Zom-B (Zom-B, 1) by Darren Shan, October 16, 2012. 174 pages. Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. Source: Publisher.
It was the darkest, most wretched hour of the night when the dead came back to life and spread like a plague of monstrous locusts through the village of Pallaskenry.
Doll Bones by Holly Black, May 7, 2013. Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books.
Professor Gargoyle (Tales from Lovecraft Middle School, 1) by Charles Gilman, September 25, 2012. 160 pages. Published by Quirk Books. Source: publisher.
In Professor Gargoyle, we're introduced to 11-year-old Robert Ashton and the strange world of Lovecraft Middle School. It's a brand-new state-of-the-art facility—so why do so many creepy things keep happening? Why is the science teacher acting so strangely? And where are all the rats coming from?
As Robert explores with his new friends Glenn and Carina, he discovers that the school may be a portal to another world.
This is like the week of cover reveals on the blog...this makes three I think. Guys, while I may not have read Sweet Evil, I am super excited to help out with the cover reveal for Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins.
Sweet Peril (Sweet, 2) by Wendy Higgins, April 30, 2013. Published by Harper Teen.
So what do y'all think of this awesome cover????
So excited to be able to share another Spencer Hill Press cover reveals with all of y'all. This time things are a little different, why, because there are two covers and y'all get to vote on which one you like best. Awesome right!
Blood Bound by Keshia Swaim, September 10, 2013. Published by Spencer Hill Press.
Now that y'all have seen both covers, its time to vote in the poll and tell us which one you like best. Let me know in the comments why you picked the one you did.
Keshia Swaim grew up in a tiny Oklahoma town and, perhaps out of boredom, became an obsessive reader at an early age. After reading all the books the library had to offer, she began making up her own stories.
Like all good Oklahomans, Keshia attended the University of Oklahoma. She studied History, with a minor in Modern Literature, but her real goal was finding a husband. Two weeks after graduation she received her Mrs. degree as well.
She and Prince Charming still live in Oklahoma, where they've started a family. Between dirty diapers, Keshia tries to avoid reality as much as possible, stating that her own little world is a much more interesting place to be. Her ramblings can be found at 1bookaddict.blogspot.com.
Continuing the blogoversary fun today with another awesome interview. This time I have N.D. Wilson, author of The Dragon's Tooth stopping by to answer some questions regarding a book I loved.
1. It's your lucky day, neither Cyrus or Antigone is present when Billy Bones appears to pass along the Dragon's Tooth, do you head for the O of B as he ordered or do you instead hit the road?
Oh, I'm off to the O of B for sure. I'd be too curious about the Order to just take off. I would assume that if it turned out to be too dark and gnarly for my tastes, I could just hit the road then.
2. The Dragon's Tooth was one of the most interesting aspects of the book, how did you decide upon both the object and what it was capable of? Will we learn more about its capabilities in The Drowned Vault?
I spent a lot of time working on the Tooth and its properties long before I started writing. I really liked the idea of something incredibly potent hiding in plain sight on an old man's key-ring. You'll definitely learn more about the Tooth in The Drowned Vault (and the rest of the series).
You know, I'd spent a fair amount of time researching medieval, independently sovereign military and monastic orders, and I thought it would be awesome to have something similar survive into the modern age, but dedicated to completely exploration and guardianship of the world's secrets.
4. What was the hardest part about writing The Dragon's Tooth, easiest?
As the first book in a five book series, I really wanted to get the tone exactly right, I needed to love the characters completely, and the plot had to be pitch perfect because I was going to be spending so much time in these adventures. Because of that (and because I had never planned a five book series before), I went through more drafts of this story than anything else that I have ever written. As for the easiest part? That had to be writing Cyrus Smith. I get along really well with him and some of his punkishness is, ahem, quite natural for me.
5. Dragon's Tooth has definitely been one of my favorite reads of the year so far. Was Ashtown Burials a series that you had been wanting to write for awhile or one that hit you one day and felt that you had to write?
6. ND, I hear that you're working on the third book in the Ashtown Burials, but am curious if you have any other upcoming projects that you can share with us?
