before we get started...

I’m a structure junky.

I admit it. I’ll also admit that I like Format & Structure, mostly so that I can ignore and roll my eyes at them. Since I’m admitting that, I’ll also admit that Format & Structure are useful because they allow us the opportunity to get comfortable. Things (and, for that matter, people) that always change might excite us and cause our senses to tingle, but they often leave us wary and on edge, a little off-balance. That's not to say that that sense of vertigo is always a bad thing. Sometimes it is what actors and authors require, even demand, from their audience. I, most certainly, don't. I want to bring you into my space, talk about something that I love, and inspire you to drink from my loving cup. Thus, I format.

THE FORMAT, in five parts.

Part I: Infrastructure. Why yes, we do judge a book by its cover.

Certainly, the contents are more important than any other part, but, though we are loathe to admit it, we judge books by their cover more often than not. I’m going to get into the nitty-gritty of cover art and book format. Possibly looking at other versions and even the dust jacket notes. Just like we eat with our eyes first, I think we experience books first with the act of consuming the cover.

Part II: Summary. Just the facts, ma’am.

There’s not much to say about this. The goal is going to be two parts: first, a “seven word summary” (I need the practice) and, second, a fuller description of the plot, outlining in most cases, where it fits into it’s series. Nothing fancy, but it is necessary.

Part III: Characters. What’s a fruit salad without a few nuts?

This will talk specifically about the character development of our series regulars and highlight interesting cameos. I’m hoping to show continuity (or incongruity!) and a deepening understanding and awareness of the characters. Quite frankly, I’m hoping to describe my relationship with them as they develop.

Part IV: References. Pop goes the culture!

Most of JB’s books take place in the 50’s in middle America. A veteran of the Catholic-school system, in my 30s, with a mad love for late 50’s, early 60’s pop-culture, I still find references that it takes a bit to understand. I’ll do the leg work and post pictures and descriptions of things that might make a younger reader scratch their head. I’ll also translate any Latin that needs it. (I’ve got my old Latin-English dictionary here, somewhere. Semper ubi sub ubi to all you Latin nerds!)

Part V: Rating. It’s pathological.

Seriously, it is. Everything gets a rating these days, and while I feel grossly unqualified to “rate” the books of one my literary heroes, I also feel absolutely compelled to do it. Thus, I will introduce a rating in three parts:

Overall Likeability. This shall be rated on a scale of one to five, wherein one equals a root canal and five equals an icy glass of tea on a breezy spring day. I might recalibrate as necessary.

Character Development. This shall be rated on a scale from one to five, wherein one equals “Who are you?” and five equals “as familiar as the mole on my Tia Chencha’s nose.” (see above re: recalibration)

Spooktacularity™. This shall be rated on a scale from one to five, wherein one equals “Seriously, dude, take off the sheet. I need to do laundry,” and five equals “Um… I think I’ll just leave the light on, tonight, if that’s okay with you.”

Well, boys and girls, that’s my plan of action. Let’s see how it plays out and whether I’m happy with it after a few books, especially since the first book I’m reviewing is so very different than all those that will follow.

bellariously yours,

m-s