emo high school poetry while others are good and poignant.

I am happy I got the chance to read this, it gives insight into the author's life. I just hope her life is happier than the poems make it out to be,

ARC REVIEW: Seven Hours by Angelina Kerner

One pill every 7 hours, could give Chanel the chance to finally see the world around her. Chanel is a independent nineteen year old, despite what her overprotective mother and senator father may think. Being the daughter of a senator comes with it’s own problems, a simple afternoon out with friends soon becomes overwhelming when reporters swarm around Chanel.
Keeping her secret of the effects pills close to her chest she is able to fool everyone, expect for her hawk eye bodyguard that has now been assigned to protect her.
Chanel doesn’t want a bodyguard, but will she get more than she bargained for?

I received a copy of this novella in return for an honest review

First off let me say I don't normally read books like this,  fiction genre is not my typical cup of tea. However I enjoyed the author's last novel so I was excited to read her newest work.

I really enjoyed the original concept of a blind character, and wish that the plot hadn't revolved around Chanal getting her sight back. The author did a wonderful job researching what it is like to be blind; for example Chanal folds all her money differently based on what amount the bill is. This is an actual technique the seeing impaired use.

However (unless you read the blurg) you wouldn't know until the middle of the second chapter that Chanal is blind, she describes her room at one point and the word blind isn't even used until the middle of chapter 2. It is referred to as her condition. I think it might have been a good idea to mention right away her blindness.

Chanal is a great character, she is strong, independent and interesting. I enjoyed her a lot, though all the secondary characters felt flat in comparison.

The plot is a bit slow, but once it picks up the story just flies, a quick, easy and fun read. The love story between the MC and her body guard Leon is adorable, though him being a body guard was a little unbelievable. He's a Senator's son with a dramatic ex  girlfriend. No way would another Senator hire him to protect his disabled daughter.

This novella was way different than the other novel by Ms. Kerner- no magic or fantasy ( though a little science fiction with the mystery pills the MC takes).  It was a simple read, not overly complicated. There is no insta-love and no love triangles, just a good ole fashion fiction romance about a girl who falls for her body guard.

This was a sweet novel and I'm glad I got the chance to read it.