I already have an early draft (and huge number of notes) on Ashtown Burials III, but I'm also working on a standalone project that's a little more similar to my first book (Leepike Ridge). It's not pure fantasy, so it's a fun change of pace. I'll tell you more about it as soon as I can!
7. The world has fallen to a robot invasion and only one heroine/hero can possibly save the day, who do you choose?
I go with Rupert Greeves, Avengel of the Order of Brendan. I feel like if I stuck close to him, I'd be just fine.
1. Favorite childhood game (hide n' seek, tag...etc)?
Cannibals. My sisters and I used to get ourselves captured by cannibals in the backyard all the time. And when I wasn't escaping their large boiling pot, I was Zorro.
2. There's a fork in the road, which direction do you choose left through the dark forest or right along the open road?
Ha! It depends. What time is it? How cold is it? Am I expected somewhere or just out exploring? Of course, none of this really matters because I would always (always) end up at least starting out in that dark forest…even if I beat a quick retreat when the giant spiders showed up.
3. Book that made the biggest impact on you?
Tough one. But I'm going to go with That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis. I loved Narnia growing up, but finding another deeper, darker, crazier gem waiting for me as an adult was just awesome.
Sunset. Unless I've just about finished a book and I'm not going to rest until it's done. Then…both. But sunset first.
Thanks so much, N.D. Wilson, for stopping by my foruth blogoversary! Loved your answers (Cannibals sounds like something my sisters and I would have played). Ooh, a new project that's not pure fantasy, I'll definitely have to keep that on my book radar.
Y'all be sure to check out my review of The Dragon's Tooth and enter to Small Medium at Large swag giveaway.
What was y'all's favorite answer of N.D. Wilson's from the interview?
The Dragon's Tooth (Ashtown Burials, 1) by N.D. Wilson, 2011. Published by Random House Books for Young Readers.
I am so excited to announce today's blogoversary guest, Christoper Healy, who was kind enough to answer a few questions for an interview here at The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia. Be sure to check out my review of Christopher Healy's debut The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, which I absolutely loved.
1. I loved reading about the 'Princes Charming' in The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom, if given the chance, which of the princes would you like to be for the day? Why?
I guess it would depend on the day. If we're talking about me being one of the princes on one of my average days, well, it might be nice (and very different) to as brave, strong, and self-confident as Liam. But I wouldn't want to be Liam on one of his average days, fighting bandits and witches and such. If we're talking about me being in the princes' world, I'd choose Frederic, whose days are mostly filled with art, music, fine food, and a generally peaceful atmosphere.
2. One of the most enjoyable things, for me, in the book was how different the princess were when compared to their original stories. So my question is, which of the princes/princess stories did you enjoy re-telling the most.
Definitely "Snow White," because it's the story in which the original prince's actions make the least sense. He's wandering by himself in the woods, comes across a girl in a glass coffin surrounded by dwarfs, and he decides to kiss her. It was a challenge to come up with a legitimate motivation for that.
3. Earlier, I asked which of the princes you would like to be for a day, now would you care to share with us which character you consider yourself to be most like? Why?
Frederic. I'm not nearly as fancified as Frederic, but when faced with danger, I'd be less of the brace-yourself-and-meet-the-challenge-head-on type and more of the scream-and-hide-under-a-table type. Frederic prefers to think his way out of problems, to use words instead of fists, which I can relate to.
4. What you drew you to wanting to tell the princes side of the story?
Basically, it was the fact that the princes' stories hadn't really been told before. In Prince Charming, we have one of the most famous heroes in all of literature, and yet, when you really thought about it, you knew virtually nothing about the guy. And most of the time, what he did in those stories didn't actually sound too heroic. I wanted to change that.
5. Any authors or books that inspire you as a writer?
The Lord of the Rings, The Westing Game, and Winnie-the-Pooh has big impacts on me in my youth. But I get inspired all the time. This year alone, I found inspiration in books like R.J. Palacio's Wonder, The Drowned Cities by Paolo Baciagalupi, and Barry Wolverton's Neversink.
Practically speaking, you gotta go with Superman. He's invulnerable.
1. In five words describe yourself?
Someone bad at short descriptions.
2. Time of day when you do your best writing?
Spring. Flowers and no jackets.
