Showing posts with label nonfiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nonfiction. Show all posts

Thursday, July 3, 2025

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Read full post: Unveiling 'Talk of the Devil': Ian Fleming's Lesser-Known Writings

Unveiling 'Talk of the Devil': Ian Fleming's Lesser-Known Writings


TALK OF THE DEVIL 
The Collected Writings of Ian Fleming 
by Ian Fleming 
William Morrow, 2025 
★★★★★ 

A fascinating collection of rarely seen journalism and other writings by Ian Fleming, author of the James Bond series.

Ian Fleming was best known for bringing to life the legendary character of James Bond, one of the most beloved and enduring icons of our time, but he was perhaps even more interesting than his creation. His career in Naval Intelligence and extensive travels around the world gave Fleming a keen eye and the authority to write on a wide range of topics beyond Bond’s adventures.

This collection contains a selection of journalism and other writings by Fleming, covering his wartime experiences, reflections on crime and espionage, and the process of writing his novels, among other topics. Readers will feel like they are right beside Fleming, immersed in his world as he works to meet the deadline for his next Bond novel, or participates in a mortifying golf tournament, or befriends an octopus in his beloved Jamaica. A black-and-white photo insert gives dimension to the man behind the myth, bringing life to his words and providing a unique glimpse into Fleming’s world.

Dear Readers,

Ian Fleming (1908-1964) stands out as one of the literary greats, best known as the creator and original author of the iconic 007 James Bond spy thrillers. These stories received Hollywood adaptations, some loosely, into twenty-seven blockbuster films to date, including 1967's Casino Royale and 1983's Never Say Never Again. While modern readers might label his writing as outdated, I see Fleming as a poetic author and a master of the spy genre. His 007 novels, published in the 1950s, reflect the attitudes of their time—yes, Bond can come off as a bit sexist or racist—but the gripping plots, thrilling action, and compelling villains remain captivating even today. 

William Morrow has recently released Talk of the Devil: The Collected Writings of Ian Fleming, featuring an introduction by Adam Gopnik that some might find overly elaborate. A limited edition of Talk of the Devil was previously published in 2008 by Queen Anne Press and has since sold out. This new edition showcases Ian Fleming's journalism and other non-fiction works, including his 1941 memo to Colonel ‘Wild Bill’ Donovan regarding the creation of the Office of Strategic Services. There are two short stories: A Poor Man Escapes and The Shameful Dream, as well as several black-and-white photos of Fleming himself. 

To appreciate Talk of the Devil, you have to be a fan of Ian Fleming. The collection has expertly crafted short stories, articles, and essays. As a fellow 007 enthusiast, I particularly enjoy The Guns of James Bond, published in Sports Illustrated in March 1962 as 'James Bond's Hardware,' Bang Bang, Kiss Kiss: How I Came to Write Casino Royale, written in 1956, and Raymond Chandler, which recounts Fleming's friendship with the esteemed author, published in the London Magazine in December 1959. 

In conclusion, Talk of the Devil offers an intriguing glimpse into Ian Fleming's writings that many readers may not have encountered before. I highly recommend it to fellow Fleming fans and all those who love the adventures of James Bond.

⁓B.J. Burgess

Hey there! Just a little note: I’m an Amazon Associate, which means I earn a small commission when you purchase books through my links. If you enjoy the content on this blog and would like to show your support, consider grabbing a copy of the book here. It really helps me out, and I truly appreciate it! Thank you so much for your support!

Thursday, June 26, 2025

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Read full post: Gunsmoke & Grit: Is This the End of Tom Clavin's Wild West Chronicles?

Gunsmoke & Grit: Is This the End of Tom Clavin's Wild West Chronicles?


Dear Western Readers, 

Bandit Heaven is billed as the "final chapter of the Wild West" on its cover. However, it makes me wonder, is this truly Tom Clavin's last book about the Wild West? Given his extensive writing on the subject, I wouldn't be surprised if he discovers another fascinating 1800s topic that inspires him to pen yet another volume.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

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Read full post: [Review] — Bill O'Reilly's CONFRONTING THE PRESIDENTS

[Review] — Bill O'Reilly's CONFRONTING THE PRESIDENTS


The political tension in this country is building up as the presidential election approaches. In response, I wanted to read a nonfiction book called "CONFRONTING THE PRESIDENTS: NO SPIN ASSESSMENTS FROM WASHINGTON TO BIDEN." This book is published by St. Martin's Press and written by bestselling authors Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

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Read full post: [Review] - 'Nightmare Fuel: The Science of Horror Films' by Nina Nesseth

[Review] - 'Nightmare Fuel: The Science of Horror Films' by Nina Nesseth


Were you ever labeled as different or weird because of your love for horror movies? I can't speak for anyone else, but my answer is yes. I was the loner kid reading used horror paperbacks during high school lunch. Instead of going to a football game on Friday nights, I was alone in my bedroom watching rented VHS horror flicks while eating cheesy pizza and rotting my teeth on soda. Not once did I wonder why I loved scary movies, though, at the time, my mother was worried I would become a serial killer like Michael Myers. It's twenty-five years later, and I can assure everyone that my fascination with all things horror didn't affect me — too much.

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

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Read full post: Review - Ripley's Believe It or Not! Mind Blown!

Review - Ripley's Believe It or Not! Mind Blown!


Many weeks ago, I received the newest Ripley's Believe It or Not! annual, "Mind Blown!" And to be completely honest, I was surprised the 17th annual was released. If you aren't living under a rock, then you would know 2020 has been downright horrible with the pandemic, riots, lockdowns, and elections. So, it's impressive that Ripley Publishing was able to put together another edition full of new astonishing and weird facts from around the world.

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

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Read full post: Review - Paperbacks from Hell

Review - Paperbacks from Hell



Bullied and feeling like an outcast during all of my high school years in the late '90s, I fell in love with the horror novels. I was already reading R.L. Stine, Christopher Pike, and dozen of other YA thrillers by the time I started reading Stephen King novels in junior high. While I was still reading King during high school, I later fell in love with  Anne Rice's erotic vampire tales, John Saul's creepy paperbacks, and Clive Barker's bloody stories.

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

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Read full post: Holiday Gift Guide: How To Be A Perfect Christian

Holiday Gift Guide: How To Be A Perfect Christian






AMAZON
Since I started this blog nearly ten years ago, I get a lot of random books sent to me. When I say random, I'm talking about books I had never requesedt to review, which includes the satire How To Be A Perfect Christian by The Babylon Bee (Multnomah; $19.99).

Here's the blurb from the back cover:


Do you dream of becoming the poster kid for Christian perfection? Then get ready to be baptized in the glorious waters of modern Christian Culture!

How to Be a Perfect Christian is a step-by-step guide to grow you up from a clueless Christ-follower into a supercharged megabeliever. Discover how to:

*Join The Right Church - See how to ditch that group of hopeless losers holding you back and find a church that's built around you.

 *Vet Your Pastor - Assess his command of sermon acronyms and alliteration - plus his grasp of dynamic gestures.

*Worship Like A Pro - Find out how to have a worship experience that leaves you with that all-important, addicting emotional high.

*Do Life Together - Master the art of never letting anyone get close enough to your life to see what a mess it is below the surface.

Wait! There's Much More - like acting the church potluck and serving the church without lifting a finger. This book is filled with everything you need to be your best spiritual self, even a free inspirational coloring page!


Final Thoughts

Thursday, March 15, 2018

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Read full post: Review - How To Listen So People Will Talk

Review - How To Listen So People Will Talk



Bethany House; 175 pages; Amazon

I don't read very many non-fiction titles, but for some reason I did sign up to review a few "personal growth" titles last year; including "How To Listen So People Will Talk" by Becky Harling.

Published by Bethany House, the author explains to you why listening to others can help strengthen any relationship and to help strengthen your own compassion.

The book is under 200 pages and is a fast read (well, at least for me it was a fast read). There are 10 chapters, where the author uses her own personal stories and scriptures from the Bible to explain why it's important to listen to spouses, family members, girlfriend or boyfriend, friends, or complete strangers. There are exercises and questions to answer at the end of each chapter.





Final Thoughts

Monday, December 12, 2016

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Read full post: Review - The Magnolia Story

Review - The Magnolia Story


The Magnolia Story
by Chip and Joanna Gaines
with Mark Dagostino



Publisher: W Publishing Group
Pub. Date: October 18, 2016
Retail: $26.99
ISBN: 978-0718079185
Pages: 208



Where to Purchase:



About the Title:

Are you ready to see your fixer upper?

These famous words are now synonymous with the dynamic husband-and-wife team Chip and Joanna Gaines, stars of HGTV’s Fixer Upper. As this question fills the airwaves with anticipation, their legions of fans continue to multiply and ask a different series of questions, like—Who are these people?What’s the secret to their success? And is Chip actually that funny in real life? By renovating homes in Waco, Texas, and changing lives in such a winsome and engaging way, Chip and Joanna have become more than just the stars of Fixer Upper, they have become America’s new best friends.

The Magnolia Story is the first book from Chip and Joanna, offering their fans a detailed look at their life together. From the very first renovation project they ever tackled together, to the project that nearly cost them everything; from the childhood memories that shaped them, to the twists and turns that led them to the life they share on the farm today.

They both attended Baylor University in Waco. However, their paths did not cross until Chip checked his car into the local Firestone tire shop where Joanna worked behind the counter. Even back then Chip was a serial entrepreneur who, among other things, ran a lawn care company, sold fireworks, and flipped houses. Soon they were married and living in their first fixer upper. Four children and countless renovations later, Joanna garners the attention of a television producer who notices her work on a blog one day.

