Wednesday, December 31, 2014

The wind is singing winter blues

The wind is singing winter blues
Whispering with her is my muse
Let these notes take you away
Swifter than a reindeer sleigh 
To distant places, forgotten times
To passion, sorrow, even crimes
You'll cry and laugh, then close the cover
A new world awaits for you to discover


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Audiobooks, the new Oral tradition. Tales around a fire

Tales around a fire. That’s how it started… the oral tradition, the first way knowledge was stored and transmitted.
Thousands of years later, we’ve rediscovered the power and presence of the human voice in the telling of new tales. Digital technology has made the recording and delivery of high-quality audio narration both convenient and affordable. Now storytellers everywhere are lifting their words from the page (or pixel) and breathing new life into their tales through audio fiction podcasts and audiobooks.
Translating a written tale into an audio presentation has unique rewards and challenges… and that’s the terrain we set out explore on this Roundtable Dialogue episode.
Facilitated by Dave Robinson, here is an inspiring conversation between Tom Barczak, Walter Rhein, Janet and Chris Morris and yours truly. This is a panel of astonishing artists and storytellers who have expressed their tales beautifully in both formats. Together, we set out to examine this old/new art form, sharing observations and insights to better understand the new oral tradition. Click and take a listen: Audiobooks, the new Oral tradition.

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Artful, courageous and powerful

I am thrilled to find this review, written by the high-ranking Amazon reviewer and author of historical fiction books, Christoph Fischer. This is what he says about The David Chronicles: Trilogy:  


5.0 out of 5 stars Great series December 20, 2014
Format:Kindle Edition
"Rise to Power (The David Chronicles)" by Uvi Poznansky is another eye opening book, based on a biblical theme but written with a modern mind and perspective. Without corrupting the original historic-biblical story Poznansky takes us into the world and minds of well known biblical figures, such as the first King of Israel, his rivals and his lovers.
A man of flesh and blood, with sexual urges, pride and huge powers of reflection and analysis David is a superb character, real, with bite and of the human race - quite different from the biblical myth that has been created around him.
We see him as he slowly rises to power, from a small soldier to military leader, his military campaigns, his ambitions and the rivalry over the throne; we see the husband to Michal - his first wife and the sometimes strange 'renaissance' man. The novel is historical fiction, biblical fiction and simply excellent fiction.
“A Peek at Bathsheba” by Uvi Poznansky is yet another one of her great Bible-inspired books. Nobody understands better to utilise existing stories that many of us are familiar with already – at least to some extent – and give them a new lease of life, a new angle and makes us see different sides to those historical, religious and mythical characters. Who was David really? A hero or a product of his circumstances, of coincidence and skilled manipulation?
“The Edge of Revolt (The David Chronicles Book 3)” by Author Uvi Poznansky is another amazing and spell binding book about the biblical King David. We meet him at a progressed age where his family life is turned upside down by the sexual escapes of his children, mainly that of his son Amnon.
To see his own reflection in the son who inherited the lust from David himself was one of the most extraordinary moments in reading this novel for me.
Such are the thoughtful illustrations of a well-known biblical character, modernised by language and brought to contemporary relevance. Humanised to flesh and blood we get to experience what often had the mere relevance as a myth, fable or saga. This is a powerful portrayal of the man behind the myth. Not always as we would like to see it, but brought to life with poignancy and depth.
The writing is sharp and beautiful, the characters hard to forget and the story well developed.
A psychological profile, a story of king, his family and ancient Israel, this has something for historians and fans of modern literature. Artful, courageous and powerful.

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Poetic and Seductive

Today I discovered a beautiful review written by the poet, author and book reviewer, Clarissa Simmens. This is what wrote for the audiobook edition of my novel, Apart From Love:
  • Clarissa SimmensFL United States12-27-14
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
  • "Poetic and Seductive"
    What did you love best about Apart from Love?
    The different levels in the story: mythological, philosophical, and romantic. 

    What other book might you compare Apart from Love to and why?
    The three aunts—the Fates—snipping and knitting, moving amongst the lives of the main characters. Also, there is the basic story of the love triangle of Ben, his father Lenny, and Anita (the young wife who is replacing Ben’s mother) that is reminiscent of Oedipus Rex: kill the father and marry the stepmother. Because of these parallels, I see this as a potential Greek tragedy that may have been written in ancient times.