4. Last book that kept you reading late into the night?
I want to say The Cloak Society by Jeramey Kraatz, because I read it in one sitting, but technically, I finished it before dinner. The last book that I actually lost sleep reading was Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
5. Care to share your writing cave with us (include a picture if you want)?
My cave is a pretty standard home office, but I do have a Legend of Zelda sword on my desk.
Thanks so much, Chris, for the excellent answers! Now that y'all have gotten to read the interview give us both your thoughts. Have you read The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom? Do plan to read it?
The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom by Christoper Healy, 2012. Published by Walden Pond Press.
Don't forget to stop by yesterday's interview with Joanne Levy and enter to win some Small Medium at Large swag.
The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy by Nikki Loftin, August 21, 2012. Published by Razorbill.
Why: The Sinister Sweetness of Splendid Academy sounds like a delightful read and I am just dying to know the secrets behind Splendid Academy and what the nefarious plans they have in store for the children.
Guys, I am beyond excited to have had the chance to interview the lovely Joanne Levy, author of Small Medium at Large. Be sure to check out my review of Small Medium at Large to see why you must read this book.
Joanne Levy's love of books began at a very early age. Being the youngest and the only female among four children, she was often left to her own devices and could frequently be found sitting in a quiet corner with her nose in a book.
After much teenage misadventure, Joanne eventually graduated from university and now spends her weekdays as an executive assistant at one of Canada's big banks planning meetings and thwarting coffee emergencies. When Joanne isn't working, she can usually be found at her computer, channeling her younger self into books.
1. In the spirit of Small Medium at Large, what would be the craziest/embarrassing advice you've received from the "Bubby Dora" in your life?
Ha! Well there was an actual real Bubby Dora – my great grandmother, who lived to be about 103 or so (we don't know for sure because when she was born, there were no birth certificates or official records) and she was a real feisty lady. By the time I got to know her, she'd mellowed quite a bit, so I didn't get a lot of crazy/embarrassing advice from her myself. But Bubby Dora in SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE is a bit of a mashup of both the real Bubby and also my own mom, who is a lot like her. I do remember way back in elementary school, that my mom bought me these frilly camisoles to wear to school. I wasn't a big fan of them, but still wore them under my shirts. When it came time to change for gym class, all the girls made fun of me, saying I was wearing a bra already. I went home very upset and told my mom and she said, "Pshaw, those girls don't know anything about fashion. Those aren't bras; they wouldn't hold up anything, even if you did have them." So yeah, that was embarrassing.
2. Like Lilah, the main character in Small Medium at Large, if you were to be struck by lightning and gained the ability of your choosing, what would it be? Why?
I wish I wasn't quite so introverted. It's easy to be outgoing online and through books (maybe a reason why I write!), but when it comes to being in the company of strangers outside my computer, I tend to be a bit of a wallflower. I'm working on it, but it's not something that comes easily to me. If I could harness lightning to give me a special power, you know, without killing me, I'd want that.
3. As a fellow bookie, can you tell us what book has had the biggest impact on you? Why?
SO MANY books have had a huge impact on me, but I'd have to say ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT'S ME, MARGARET is probably the one that had the biggest influence on me as an author. When I started writing middle grade, that was the book I went to as my 'gold standard' of what I wanted my stuff to be like. I wanted to nail the voice of the tween the way Ms. Blume does. And I've heard my book compared to some of hers (which is a HUGE honor), so I think I did something right.
4. The world has fallen to a robot invasion and only one heroine/hero can possibly save the day, who do you choose?
Can I make one up? I'm thinking someone who can control the weather. Like WeatherDude or someting—he would rain on the robots and make them all rust. Unless the robots are made from some sort of anti-rust titanium or something. In which case, I think we're all doomed.
5. Joanne, any new projects in the works that you could share with us? Because I for one cannot wait to read more of your work.
Aw, thanks, Orchid! I'm always working on something, although nothing concrete on the books just yet. I have some other middle grade projects I'm working on, along with a sequel to SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE (keep your fingers crossed that it will get picked up) and a YA book that I'm working on. Keep an eye on my website (joannelevy.com) or twitter (@joannelevy) as I'll post news there as soon as I have any to share.
