Review of Sip Lake
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Andre Douglas
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Review of Sip Lake
[Following is a volunteer review of "Sip Lake" by joseph basara.]
In Joe Basara's Sip Lake, the main character, Owen Cloud, details a transitionary period in his life that involves finding employment, seeking love, and experiencing tragedy. Set in the Cypress Lake (referred to locally as Sip Lake) area of Florida in the late 1970s, the narrator tries to paint a picture of the prevailing cultural, social, and political climate of that time. From challenges faced by the reigning president to women becoming more liberated in their sexual choices, he manages to do an okay job. Along the way, the reader gets a blow by blow account of Cloud's daily interactions at - and outside of - work, including with his co-workers, friends, and other people he encounters along the way.
However, the plot rarely ever gets up beyond the level of mild interest. The author seems to rush through many areas of the story by focusing the writing mainly on the main character's every move, rather than building on his relationships with the other characters. Where there are supposed to be high points in the story, they appear to be glossed over rather than driven home. For example, when Marianne finally confesses her feelings to Owen, and when they end up kissing in the end, it feels anti-climatic.
While Basara does manage to generate some suspense regarding Owen Cloud's love interests (Tina, Marianne, Nikki, Christine), the story tends to be a bit too predictable for the average reader. Also, many of the attempts at humor fail to hit home, and the naming of many of the characters can be described as corny at best (Belle Glade? Cray Fisher? Rush Rivers?).
The story does manage to evoke some emotions along the way, particularly when the narrator loses his parents in an accident. But then again, the emotional impact is not as high as it should be because there is not much development relating to Owen's relationship with his mom and dad.
As it relates to the dialog, it is not always easy to keep up with who is saying what. The pacing and relevance appeared off at times as well.
In terms of typos, the few I came across were:
Typo 1: Better to be parodied, though, then to have to go through what the geese around here sometimes did (page 12).
Typo 2: I pulled its lever and- -cha-ching--its sound reminded me of something he’d read in the I Ching, the Book of Changes, that life was what we think it is, but that it is also always one thing more page 25
NB: I suspect it should have been "I'd read" instead of "he'd read."
Typo 3: “That’s for sure,” I agreed, gazing toward the nurses’ station where Laura Sanford standing page 59.
NB: Missing "was"
Typo 4: How, while in the grapes of youth, do two people form a bond lasting until they mature into wrinkled raisois? page 144
Another bit of the writing that appeared to be a minor error was the author using the spellings Nikki and Nicky for the same character at times.
Overall, I am giving Sip Lake a rating of 3 out of 5. The writing could have benefited from better plot and character development, which would have made it a more enjoyable read. However, the content is often interesting just enough to make the reader want to find out what happens in the end.
******
Sip Lake
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
In Joe Basara's Sip Lake, the main character, Owen Cloud, details a transitionary period in his life that involves finding employment, seeking love, and experiencing tragedy. Set in the Cypress Lake (referred to locally as Sip Lake) area of Florida in the late 1970s, the narrator tries to paint a picture of the prevailing cultural, social, and political climate of that time. From challenges faced by the reigning president to women becoming more liberated in their sexual choices, he manages to do an okay job. Along the way, the reader gets a blow by blow account of Cloud's daily interactions at - and outside of - work, including with his co-workers, friends, and other people he encounters along the way.
However, the plot rarely ever gets up beyond the level of mild interest. The author seems to rush through many areas of the story by focusing the writing mainly on the main character's every move, rather than building on his relationships with the other characters. Where there are supposed to be high points in the story, they appear to be glossed over rather than driven home. For example, when Marianne finally confesses her feelings to Owen, and when they end up kissing in the end, it feels anti-climatic.
While Basara does manage to generate some suspense regarding Owen Cloud's love interests (Tina, Marianne, Nikki, Christine), the story tends to be a bit too predictable for the average reader. Also, many of the attempts at humor fail to hit home, and the naming of many of the characters can be described as corny at best (Belle Glade? Cray Fisher? Rush Rivers?).
The story does manage to evoke some emotions along the way, particularly when the narrator loses his parents in an accident. But then again, the emotional impact is not as high as it should be because there is not much development relating to Owen's relationship with his mom and dad.
As it relates to the dialog, it is not always easy to keep up with who is saying what. The pacing and relevance appeared off at times as well.
In terms of typos, the few I came across were:
Typo 1: Better to be parodied, though, then to have to go through what the geese around here sometimes did (page 12).
Typo 2: I pulled its lever and- -cha-ching--its sound reminded me of something he’d read in the I Ching, the Book of Changes, that life was what we think it is, but that it is also always one thing more page 25
NB: I suspect it should have been "I'd read" instead of "he'd read."
Typo 3: “That’s for sure,” I agreed, gazing toward the nurses’ station where Laura Sanford standing page 59.
NB: Missing "was"
Typo 4: How, while in the grapes of youth, do two people form a bond lasting until they mature into wrinkled raisois? page 144
Another bit of the writing that appeared to be a minor error was the author using the spellings Nikki and Nicky for the same character at times.
Overall, I am giving Sip Lake a rating of 3 out of 5. The writing could have benefited from better plot and character development, which would have made it a more enjoyable read. However, the content is often interesting just enough to make the reader want to find out what happens in the end.
******
Sip Lake
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: The Solution is Political Revolution by Jillion R Rising