Monday, February 15, 2016

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Read full post: Review - The Good, The Bad, and the Grace of God

Review - The Good, The Bad, and the Grace of God



Pub. by Thomas Nelson; 240 pages; Amazon
Description: A Moving Story of Redemption and Second Chances. Jep Robertson, the youngest son of Duck Commander Phil Robertson, and his wife, Jessica, open up about their personal trials, their early years together, and the challenges that might have destroyed them both had the grace of God not intervened. Jep describes being molested as a child and his reluctance to tell anyone until only a few years ago, his downward spiral into drug and alcohol abuse, and the eventual intervention of his family. Jessica shares about the difficult failure of her first marriage while still a teenager and the hurt that came along with it, much of it from the church. Her insecurities spun out of control as she wondered whether she would ever be good enough or pretty enough. This book is their love story but, more importantly, their love story for God. 'We are desperate to let people know that no matter what you've done; no matter what you've lived through, you can come out of it. You can be washed clean. You are redeemed.'

Final Thoughts: I've never really understood the appeal of so-called reality television; though my grandmother watches about every show that is on cable. She's the one that got me interested in watching Duck Dynasty of A&E a few years ago. While many of the episodes clearly look staged, the shows is funny. Plus, the Robertson clan seem to be nice people.

Anway, the Robertson family has co-written many non-fiction titles over the last two years, including last year's The Good, The Bad, and the Grace of God, which is written by the youngest Robertson Jep and his wife Jessica with a little help from author Susy Flory.

Monday, April 14, 2014

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Read full post: Review - Entertain Like A Gentleman

Review - Entertain Like A Gentleman




Entertain Like A Gentleman
by David Harp
Publisher: New Year Publishing
Pub. Date: January 1, 2011
Retail: $21.95
ISBN: 978-1935547181
Pages: 228

Buy Links:


Book Description:

Knowing how to entertain for that special date or for a large crowd is the epitome of being a gentleman. There is no stronger way to impress someone than by showcasing your culinary skills. Bachelor Chef and culinary instructor David Harap has created a series of menus that any man can make his own. This book helps men create unforgettable meals for their guests without stress or needing years of cooking school. In addition to many exciting recipes for every occasion, that are tons of tips and secrets on how to become the ultimate host. Memorable meals made easy.

About the Author:

Culinary instructor David Harap has a passion for food and cooking since he was a child. Working in commercial kitchens and catering halls to help put himself through Cornell University, David built a solid knowledge base of culinary fundamentals. His cooking style is very much influenced by his global travels and blends international culinary techniques with local and seasonal products. David teaches a wide range of classes, including many on entertaining, at the Central Market Cooking School and hosts an underground supper club, Austin Bite Club. He is also a partner with Stanton Chase International, a leading global executive search firm.

Review:

Thursday, April 3, 2014

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Read full post: Review - The Juice Lady's Remedies For Stress & Adrenal Fatigue

Review - The Juice Lady's Remedies For Stress & Adrenal Fatigue





The Juice Lady's Remedies For Stress & Adrenal Fatigue
By Cherie Calbom, MS, CN
Publisher: Siloam
Pub. Date: January 7, 2014
Retail: $12.99
ISBN: 978-1621365679
Pages: 144

Buy Link:

Description:

Don’t let stress ruin your health. Fight back with these all-natural juice remedies. You don’t have to suffer with the effects of stress and exhaustion. By simply adding more raw food to your diet, you increase your intake of essential nutrients and decrease the harmful effects of stress and adrenal fatigue on your body. With recipes and recommendations for healing teas, juices, and smoothies, this quick-reference guide helps you naturally repair, rejuvenate, and reclaim your health. You also get valuable tips on stopping stress and adrenal fatigue at the source, including: · The connection between chronic stress and adrenal fatigue · Practical ways to lower your stress levels · Nine common symptoms of adrenal fatigue · Seven steps you can take to combat stress eating, and more!

About the Author:

Cherie Calbom, MS, is the author of The Juice Lady’s Turbo Diet, The Juice Lady’s Living Foods Revolution, and Juicing for Life, which has nearly two million books in print in the United States. Known as “The Juice Lady” for her work with juicing and health, Cherie has taped HealthWatch for CNN and has appeared in Shape, First for Women, Women’s World, Men’s Journal, Vogue, Quick & Simple, Marie Claire, and Elle Canada. Cherie earned a master’s degree in nutrition from Bastyr University, where she now serves on the Board of Regents, and has practiced as a clinical nutritionist at St. Luke Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington.

