Book Review: Forever Young: Blessing or Curse
I have been on the AARP mailing list for a little while now. Not only does my body not do the things I once could, it makes the most interesting noises when I try. So the concept of a Fountain of Youth, the ability to return to a younger version of me with all the wisdom of the older me, has a certain appeal. In Forever Young: Blessing or Curse, Morgan Mandel has fashioned an intriguing story about an experimental pill that promises to transform the user's body back in time. The heroine of the story, a 50-something widow named Dorrie Donato, returns to her dream self, a young and vital woman in her mid twenties, and enjoys all the perks associated with her relived youth. And her late husband’s boss is right there by her side, showing her all the advantages that youth and beauty hold for the woman willing to take the Forever Young pill.
Little does she know the cost of being forever young, and the role her husband’s research into the drug played in his untimely death. Not until she is seduced, drugged and rendered pregnant by the enigmatic Angel Man, the man who introduced her to Forever Young, does she find the hidden secrets of her husband’s death, and her blessing becomes her curse.
Morgan Mandel weaves a story of romance, intrigue and suspense deftly blended with a true artist’s touch. It is an enjoyable story, with characters you care about and a truly satisfying ending. A self-published book, Forever Young is well done with good editing, a sterling sense of pacing, and is well worth a place on your reading list. Ms. Mandel's book makes the point that self-published books need not take a backseat to traditional publishing. A good read, an enjoyable story well told, doesn’t need a big publishing house.
ah! on AARP list too, Ron. Makes me sigh to see that thing in the mail.
ReplyDeleteYay for Morgan!
Kim I gave a talk to a bunch of aspiring flash fiction writers last week, and explained the various ways to get published, including self publishing. At one time, not very long ago, there was such a stigma attached to it, it was almost discouraging. Somany did, and to a certain extent still do, view a self-pubbed work as somehow inferior. Morgan is a true example of what a creative story, an willing author, and gifted editor can do to thoroughly blast stereotypes of the genre.
ReplyDeleteRon, this sounds like an interesting novel, thanks much for the review! I was in the hospital a few weeks ago at my wife's side, and one of the nurses was talking about a program she might qualify for, called "geriatric" something or other. We looked at each other with shock! She said, "Oh, if you're over 55, you're considered geriatric." My, my. And I thought sixty was the new forty!!!!
ReplyDelete(I'm still only 11 inside anyway, so who cares?)
Ah, be careful what you wish for. Sounds like a great read, Ron. I've known Morgan for several years, know her good reputation, and I'm not surprised that she produced a quality book! Thanks so much for sharing the review.
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing such a wonderful review, Ron!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed my thriller.
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
Morgan, the pleasure was all mine. And Marta, I said the same thing the whole time I was reading it!
ReplyDelete