1. Last book that kept you reading late into the night?
I recently read Jennifer Nielsen's THE FALSE PRINCE and can't stop thinking and raving about it. Have you read it? I think you'll love it if you haven't.
2. Favorite 'guilty" pleasure (movie/show..etc)?
The Food Network, and in particular, Diner's Drive-ins and Dives.
Night. I'm a morning person out of necessity (that pesky day job thing) but if it weren't for that, I'd totally be a night owl.
4. Which character which you want to be? Why (in seven words)?
5. Care to share your writing cave (include picture if you want)?
Sure! My writing cave is in my spare bedroom. What you can't see here is that behind me is a dog crate and lots of stored items – books, mailing supplies, books, swag, oh and did I mention books?
Thanks so much, Joanne for stopping by the blog and answering all the questions. I shall be keeping my fingers crossed on a sequel to Small Medium at Large and more books by you.
Small Medium at Large by Joanne Levy, July 3, 2012. Published by Bloomsbury.
Thanks to Joanne Levy, I have some signed bookmarks and SMaL rubber bracelets to giveaway. Y'all are super lucky because the bookmarks are gorgeous ...and did I mention signed.
Invisible Murder (Nina Borg, 2) by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis, read by Katherine Kellgren, October 2, 2012. 11 hours 21 minutes. Published by AudioGo. Source: publisher.
Red Cross nurse Nina Borg's life is at a turning point. Her husband, Morten, has pleaded with her not to get involved in any more dangerous projects (with her network of volunteers who assist illegal immigrants and refugees). But when Morten is away on business, Nina agrees to help her friend Peter at a camp of mysteriously ill Roma refugee children. The situation reveals itself to be much more complicated and perilous than she could have imagined, and suddenly more than her marriage is at risk.
"Maybe we'll find a gun," Pitkin said, aiming his fingers at the guardhouse next to the gate.
Last year, I had the opportunity to listen to and review The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol and Agnete Friis for a tour, and could not turn down the chance to listen to the next book in the series. While I really liked it, I enjoyed book one a little more.
Invisible Murder starts out with a bang and the tension in the plot just kept on climbing. This was perhaps one of the most stressful books I have read in along time because things go from bad to worse for Nina and a whole bunch of characters.
One of the things I like most about this series is that the book has a wide range of characters from different countries and with varying back rounds. It definitely makes the book all the more interesting to listen to since the reader does such a great job with all various accents. It was just cool to have all these different views and thoughts from the characters, it definitely made the book all the more interesting.
What I liked most about Invisible Murder is that the authors did a really good job of making their characters and there problems real-like the trouble between Morton and Nina brought on by the work Nina does. While the outcome of their relationship may not have been for the best I liked that felt real, and that the tension between them was something that could and has actually happened between couples.
While everything about the plot and writing is most excellent in Invisible Murder some of the content, like excessive swearing, was a huge turnoff for me. I can only take so much swearing in a book, so when a character starts spouting off a whole slew of cuss words you can see my eyes about popping out of my head from shock. If you read the content section of my review you'll be able to see what I mean and learn more about what you'll be reading/listening to with this one.
Goodness gracious! While I enjoyed the story in Invisible Murder I am disappointed by how much swearing there was in the book. Things would be going smoothly and then the characters would just star swearing up a storm and making my poor little ears burn. If you like swearing in your books, and colorful swearing at that, then you'll most likely find nothing wrong with the book.
As for violence and sexual content, there is fair bit of violence in this book. Including a couple of beatings, which is definitely not cool in any book (I mean real life). Some of it is of 'screen' while some is pretty in your face with what is happening.
Then there's Nina's daughter who is kidnapped, beat, and more may have happened to her, but things got a little laud and I missed what happened so I'm afraid I cannot inform y'all on that count.
Katherine Kellgren is perhaps one of the best female narrators that I have listened to, ever. Even though this is only the second book that I have listened to were she was the narrator, I just loved the way she reads all the various accents and dialects in the books' that she reads for.
Even though I already mentioned how great Katherine Kellgren is when it comes to the various accents in Invisible Murder, I must repeat that since it is my favorite part of her narration of this book. Her ability to do all of them is just amazing and makes the book that much more enjoyable to listen to because its almost like your there in the book going through what the characters are going through...or at least eavesdropping on them.
