A Cup of Joe - Book Review

A Cup of Joe
by Anita Ensal
ebook, novella

What is it about:
When Emily smiles at David, the Chosen One, as if he’s a normal person, his sheltered existence plunges into terror and deception, forcing him to see that the world might not be as perfect as he’s always believed. If the choice is between love or perfection, which would you choose?

What did I think of it:
This is a sweet story with a bite to it.

David has long ago forgotten to think for himself and lets himself be guided by the Mother Board who decides how he should live his life. Then he meets Emily who shakes up his world and makes him think for himself again.

This story is both sweet and disturbing. It paints a future where people trust in machines completely and stop thinking for themselves. I liked seeing how Emily made David examine his life and how David began to see things differently.

The world building was very well doen. I could easily picture the (in my eyes) depressing future world where this story is set and I really hoped Emily and David would find a way to make a better future for themselves.

All in all this is a very nice read and I'll keep an eye out for more stories Gini Koch writes under this pen-name.

Why should you read it:
It's an enjoyable Futuristic novella.


Buy it here

Being Neighborly - Book Review

Being Neighborly (The Neighborhood #2)
by Anita Ensal
ebook, short story

What is it about:
When Little Mams and Junior suspect there’s trouble brewing in the big city, Big Mams, armed with an old iron skillet, comes to investigate.

When their neighbors are disappearing and acting strangely, Junior and Little Mams know it’s time to call in for reinforcements—Big Mams.

Things aren’t usually what they appear to be for anyone from The Neighborhood, and the neighborhood where her daughter and son-in-law are living in the “big city” is harboring something very nasty. But Big Mams didn’t come to visit alone…and she won’t be going home alone, either.

What did I think of it:
Although short this story is fun and well worked out.

I liked how Ensal with just a few words characterized people and set the mood for this short story. The story itself isn't very complicated, but that's not a bad thing, especially for a short story, as a more complicated plot would take away from the characters and the mood.

If I had any complaints it would have been that I finished it much to soon and wanted to know lots more about Big Mams and her family. So I'm hoping Ensal will write more stories in this setting and with these characters.

Why should you read it:
It's a fun and fantastical short story.


Buy it here

Contingency Plan - Book Review

Contingency Plan (The Neighborhood #1)
by Anita Ensal
ebook, short story

What is it about:
A desperate mother is offered an unusual opportunity by an even more unusual person -- but should she take the offer or go with her contingency plan?...

What did I think of it:
This is a very sweet story, even though the blurb makes it sound a bit dark. It's about making choices, trust, and how not everything is as it seems.

I liked the fairytale mood of this story and the hope and sweetness that it breathed. The writing fits the story and I really liked the characters and the setting as well.

I will keep an eye out for the next story in this series as I'm curious what other stories Ensal comes up with next and if they will be just as sweet or if 'the neighborhood' will show some fangs in upcoming stories.

Why should you read it:
It's a sweet and heartwarming story


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