Green Books Campaign: Only Milo

This review is part of the Green Books campaign. Today 100 bloggers are reviewing 100 great books printed in an environmentally friendly way. Our goal is to encourage publishers to get greener and readers to take the environment into consideration when purchasing books. This campaign is organized by Eco-Libris, a green company working to green up the book industry by promoting the adoption of green practices, balancing out books by planting trees, and supporting green books. A full list of participating blogs and links to their reviews is available on Eco-Libris website.

Only Milo, by Barry Smith, is printed on FSC-certified paper to support the environment.

Credit for the Green Books Logo goes to Susan Newman.

Synopsis:
Meet Milo, a closet writer who emerges from his dull, SPAM-flavored retirement to become an unseen force in the literary world. But when Milo's illicit ghostwriting is nearly exposed on national television, his options are limited. In a world of egotistical, no-talent authors and duplicitous, back-stabbing publishers, how can Milo achieve the recognition he deserves?

Review:
Completely unpredictable, Only Milo is a highly shocking and enjoyable read. The novel is simple to read, but has enough surprises and thrills to keep any reader enthralled. Readers gain insight into the twisted mind of a murderer through a riveting and brilliantly executed plot.

It is no wonder that Hitchcock comparisons have been made.

However, while Only Milo is easy to praise, it does have a few weaker points. One that stood out to me was just how far-fetched the murders became. Personally, I found this distracting. Even so, the escalating absurdity of the homicides could have been used for satirical means, so I'll leave this particular point for the reader to interpret.

Like all strong novels, Only Milo pushes the reader to question things they usually overlook. I began to question the effect that murder TV shows (such as Dexter) could have on society. These shows aided in the murder plans in Only Milo.

Overall? A strong novel that suspense/conspiracy fans will certainly adore.

~bella aire~

Upcoming: The Unveiling of a New NSCG Branch and a Green Books Campaign

Some exciting events are coming up for the NSCGs.

1. Thursday, Nov. 5: The Unveiling of a New NSCG Branch- While we typically do reviews for YA and older, there has been so much interest in Middle Grade fiction that the NSCGs have added a MG Branch. This branch will feature MG books reviewed by MG-aged readers. Our first review will be of PJ Hoover's The Emerald Tablet. An interview will be included. Both the review and interview were conducted by a middle grade reviewer. (Note: If any MG publishers/authors are interesting in sending us a book for review, send an email to not_so_cg@yahoo.com)
   
2. Tuesday, Nov. 10: Green Books Campaign- NSCG goes green in the Green Books Campaign. We will be reviewing the environmentally-friendly Only Milo in support of this campaign.

Make sure to stop by for both events!
~bella aire~