I actually do not have anything that I don't like about the narration. But there were a couple of things I did not like about the book, which you can see above.
Final Verdict: Invisible Murder was one of the most gripping, heart-pounding reads I have come across.
Invisible Murder earns 4 out of 5 pineapples.
Want a taste of Invisible Murder, well you are in luck because I have a clip from the excellent audio book. Just a little note for those who choose to listen, the clip does have some foul language with the use of the f-word.
Oh my goodness! Y'all I am so excited to help Leigh Fallon with the reveal for Shadow of the Mark, the second book Carrier trilogy. If y'all have forgotten, Carrier of the Mark was one of my favorite reads last year...so be sure to visit my review of it.
I traveled all over Europe while working in banking and treasury, but I gave up my calculator in favor of a keyboard and haven't stopped writing since. My first book, Carrier of the Mark, was published by HarperTeen in 2011.
Our home is in Cork in the south of Ireland, but we?re currently on loan to Massachusetts in the US where I continue to write books about magic, ghosts, and romance, with a bit of Irish flavor.
Shadow of the Mark (Carrier, 2) by Leigh Fallon, July 9, 2013. Published by Harper Teen.
I absolutely love this cover. Of course, I totally loved the last one for Carrier of the Mark and am so excited that they kept the theme going with book two.
Let me know what y'all think of the cover for Shadow of the Mark by Leigh Fallon. You can also enter this awesome giveaway that Ms Fallon is hosting (below).
When I first started The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia four years ago today, I never once thought that I would reach this incredible milestone.
Be sure to check out the three awesome authors that will be visiting this week on the blog. Here's a hint as to who will be stopping by: They are all authors of mid grade books that have been reviewed on the blog this year...late summer to more recently. I cannot wait to share their posts with y'all.
Being able to share your thoughts with like minded people. Honestly who other than fellow book nerds is going to listen to me ramble on about the books I love and the ones that fall flat.
Its so cool knowing about books before must people...and some times even having the chance to read them early always makes me smile.
Sometimes getting that early read that makes you want to dance with joy because you've been thinking about it since you first heard about it.
Realizing that there are actually people out there reading what you write and even leaving the occasional comment. Very cool.
Little too much drama sometimes for my taste. Pretty sure I don't need to elaberate on this.
Some many great books that one wants to read, but finding the time to do so can be nearly impossible when life is busy.
A glimpse into the past four years on The Haunting of Orchid Forsythia.
To you my long time followers, thank you for sticking around and making the blog feel loved over the past four years. To those just discovering the blog, I hope y'all will enjoy what you see and stick around for the long run..
Keep on being awesome everyone and don't forget to enter my blogoversary giveaway tomorrow...plus the blog tour one starting tomorrow and the other ongoing tour giveaway.
Guys Read: Funny Business (Guys Read, 1) by Jon Scieszka, Kate DiCamillo, Jeff Kinney, David Lubar, Adam Rex, David Yoo, Mac Barnett, Eoin Colfer , Christopher Paul Curtis, Paul Feig, Jack Gantos, narrated by Bronson Pinchot, Michael Boatman, John Keating, September 22, 2010. 5 hours 46 minutes. Published by Harper Audio. Source: YA Audio Sync.
It's here: Volume One of the official Guys Read Library. Jon Scieszka's Guys Read initiative was founded on a simple premise: that young guys enjoy reading most when they have reading they can enjoy. And out of this comes a series that aims to give them just that. Ten books, arranged by theme, featuring the best of the best where writing for kids is concerned. Each book is a collection of original short stories, but these aren't your typical anthologies—each book is edgy, inventive, visual, and one-of-a-kind, featuring a different theme for guys to get excited about.
Funny Business is based around the theme of—what else?—humor, and if you're familiar with Jon and Guys Read, you already know what you're in store for: ten hilarious stories from some of the funniest writers around. Before you're through, you'll meet a teenage mummy; a kid desperate to take a dip in the world's largest pool of chocolate milk; a homicidal turkey; parents who hand over their son's room to a biker; the only kid in his middle school who hasn't turned into a vampire, wizard, or superhero; and more. And the contributor list includes bestselling author, award winners, and fresh new talent alike: Mac Barnett, Eoin Colfer, Christopher Paul Curtis, Kate DiCamillo (writing with Jon Scieszka), Paul Feig, Jack Gantos, Jeff Kinney, David Lubar, Adam Rex, and David Yoo.
