The International Review of Books

The International Review of Books: Badge of Achievement

June 1st 2022

Every Awful Thing

Which line stood out from all the others in the book?

“Sometimes all you need is one ear to listen, to give you the bravery to crawl" (pg 133)

General Summary for Context:

This is a collection of poems and short stories that are dubbed literary fiction, but are also a memoir of sorts.

Concise Review:

As a reader who doesn't typically like memoirs, I was utterly delighted by Every Awful Thing by S.E. Bourne. "A memoir?" you ask, because the book's true genre could be considered more literary fiction that blurs the lines between fantasy and reality. What it was to me though, was a captivating and often hilarious peek into the author's life and mind where the reality was as delightful as the fiction.

And in the end, what came out on the pages was as mischievous and fun as the author is!

Definitely read this book! It's worth the money, and it's worth the time!

General thoughts on the Novel:

It was truly so much fun!

Supportive Critique:

Dear Ms. Bourne,

Before I wrote your review I went to your Amazon page again and looked through everything. I often do this in an attempt to connect with the authors and their readers (if they have any yet), so that I can write a review that speaks to them more personally. I was unsurprised to discover your personal note at the bottom of your book's description dated May 24th, 2022 talking about the next edition that's soon to come (with fewer typos... they weren't bad!).

I can't tell you how many times I've encouraged authors to leave personal notes in that exact location where you left one naturally, as a way of connecting with readers and providing relevant information. And I was indeed very unsurprised to discover you'd already left a note there, which is as personable as everything else you've written.

You truly have a knack for connecting with your readers on that deep and personal level. You leave them with a feeling as if you are old and dear friends who have accomplished mischief together. This is a very rare and exceptional gift, and if you haven't thought about it yet, I'd consider where you want your author website and newsletter to go. You, specifically, would benefit greatly from a newsletter.

The only other author I know of who has accomplished such a close and personal feeling with her readers is Tammi Labrecque who wrote the book Newsletter Ninja. If you get the chance, look into it. Her newsletters always made me feel like I was her bestie, and her fans have always been very close to her and devoted.

You could accomplish the same thing easily, I think!

I have nothing but good things to say about you, your book, and your future writing career, and I sincerely wish you luck!!!

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Thank you!

Kind regards,

Masa

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Masa Radanic

masa@bgsadmin.com

booksgosocial.com