For the first Ten Questions of 2016 we thought it was appropriate to begin with one of our favorite debut authors of the last year, Brenda Ernst Zalegowski.
Ms. Zalegowski’s first novel, Behind the Falls, was a favorite of the Bookish Ladies as well as many of our bookworm friends. If you haven’t read it yet, check out Jennifer’s 4.5 star review and then head to Amazon asap!
600+ pages. You might ask yourself if you want to read a book that’s 600+ pages. YES YOU DO! When I noticed the page count, I thought “How is the author going to engage me for that long?” She did! I was engrossed in Noah’s story from page one. When I had to put the book down I couldn’t wait to come back to it. I mentally cheered Noah through the entire book … hoping and wishing for the best for him. I wanted to hug him and make him better. Every character is well written and believable.
Why 4.5 stars? The ending. Did I like it? Honestly, no! Personally, I hate open endings. I want the author to finish the story for me. I don’t like having to guess/assume/write my own ending for a book. There were a couple of questions I really wanted the answers too and I didn’t get them. I guessed what might happen at the end but I would have liked a little closure for the rest of the characters stories.
Overall, this is a fantastic debut from a new author. I’ll look forward to new works from Ms. Zalegowski.
Ten Questions vol. 2 #1 Brenda Ernst Zalegowski
Bookish Devices: What is your favorite word?
Brenda Ernst Zalegowski: Surreptitious…or kerfluffle. Kerfluffle is fun.
BD: What is your least favorite word?
BEZ: I’ve never met a word I didn’t like.
BD: What turns you on creatively, spiritually or emotionally?
BEZ: Music
BD: What turns you off?
BEZ: Two faced people and loud breathers.
BD: What sound or noise do you love?
BEZ: Cats purring
BD: What sound or noise do you hate?
BEZ: Loud breathers (again)
BD: If you could have drinks with any author or literary figure, who would you invite?
BEZ: Stephen King but he doesn’t drink does he?
BD: What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
BEZ: Let’s see, I’ve tried business, the food industry, music, writing…I guess I would say decorating. I enjoy home improvement.
BD: What profession would you not like to do?
BEZ: Plumber
BD: What would you choose for your last meal?
BEZ: Oh…so final…well, there would have to be mac and cheese involved, definitely.
Bonus Questions
BD: What is your favorite curse word?
BEZ: I’m pretty fond of fucktard
BD: If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and could only bring one book, which would you bring?
BEZ: Maybe I could cheat and bring my Kindle? If I can bring only one actual book I think I’d choose The Stand…it’s long, it has a lot of characters and it’s one of my all time favorites.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us, Brenda!
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