Ernest was a nerd, but it was fourth grade: we were all nerds.
Tears Water the Seeds of Hope by Kim Tews, September 10, 2012. 240 pages. Published by CrossHouse. Source: author.
The setting sun painted a backdrop of cotton candy pink clouds over the roadside bar and grill where we would soon hear our favorite acoustic guitar duo sing Jimmy Buffet songs.
It is rarely that I review memoirs, not because I don't find them worthy of reading, but to criticize a book based on someone's life that is where my trouble lies. On the other hand, I have absolutely no trouble when it comes to reviewing crazy fiction that comes forth from a writer's mind.
It was incredibly nice for a change to read about someone with strong faith, especially because the road that Mrs. Tews's and her family and friends took was not an easy one to start down let alone continue on with. For me, one of the highlights of this memoir will always be their perseverance in the face of danger and their trust in the lord even when all seemed lost.
While the journey of the Tew's and the organizations that helped out and then founded was remarkable, what I really enjoyed was reading about the love and care they showed for those they came into contact with. It was to put it mildly, refreshing because it gives you hope in the human race to see people going out of their comfort zone to spread comfort, hope and love with those who know suffering.
What I enjoyed most while reading this book would have to be that the author, Ms. Tew's, does a very nice job of sharing her faith and belief while not making the reader feel like they are being preached at-there was just no other way to put it.
While the message contained within Tears Water the Seeds of Hope is one that I believe should be shared with all, I do have one thing that I did not like about the book. I know that the book was written as a memoir, but at times the writing felt a little too much like the author was just trying to get the words out as quick as possible without leaving the reader time to dive into each section of the author's journey.
Even though the writing was a little rushed, I think that this is one y'all should all read because of the message of hope and that one person can make a difference in the world, even if it is just a small difference.
Final Verdict: If you're looking for story that will restore your hope in humanity, then this book should be at the top of your list. Small things can make a difference.
Where you can buy Tears Water the Seeds of Hope and learn about the author, Kim Tews.
You can check out the other tour stops by visiting Escape with Dolly Cas.
Fill out Rafflecopter form to enter.
Yesterday, y;all got to see the first part of the excerpt for chapter one of Extraordinary Rendition by Paul Batista, which means that today y'all get to see how it ends. I would love to hear what y'all thing of both parts excerpts.
As if briskly covering the topics on an agenda, Ali Hussein said, "Months in one room, no contact with other people. Shifted from place to place, never knowing what country or city I was in, never knowing what month of the year, day of the week. Punched. Kicked.""Do you have any marks on your body?""I'm not sure yet what your name really is, or who you really are, but you seem naive. Marks? Are you asking me if they've left bruises or scars on my body?"Byron felt the rebuke. Over the years he'd learned that there was often value in saying nothing. Silence sometimes changed the direction of a conversation and revealed more. He waited.
Hussein asked, "How much more time do we have?""Only a few minutes.""A few minutes? I've been locked away for years, never in touch for a second with anyone who meant to do kind things to me, and now I have a total of thirty minutes with you. Mr. Bush created a beautiful world." "There's another president." Byron paused, and, with the silly thought of giving this man some hope, he said, "His name is Barack Hussein Obama."Ali Hussein almost smiled. "And I'm still here? How did that happen?"Byron didn't answer, feeling foolish that he'd thought the news that an American president's middle name was Hussein would somehow brighten this man's mind. Byron had pandered to him, and he hated pandering.
Ali Hussein then asked, "My wife and children?"No one—not the ACLU lawyer, not the CIA agent with whom Byron had briefly talked to arrange this visit, not even Hussein's heavy-faced, brooding brother—had said a single thing about Hussein other than that he had been brought into the United States after years away and that he was an accountant. Nothing about a wife and children.