    Have you listened to any of David Kudler and Heather Jane Hogan ’s other performances before? How does this one compare? 
    No, but I enjoyed their performances and would certainly look for additional audibles featuring them.

    If you could take any character from Apart from Love out to dinner, who would it be and why?
    Anita. Despite being uneducated, poor and seemingly a home wrecker, she shows--surprisingly--much wisdom. She is fiercely protective of her unborn child and the reader/listener will have no doubt that Anita will be a superior mother.

    Any additional comments?
    The best part of a Poznansky book? The poetic prose, her seductive words, that make each book well worth listening to or reading.

Monday, December 22, 2014

A Literary Gem!

Here is a lovely new audible review, written by Aaron Paul Lazar. Aaron is a mystery writer author, and many of his books have audiobook editions. I am thrilled by what he says about the narration of A Peek at Bathsheba:
  • Aaron P. LazarGeneseo, New York, United States12-22-14
    Overall
    Performance
    Story
  • "A Literary Gem!"
  • A Peek at Bathsheba: The David Chronicles, Book 2, is a literary gem. Ms. Poznansky has paired her luscious telling of the life of David with a narrator most worthy. Mr. Justin Harmer's voice is liquid gold, with intonations so deft and moving that it's hard to imagine anyone else telling this story. 

    The story of David continues from Book 1, Rise to Power, through the third of the series, Edge of Revolt, just released. I plan to listen to the last book and hope Mr. Harmer will narrate this one as well. 

    David, the powerful narcissist who can wipe out entire villages with not a shred of guilt, yet who adores his (many) wives and children with most surprising tenderness, grows from youth to old man within the series. We experience frequent flashbacks or references to his youth in this story as well, which ties his life together very nicely. 

    I love Ms. Poznansky's evocative writing, and here is just one of many poetic scenes that moved me, describing David watching Bathsheba when she first came to his chambers:

    "I sit at the edge of the bed, utterly fascinated by her beauty. Her
    lashes are long, they flutter over her cheeks, and her hair waves
    around her face with the rhythm of her steps. It glows like copper
    under the flaming sconces, but when she crosses in front of the
    window it turns blue against the moonshine."

    You can call me a romantic, but this scene came alive for me with these and all of the well-chosen words in this novel. 

    Thank you, Ms. Poznansky, for allowing us to continue to believe that America still has great writers who carefully construct each sentence, and who can tell a great story at the same time.  

    - Highly recommended by Aaron Lazar


#audiobook #sale: Did you get my kindle book? If so, surprise! Here, take a look--

Did you get my kindle book? 
If so, surprise! Here, take a look
The audio edition--this is true--
Is on sale, just for you!

If you got the kindle edition of any one of my books
The audio edition is yours for only $1.99!


★ Love hearing a story? Get my audio editions 








Twisted


Sunday, December 21, 2014

Great Trilogy about King David you will see you never knew him

I am honored to get this review is from a reader who is not only a truck driver who has seen most of the continental US through her work, and who is a poet as well!  Cindy J. Smith is the author of Voices In My Head and other books. This is what she wrote about my new release, The David Chronicles:

Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
Uvi has completed a very interesting trilogy on King David. We see him as a flawed person, one with many doubts. His rise to power is where she begins the tale. It is interesting the way she seems to get into his head and explains some of the reasons for his actions. The tale of Goliath was not the beginning of his tale as I always assumed. In the second book, we meet Bathsheba who is probably responsible for most of the bad things said about him. This is the time he does what I considered his greatest evils. I love the way Uvi relates the conflicts in his mind and soul concerning his actions. In the final book we learn about David's indecisiveness concerning his sons and the attempted overthrow by his sons. We also understand the reason Solomon was chosen as his heir. Uvi has done a lot of research and it shows. Kudos!

Friday, December 19, 2014

Simply Amazing

James DiBenedetto, the author of Dream Student (and other books in this series) currently lives in Arlington, Virginia with his beautiful wife and their cat (who has thoroughly trained them both). I am honored that he posted this review for my trilogy, The David Chronicles:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply AmazingDecember 19, 2014
By 
James D. "starkllr" (Arlington, VA USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The David Chronicles: Boxed Set (Kindle Edition)
Uvi Poznansky's David Chronicles are simply wonderful. She is a true artist in her use of the language, and her prose is just beautiful to read.

