What’s beyond the wall?

Recently, I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of Shari Lopatin’s debut novel, The Apollo Illusion, which is due to be released on May 19, 2018.

I have been reading her blog for many years, so jumped at the chance to check our her first novel.  I found it to be an enjoyable read and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading.

The Apollo Illusion is an enthralling dystopian story.  Once I started reading, I could not put it down.  The story is compelling and holds your attention to the very end.  In a George Orwell-type of way, this story makes you think about the future of society, especially given today’s climate about truth, privacy, and privilege.

The story is well-written and captivating.  You are immediately sucked into the lives of the characters.  Shari weaves together mystery, political commentary, and ordinary life into a believable story about a girl who is seeking the truth about what lies beyond the towering wall surrounding her home state of Apollo.

The Apollo Illusion will leave you with many issues to think about, such as the control of information and the power of propaganda, both of which are hot topics in today’s society.  I believe the story does present extremes of both sides, but it does give one a glimpse into what society could become if we go too far in any direction.

Lastly, though The Apollo Illusion does contain a little bit of language and one “steamy” scene, none of it detracts from the story nor was it overly excessive.  It is obvious it wasn’t placed in for shock value, but what was needed for the characters and story line to move forward.

I hope you’ll give this novel a chance. Check out the trailer and pre-order links below.

The Apollo Illusion, is now available for pre-order for just $2.99!  The Apollo Illusion may increase in price after launch.  So grab it now while you’re only splurging a couple of bucks on an “unknown author” and the book that piqued your curiosity.

You can pre-order the book using one of the following links:

• Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BQHMFVP?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660
• Barnes and Noble (Nook): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1128311975?ean=2940155190738
• iBooks (Apple): https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/x/id1365130036
• Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-apollo-illusion
• Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/807934

The paperback will be available upon launch on May 19, so sign up for Shari Lopatin’s email list, “The Readers Club,” at http://eepurl.com/c_M_0L to be notified the moment print copies go on sale.

Shari Lopatin can be found on social media at the following places:

• Facebook, http://www.facebook.com/sharilopatin (@sharilopatin)
• Instagram, http://www.instagram.com/sharilopatin (@sharilopatin)
• Blog and website, http://www.ShariLopatin.com

I got an iPad Mini!

Ok, so most people probably don’t care, but I was surprised to get an iPad today. I was resting in bed, trying to get rid of a cold when UPS came knocking. My niece had graciously purchased and sent one to me. I just had to try it out with my WordPress blog, so I’m writing this post with my new device.

I find it interesting how easy it is to get used to using a specific device and, when a new one comes along, you have to get everything just right to use the new one. I loaded most of my apps onto this device that are currently on my 2nd gen iPod Touch. I’m still a bit lost because everything is in a different place, at least until I finish rearranging them all.

It’s a new adventure and I can’t wait to compose more blog posts on my iPad. What about you? What’s your favorite device to use for composing your blog posts?

What’s the point?

I have been struggling to find time to write. Letters, blog posts, emails to friends; there seems to be no space in my days to write anything. So that leaves me with a question I’ve been pondering about my blog: What’s the point?

What’s the point of having a blog, if I don’t have time to post to it? Am I writing solely for myself or am I trying to capture the attention of an audience? Do I even have material worthy of an audience? I’m not expecting to have thousands of fans or win a popularity contest, so why do I feel like it’s so important to get the right content on this blog? What’s my reason for blogging?

I have more questions than answers, and that bothers me. I still don’t have a particular purpose for my blog, except as maybe a  journal of sorts. I like to write, but I’d like what I write to be meaningful and not just a bunch of drivel. Maybe I’m getting too hung up on finding the perfect material that I just don’t post at all.

Maybe the point of blogging, for me, is so that I can reflect back on thoughts and feelings and share a bit of my introverted self with others. Isn’t that the point for us all?