"I don't know. I didn't know you had a wife and children. Nobody said anything about them. I should have asked."It was unsettling even to Byron, who had dealt under tense circumstances with thousands of people in courtrooms, that this man could stare at him for so long with no change of expression. Hussein finally asked, "Are you going to come back?""If you want me to.""I was an accountant, you know. I always liked numbers, and I believed in the American system that money moves everything, that he who pays the piper gets to call the tune. Who's paying you?""No one, Mr. Hussein. Anything I do for you will be free. I won't get paid by anybody.""Now I really wonder who you are." There was just a trace of humor in his voice and his expression.
Greetings fair readers. Today I am excited to be posting an excerpt for Extraordinary Rendition by Paul Batista. Hope y'all will enjoy the excerpt.
When the guard left, the iron door resonated briefly as the magnetic lock engaged itself. Byron sat in a steel folding chair. Directly in front of him was a narrow ledge under a multi-layered, almost opaque plastic window, in the middle of which was a metal circle.Ali Hussein seemed to just materialize in the small space behind the partition. Dressed in a yellow jumpsuit printed with the initials "FDC" for "Federal Detention Center," Hussein, who had been described to Byron as an accountant trained at Seton Hall, in Newark, was a slender man who appeared far more mild-mannered than Byron expected. He wore cloth slippers with no shoelaces. The waistband of his jump suit was elasticized—not even a cloth belt. He had as little access to hard objects as possible.He waited for Byron to speak first. Leaning toward the metal speaker in the partition and raising his voice, Byron said, "You are Mr. Hussein, aren't you?"The lawyers at the Civil Liberties Union who had first contacted Byron told him that, in their limited experience with accused terrorists, it sometimes wasn't clear what their real names were. There were often no fingerprints or DNA samples that could confirm their identities. The name Ali Hussein was as common as a coin. It was as though genetic markers and their histories began only at the moment of their arrest.
"I am." He spoke perfect, unaccented English. "I don't know what your name is."The circular speaker in the window, although it created a tinny sound, worked well. Byron lowered his voice. "I'm Byron Johnson. I'm a lawyer from New York. I met your brother. Did he tell you to expect me?""I haven't heard from my brother in years. He has no idea how to reach me, I can't reach him.""Has anyone told you why you're here?""Someone on the airplane—I don't know who he was, I was blind-folded—said I was being brought here because I'd been charged with a crime. He said I could have a lawyer. Are you that lawyer?""I am. If you want me, and if I want to do this."All that Ali's more abrasive, more aggressive brother had told Byron was that Ali was born in Syria, moved as a child with his family to Lebanon during the civil war in the 1980s, and then came to the United States. Ali never became a United States citizen. Five months after the invasion of Iraq, he traveled to Germany to do freelance accounting work for an American corporation for what was scheduled to be a ten-day visit. While Ali was in Germany, his brother said, he had simply disappeared, as if waved out of existence. His family had written repeatedly to the State Department, the CIA, and the local congressman. They were letters sent into a vacuum. Nobody ever answered.
Byron asked, "Do you know where you've come from?""How do I know who you are?"Byron began to reach for his wallet, where he stored his business cards. He caught himself because of the absurdity of that: he could have any number of fake business cards. Engraved with gold lettering, his real business card had his name and the name of his law firm, one of the oldest and largest in the country. Ali Hussein was obviously too intelligent, too alert, and too suspicious to be convinced by a name on a business card or a license or a credit card.
"I don't have any way of proving who I am. I can just tell you that I'm Byron Johnson, I've been a lawyer for years, I live in New York, and I was asked by your brother and others to represent you."Almost unblinking, Ali just stared at Byron, who tried to hold his gaze, but failed.
At last Ali asked, "And you want to know what's happened to me?""We can start there. I'm only allowed thirty minutes to visit you this week. Tell me what you feel you want to tell me, or can tell me. And then we'll see where we go. You don't have to tell me everything about who you are, what you did before you were arrested, who you know in the outside world. Or you don't have to tell me anything. I want nothing from you other than to help you."Ali leaned close to the metallic hole in the smoky window. The skin around his eyes was far darker than the rest of his face, almost as if he wore a Zorro-style mask. Byron took no notes, because to do so might make Ali Hussein even more mistrustful.