The Christmas tale of Anne Boleyn: An Impression

While on Wattpad (I) came across a story entitled the Christmas tale of Anne Boleyn.  It is not a very long story.  That does not seem to matter.  The author has created a very convincing and realistic, believable character.  I found the story by looking through the SCI Fi user page on Wattpad.  It lists different types of stories under the common banner of science fiction.  It does a good job at putting different types of science fiction stories into their own lists.  There was a list for general science fiction, science fiction that took place in outer space, steam punk stories, and a list entitled “time and eternity” where I found this story.

Though this is not about Wattpad and its efforts to help users find content, this is about my first impressions of the story the Christmas tale of Anne Boleyn written by the username: EvelynDangerfield.

I really can’t tell you much of events that happened in the story, seeing how the whole thing is only four pages long.  Though what I can say is that the author does an excellent job of using facts of the time and uses them in a way that is relevant to her main character.  Anne Boleyn is struggling with the most important time of her life when King Henry is wooing her.  From reading the story you feel less like the author is dropping main events and important details to give you a sense of history and place.  What the author does is write from Anne’s perspective and filters the information from what she knows about and would be most concerned off.

From reading historical fiction books, many will simply insert historical facts like chocolate chips on a cookie.  They feel like they are there on the surface but are not a part of the DNA of the story.

If you enjoyed reading my impressions of the story I highly encourage you to seek this out on Wattpad.  Here’s a link to the story.

My Dog Prefers Reality TV

Yes, it’s true; my dog does prefer reality TV.  His version is much more true to life.  The neighbors probably have no idea how much entertainment they give my happy little pooch each and every day.  Normally it’s just watching them go to and from their cars.  Picking up their little grandson and allowing him to run around in the yard. Though, today the little puppy got a special treat.  They decided to have a yard sale.  You should've seen his little eyes light up as people got out of their cars and didn't disappear into the yellow house but instead were on full display looking at different items in the driveway.
I often wonder what he sees?  A leaf blowing in the wind is enough to send him racing.  I have seen him go nuts over a speck of dust being carried in the wind.
Being a dog and confined to your owner’s house for much of your existence must put a different emphasis on what’s important in life.  He doesn't care about advancements, money, or being online all he wants is to go for a walk, get a treat or just be by your side.
Watching this little dog set in front of the window reminds me of my Grandfather.  You see, he died several years ago.  I loved him dearly and I think of him from time to time.  Like most people would over a loved one who passed.  I am reminded of what he taught me.  One of those things was something called people watching.
You see my grandfather, whom I’d call Pops would sit for hours on park benches and more notably in the mall while my grandmother shopped.  I remember doing this with him.
I asked him “what are you doing we just sitting here, you don’t talk much?”
His response, “look around you, you’ll notice things better.  Like what people are wearing and their body language”
To a budding artist nothing is as valuable as that information.  Since that time, probably a little bit before it but I'm not keeping records, I started to sketch.  Going out to malls and Parks to draw was a favorite pass time.  Bringing my little sketchbooks everywhere I went, noticing things about people. Not things like phone numbers, security numbers, or personal information but, what clothes they had on and how they held their body. Valuable information for any Artist.
I stood there with him (the dog), looking out at the neighbors watching them.  Much like I did before noticing how they moved.  It’s funny how simple dog can bring back such deep and thoughtful advice and happy memories.

A first impression of The Other Teddy Roosevelts by Mike Resnick

The Other Teddy Roosevelts by Mike Resnick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Please note: this review is not a complete assessment of the work. I only read half of the book. I do plan on going back and reading the rest. Frankly I’m too excited not too. Though I want to give my impressions on are still fresh in my memory.
I’m not expert on the genre. I’m just a guy that found this book and is enjoying his time with it.
As the title suggests you’re introduced to different Teddy Roosevelts. In this collection of short stories the author Mike Resnick asks questions like what if Roosevelt stop jack the ripper, or battled aliens found in HG Wells war the world’s. At this time I’m in the middle of the story where Roosevelt, after leaving the responsibilities of being the president United States and looking at a life as an Ex-president, decides to ‘civilize the Congo’ and make it into democracy.
To be honest, before I started reading the stories I was unsure how I would take a bunch of stories with no merit to the historical significance or facts surrounding Roosevelt’s life. I was surprised how much these stories leaned on events in Roosevelt’s life. The characters constantly remind you of Roosevelt being the Harvard champion at boxing and that he wrote countless best Sellers on natural subjects such as birds.
I must admit this gets a little daunting after some time. Though it is a great way to remind yourself of what the man actually did. I could see if I was a high Schooler writing a paper on Roosevelt this book would help me remember his real accomplishments.
The imaginative elements are somewhat farfetched. Though, this is a little bit to be expected. We know Teddy Roosevelt did not do these things that the book claims he did. The author is in the writing a biography of the man. He’s just asking simple questions and playing out in the fiction what that might look like and what events might follow.
The writing style reminds me of an action adventure story or pulp novel. There are things happening all the time. It’s a bit cheesy. Luckily for me I like cheese. All in all it adds to the fun. As I stated in the paragraph above, the author is in making some big statement about Roosevelt he’s just interjecting the wonderful character of the man into some of the most beloved an interesting set things he can think of.
If you’re looking for a group of stories that don’t take themselves too serious and you have a sense of humor and I really enjoy this. If you’re young person, whom is interested in science fiction and fantasy or history you might want to give this book a try. I wish I discovered it when I was 15.

UPDATE: I Have finished the book.

From reading the rest of it I still have the same impression of the book that I did when I wrote the review I labeled as my reading observations. The book is a fun read and one I would recommend people picking up if they are into alternative histories or and American history.


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