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ryandejonghe

Ryan DeJonghe - The Avid Reader

I didn't always read, but that changed in June of 2013. I dropped the unnecessary stuff and picked up the awesome stuff--like reading! I started posting my reviews on Amazon and within a few months rose to the top 0.1% of reviewers. My reviews then went to Goodreads, and now my blog (http://ryandejonghe.wordpress.com) and Twitter (@Ryan_Reads). If you are reading this, why not leave a comment or send me a note? I love talking to other folks about books and my reviews. Publishers and authors, feel free to drop me a note if you want me to review your book. I usually stick to mainstream publishing, but I'll consider anything. If I review your book, I’ll give you a fair and thorough review and let you know when the review goes live. You can reach me at dejonghes@gmail.com. Happy Reading!
Sweetness #9: A Novel - Stephan Eirik Clark

Here’s what I love about SWEETNESS #9: introducing me to Stephan Eirik Clark. His storytelling has a special flavor (sorry about that pun) that is fascinating and stands on its own. As the story progressed over decades of time, I felt the characters change. I wasn’t just a witness, but I could sympathize and feel. As a reader, I was involved with the characters making realistic connections along the way, especially true with protagonist David Leveraux.

The scariest story is that which mirrors reality. Clark often had me researching sweeteners and flavorings, including scanning through congressional reports. The best type of writing spawns action. And yes, while some readers may find certain final elements “preachy”, the narrative serves as a springboard for conversation. I think this is great.

The writing was so realistic that the final footnote convinced me to Tweet to the author asking for more information. And I do want to know more.

This is an interesting fictional work that goes well with non-fictional works like FAST FOOD NATION. The story element of SWEETNESS #9 offers several interesting facets: from personal and business details to the more global historic aspects. There’s liberty taken to enhance (again, sorry for the pun) the actual, real-life details, but it makes the pages flip all the faster.

For a more blow-by-blow account that I felt nailed the particulars without spoiling the surprises, here’s a review I found helpful on Goodreads by C.Purtill: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1005529589?book_show_action=true&page=1

I enjoyed all the author’s included elements, both miniscule and widespread. It all served to make an excellent reading package. Yes, some of the diet structures may skirt the boundaries of comfort, but that’s part of why I read: to question and to learn. Overall, this is a great book and is something that has whetted my appetite (sorry, last pun…maybe) for more. 

Thanks Little, Brown for providing this electronically for my review.