Adrione N. Council

Beyond the Miracle Worker: The Remarkable Life of Anne Sullivan Macy and Her Extraordinary Friendship with Helen Keller

admin — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:03:00 +0000

As a child, I was very intrigued by the life and story of Helen Keller. Though she was deaf, blind, and initially mute, she went on to live a full life: graduating college and publishing books. While Helen Keller’s remarkable story has served as an inspiration to us all, there is an even more remarkable story in her teacher Anne Sullivan Macy.

I did not know much about Macy aside from her being the person who opened up Keller’s world and became her life-long companion. I had no knowledge of the years before meeting Keller, the circumstances that brought Macy into Keller’s life, and Macy’s personal life. Nielsen has written a biography that finally does Macy justice, allowing us into world to show us the woman she truly was.

The life story of Anne Sullivan Macy is that of a woman who came from poor beginnings. Her poor eyesight plagued her most of her life and was a constant ailment in her later years, though she never outwardly complained. Macy lived in Helen Keller’s shadow for so many years, so it is hard to imagine that Macy had her autonomy. It was great to read a biography that focuses on Macy’s life.

Growing up in poverty, it is great to see how Macy’s strong spirit prevails through all of the hardships she endured. Nielsen has written a very humanizing story, one that gives Macy the limelight, when she depended on Helen Keller for so much of her life. Nielsen also does not attempt to fictionalize any part of the biography, but instead tells the reader when she does not have information in a certain time frame. Overall, I found Beyond the Miracle Worker to be a very inspirational one of a woman who has been widely overlooked in history and literature.

Written by: Adrione N. Council, November 18th 2009

Unusual Suspects: Stories of Mystery and Fantasy

admin — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:36:00 +0000

Edited by Dana Stabenow

Ace Books

Unusual Suspects is an eclectic assortment of stories ranging from mystery to the supernatural. Editor Dana Stabenow, also a contributing author, and eleven others lend their twelve tales to this compilation. The collection is heavy on the fantasy and even heavier on the entertainment. While each story had a different theme, they all came together to form a cohesive collection.

Within the pages of this book, you are bound to encounter all sorts of characters and situations, some you may already be familiar with. I was excited to read the new Sookie Stackhouse story by Charlaine Harris, as I am familiar with her work with the Southern Vampire Mysteries series. Harris does not disappoint either as we find Sookie and her roommate and friend Amelia investigating Insurance company break-ins. The two characters just may need a little bit of luck to help them out in this mystery...

Another story that I particularly loved was “The House of Seven Spirits” by Sharon Shinn. This isn’t your average ghost story with the balls and chains and gore, but one that is lighter and a bit more on the comedic side. The narrator must solve the mystery of the murders that occurred in the house so that all of the spirits can be set free. The story has a surprise ending as well, which I did not see coming.

With each story, your senses will be immersed into the world of fantasy that each author weaves and creates. You’ll find out what Santa Claus does on his vacation and what happens when a serial killer is on the loose in Nightside, a short story from the Nightside series by Simon Green. I truly enjoyed this compilation of contemporary fiction.

Written by: Adrione N. Council, March 26th 2009

Wild Mercy

admin — Sat, 14 Apr 2007 17:18:00 +0000

By Elizabeth Cunningham

Creatrix Books

Wild Mercy is a compilation of poetry that is directly inspired by the art of Tarot. It is artfully written and beautifully paced. Those unfamiliar with Tarot reading will definitely have their interest sparked and will appreciate Cunningham's exquisite execution of the collection. Wild Mercy had me spellbound from start to finish, with every poem being a unique spiritual endeavor. The journey of the compilation is unique in itself. Cunningham has divided the book into eight distinct parts, each part correlating with a specific Tarot card and are as follows: Empress, Hanged One, Moon, Judgement, Devil, Star, Hermit and Death. Cunningham imbeds some of her own life into each chapter. One I particularly loved was Devil, in which almost all of the poems were about her father.

The book possesses a free spirited feel of femininity and liberation. Each poem is definitely told from a woman's perspective and celebrates womanhood in all her moods, seasons and glory. Each themed chapter brings about a fresh new feel and mood which is perfect for different kinds of rituals or meditation. I have enjoyed my own journey with the book and feel doubly inspired. Cunningham approaches each poem from a position of strength, beauty and power, and each poem should inspire all who read them. Perfect for sharing or for leisurely reading, Wild Mercy is definitely for the free of heart.

Written by: Adrione N. Council, April 14th 2007

Bored of the Dance

admin — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 02:08:00 +0000

By Meisce

Fistolo Records

Punk rock infused with Irish folk slash gypsy rock slash drunken anthem is what you'll get when you listen to Meisce's Bored of the Dance. Lead singer Pete Jay has a very distinct vocal talent and offers a sharp contrast to the Irish folk rock of past. Jay's voice is reminiscent of that of the lead singer of a Russian heavy metal and industrial rock band Rammestein. Violins and mandolins are played fervently like electric guitars, and I can't say I've ever heard an accordion sound so hardcore. Hard and heavy is not what Meisce is all about though.

They show a softer side with "The Death of Michael Flatley," which is on Side A of their beautifully packaged 45. Starting off nice and easy with the accordion playing a delicate tune and Pete Jay crooning away, you could easily cuddle with your lover or take another sentimental swig of beer with one of your friends. But don't get too maudlin.

Meisce amps it up again for you hard rock fans with "Drunk & Alone" on the B-side. If you enjoy drinking and getting drunk - and songs about drinking and getting drunk - then you'll enjoy Meisce's Bored of the Dance. Let us not forget to mention the way they rock their instruments! I've seen accordions in a new light. Did I mention that Meisce was Gaelic for drunkenness or intoxication?

Written by: Adrione N. Council, April 11th 2007