As someone who would rather read a good book than watch some of the junk on tv, I welcome you to my "bookshelf". The goal of this page is to provide a neutral ground for the reviews and critiques of books by visitors to this site. As the page grows, I plan on categorizing the contents to make it easy to find what you are looking for.
I would like to state a few disclaimers and suggestions before I continue.
It was some time ago that a colleague of mine threw a book on my desk and said, “Read this. He may not look like a writer, but damn can he write!” I looked down at the cover, which was striking. The title of the book too sounded interesting. David Rehak. Hmm, never heard of him. I flipped it over and checked out the back cover blurb and photo. Wow, he looks pretty young to be published. But my friend’s enthusiastic words about the book didn’t really resonate with me. She and I don’t usually have the same taste in books and such, so I wasn’t filled with any strong desire to read it, just a mild lingering curiosity. I told her I’d probably get around to it when I found the time. I had this sneaking feeling that this young man was published more for his good looks and the sensational nature of his novel rather than any real substantial worthwhile reason. I had good reason to feel that way. I’ve seen other so-called promising new authors come and go, unable to live up to the hype. I had no reason to expect anything different this time around.
The book is called “A Young Girl’s Crimes”, set in circa-1970 Canada and allegedly based on fact. It's the story of a young woman who lives with her wealthy father in a cold, repressive and oppressive environment. She rebels and lashes out in violent and sexual ways. Then she meets someone who actually shows her love for the first time. But by this stage, she is morally tainted and it’s only a matter of time before her deep dark secret is out.
It took me many weeks to finally get to this book, although normally I read at least one book a week. I was bored and there was nothing on TV. I sat up in bed and began to read. The first thing that struck me was Mr. Rehak’s style. He claims to be a disciple of French writer Maupassant. He seems to have learned from the French writer’s style and takes brevity to an extreme I have never seen before. He manages to say everything in the fewest number of words, and keeps the story going at a lightning pace. Unnecessary descriptions and atmosphere are kept at a minimum, used only where needed. This is certainly a different style of writing to that which I’m accustomed to. One might even call it minimalist. Realistic minimalism? The clarity and simplicity of the style is balanced with substance, i.e. philosophical and spiritual undertones. These are presented in a manner that is easy to understand and interesting, not in a dry or academic way. Also, while the simplicity of it makes this book accessible and un-intimidating to the average reader, the story itself is a real treat! I literally got hot flashes and goosebumps as I read this book. I had that great rare feeling I get when I’m reading something I’m deeply enjoying. The characters and plot kept me very hooked. It just kept getting better and better. Due to the fact that the book is written in such an incredibly readable style and the story is so gripping, for long spaces of time I hardly knew I was reading, frankly. I was just absorbed in it.
“A Young Girl’s Crimes” is available online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble, as well as some bookstores. I heartily recommend it. A linkhe author's personal webpage is listed below. I do hope very much that this uniquely talented new author is not a fading one-hit wonder. I want to know when his next book is coming out! Yes, I plead guilty to having judged him by his book cover when I first saw it. I won’t be making that mistake again.
Category: Reality-based crime fiction
Author Web Sites
David Rehak, author of "A Young Girl's Crimes"
The "Three Cs" of the Bookshelf: