Barb, huh I'm not sure how to take that review. I rarely read reviews but it looks to me like a quick recitation of stuff that happens with a couple vague comments about how the reviewer thinks it flows. Not really bad or really good.

Yeah, but see the art of using a review is in getting a pull quote. For example, this is what my publisher is likely to use:

"In a gasp-out-loud moment, the novel takes a shocking turn then moves at a swift pace as all the loose ends are neatly tied up."

Or perhaps,

“Soledad’s first-person narration feels authentic.”

The first one, in particular, will capture people's attention-- most people won't go to look for the full review or care about it. But they might see that quote, with Kirkus attached to it and at least take a second look.

Considering that Kirkus has a history of absolutely eviscerating people (as a friend of mine said, "You're nobody until Kirkus hates you,") the fact that I have something positive I can pull from it is definitely a win.

Plei, would lithotripsy help with the stone? When Hubby had renal shutdown because of a ginormous stone, they had to lithotripsy the thing.

Good deal, Barb!! My sister works at Border's, and I've persuaded her to face your book out on the shelves when it gets there.

Good deal, Barb!! My sister works at Border's, and I've persuaded her to face your book out on the shelves when it gets there.

the fact that I have something positive I can pull from it is definitely a win.

Shiny! The review clearly didn't eviscerate! And yes it has some very nice quotes.

I know I wouldn't be able to take bad reviews no matter how common. Good thing I don't get reviewed because I suck at taking criticism.

Skim. Skimminy Skim Skim skimroo. I had to skim like 4 days worth I think. Too. Much. At. Work. Poor student. WAY over her head. Not a good thing for a 3rd year MFA student. And has absorbed ALL my time. I am like 150 e-mails behind at work. Not cool. Missed a morning meeting yesterday. Blargh. Today is a holiday, and I'm going in for a couple hours to work on e-mails and stuff. Either way, my brain hurts, and stressing about the rest of the quarter.

Tons and tons of ~ma to everyone! Too much to pull a Meara.

Barb, I'm sorry about crazy lady. I keep trying to google her, but apparently I haven't quite figured out who she is. I blame all the stress mentioned above. But happy you got some good quotes for your dust jacket!

OK, off to work.... uggggg.

So bored. I've got one student taking an exam, and I have nothing to do but just sit here until he finishes. I've already answered all my emails and planned my classes for tomorrow, and I've run out of internet.

Good deal, Barb!! My sister works at Border's, and I've persuaded her to face your book out on the shelves when it gets there.

You're a goddess-- but then, you knew that.

I know I wouldn't be able to take bad reviews no matter how common. Good thing I don't get reviewed because I suck at taking criticism.

Oh, they're definitely neuroses-making. And taking criticism is definitely an up-and-down thing for me. I like to think I can take most criticism well, but it's been a learned thing. And it definitely doesn't always roll off my back.

Finally! The plumber is coming to fix the toilet. I think I mentioned the flaking out dude? Call me at 8pm when you get home, and says be there in an hour, and never shows? Will it's been a week (busy week, low priority), so I e-mailed the property management folks. They are sending Roto-Plumber or something. Just as I was about to leave, I get the message. Hopefully be here in an hour. Guess I'm not going in to work today.

Also, it looks like Rudy, the building maintanence guy that was real nice, but took bloody forever to do anything (because of talking all the time) has been sacked. Which is mixed feelings. he was a nice guy, but damn it, I want the shit fixed!

OK, time to find food within the apartment!

Oh, and for the cat folks out there: [link]