Review:

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

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Read full post: Review - What's So Funny? My Hilarious Life by Tim Conway

Review - What's So Funny? My Hilarious Life by Tim Conway

What's So Funny? My Hilarious Life
By Tim Conway with Jan eCovell
Publisher: Howard Books
Pub. Date: October 29, 2013
ISBN: 978-1476726502
Pages: 272

Review:

Television has definitely changed over the past decades, while the networks crank out ridiculous reality shows, overly hyped police procedures and raunchy sitcoms, the cable channels are producing high quality, well-scripted dramas. This is all great, but I'm sure many people would rather watch a decent comedy with their entire family, instead of sending the kids out of the room every time a Charlie Sheen sitcom starts. Recently, Time Life started releasing the classic variety show, The Carol Burnett Show, which featured funnyman, Tim Conway. Tim is releasing his memoir, What's So Funny? My Hilarious Life, with a foreword by Carol Burnett.

Tim came into the world with the name Toma Conway written on his birth certificate, but it was later correctly changed to Thomas Daniel Conway. His father was an Irishman named Daniel Conway and his mother was from Romanian ancestry named Sophia Murgoi. Growing up an only child in Ohio, Tim picked up sewing from his mother. Despite his family being poor, he had loving parents and had a normal childhood.

After high school, Tim majored in speech and radio at Bowling Green State University. After college he had a two-year stint in the Army. Unsure about his future, he stumbled into the radio world by taking a job in the promotional department at a Cleveland radio station, which was his first break into the world of entertainment. He moved his way up into the radio business and eventually took his talents on television with sketches on The Steve Allen Show, which lead to him being cast as Ensign Charles Parker on McHale's Navy.

Thursday, August 23, 2012

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Read full post: Review - Tea Party Culture War

Review - Tea Party Culture War

Tea Party Culture War
By: Stephen Johnston, B.S., J.D.
Publisher:WinePress Publishing
ISBN: 978-1414121239
Pub Date: November 3, 2011
Pages: 232
Buy Link: http://ow.ly/cwJ1f
Blog Tour Link: http://litfusegroup.com/blogtours/13522880

With one of the most important Presidential Elections less than sixty days away, there is probably going to be dozens of political books coming out onto the market in the fall about Republicans and Democrats. Late last year author Stephen Johnston, B.S., J.D. brought out the Tea Party Culture War: A Clash of Worldviews.

The author goes in detail about how the Tea Party started, thanks to United States citizens who wants their voices heard on how this country should be run. He touches on the subjects of Liberalism and Postmodernism in America, the poorly constructed education system, our economic downfall, the loss of morality in our country, the attacks against our families, our declining oil reserves, and the war against Christianity.

Thursday, July 19, 2012

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Read full post: Review - Cancer on the Brain

Review - Cancer on the Brain

Cancer on the Brain
By: Jay Lefevers
Publisher: Emerald Book Co.
Pub Date: June 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1937110246
Pages: 240



    When I signed up to review Cancer on the Brain, courtesy of Emerald Book Company in exchange for an honest review, I really didn’t know what expect as I don’t read memoirs, but I thought I would give the memoir genre a try. Surprisingly the author never tries to push a spiritual revelation onto the reader, but instead he uses humor, and creative narration to tell his inspirational journey.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

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Read full post: Review - StoryBranding

Review - StoryBranding


StoryBranding: Creating Standout Brands Through the Power of Story
BY: Jim Signorelli
PUBLISHED BY: GreenLeaf Book Group Press
PUBLISHED IN: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-60832-145-2
Pages: 234
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

        



I thought I would expand my reading by signing up to review this book from GreenLeaf Book Group Press, whom kindly sent me a complimentary copy. After viewing the ridiculous high priced Super Bowl commercials, I flipped opened StoryBranding without any other knowledge on marketing. The book is in nonprofessional’s terms, along with a few quirky diagrams, so you do not have to be a marketing genius to understand it. Jim Signorelli’s view of marketing is simpler than you may think.

In today’s economy, consumers are not going to waste their money on pointless products. They spend their money on things their family needs. Companies hire marketing agencies to sell their products to consumers, which can be difficult if the consumers cannot connect with the product. The product needs to tell the truth, as us customers are tired of lies. Jim Signorelli uses new, but simple ways of marketing to today’s customers by telling the story of the product/brand. You cannot just have an expensive flashy advertisement; most customers would be put off by it. It is like telling me to buy, when you should be showing me why I want to buy this brand.

It took me longer to finish this book, because of several dry chapters. In addition, at times I thought the chapters repeated the same information. StoryBranding is primary aimed for marketers and brand owners, but small business owners, writers, and bloggers can easily find the book useful. Honestly, I did not find StoryBranding to be groundbreaking. I am not in marketing, but I found most of the information to be common sense. After viewing recent commercials/advertisements, in my opinion, it seems brands have lost their creative edge and they have no idea what the consumers want. Maybe, if they had some common sense they will read StoryBranding.