The Chronicles take the biblical story of King David, but tell it from a very different perspective; the author combines modern sensibilities and styles with the ancient and well-known story to produce something truly unique. This combination gives greater depth to David and his world, allowing the reader to truly inhabit it, and relate it to our world and our lives.

I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Thursday, December 18, 2014

This one is up for one of the best for the year for fiction

Dennis Waller, filmmaker and author of several books, is recognized as an expert on spiritual experience, self-discovery, and exploring the human consciousness. He is also a Top 500 Amazon Reviewer, which is an amazing rank. I am honored that he posted this review for my novel, The Edge of Revolt:

5.0 out of 5 stars David comes to Life throughout the pages December 17, 2014
Format:Kindle Edition
The Edge of Revolt by Uvi Poznansky was recommended to me by a friend who knows I enjoy a stimulating intellectual read. Well, as this is my first experience to reading anything by this author, l was beyond impressed. Quality above compare, this novel is written by a master wordsmith who knows how to tell a story. I was drawn in from the beginning and was fascinated by the tangled web that was woven, rich, deep and descriptive. A very impressive story told in an uncanny way, I was enthralled throughout the entire book, David comes to life and his tale is one for the ages. This one is up for one of the best for the year for fiction, simply great writing and a killer cover.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

When wind raged around me I would whisper words into it

There is no motion anywhere, except for the clouds. They are rolling in, hanging full and heavy over the hills of Jerusalem, roaming over me like an upside down flock of sheep. 
It is then that a memory comes back, the shining memory of distant days, when I was watching over my father’s herd. From where I stand now, my childhood seems carefree—until I remember how resentful I felt that first time when he told me that the next day I would be left with the sheep all by myself. They were taller than me, which frightened me. I was full of disdain and wished I could rebel. 
But I did not, because what choice did I have? We lived faraway from the lowlands, where you could farm the land. A shepherd I had to become, so I pretended to know my way. I walked ahead and to my surprise, the herd followed. In that rugged, mountainous terrain, finding new areas for grazing kept me on the move, farther and farther away from Bethlehem, even as my longing for my father grew stronger. I imagined coming back to him at the end of the day. 
When wind raged around me I would whisper words into it. When it died down I would hum a melody. In my loneliness I would listen to the echoes rolling back from the hills, singing with me.

Even though I walk
Through the darkest valley
I will fear no evil
    For you are with me.


Your rod and your staff
  They comfort me.

David in The David Chronicles: Trilogy



★ Love historical fiction? Treat yourself to a gift 
Historical Fiction with a Modern Twist...


"The miracle of Uvi Poznansky's writing is her uncanny ability to return to old stories 
and make them brilliantly fresh"
-Grady Harp, Hall of Fame reviewer

Monday, December 15, 2014

Who will decide King David's successor?

I am honored to get this review is from a reader who is not only a truck driver who has seen most of the continental US through her work, and who is a poet as well!  Cindy J. Smith is the author of Voices In My Head and other books. This is what she wrote about my new release, The Edge of Revolt:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who will decide King David's successor? December 15, 2014
Format:Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase
King David is revered for his poetry and psalms. Uvi has looked closer at the man and offers us King David as a flawed person. This final book in her trilogy takes place at the end of David's life. Bathsheba wants David to name their son Solomon as his heir to the throne despite the fact that he is 4th in line. The book goes on to relate the tale of David's oldest sons and their fall. It shows that although David united the tribes of Israel under one crown, his parenting skills left much to be desired. When his oldest rapes the second son's sister, David lets it slide. He is afraid of coming down too soft or too strong and just lets everything go hoping it will disappear. But that is not what happens. Rage burns inside his second son until he finally takes justice into his own hands and murders his older brother. David is again unwilling to decide what to do. This time it leads to an attempted overthrow. When he gets his crown back, David is again faced with his old age and the knowledge that his third son is trying to take over the kingdom. A well written book. David is humanized and an understanding of his decisions is given. Loved the book and the trilogy.

Sunday, December 14, 2014

A book worth of praise!

Mary Ann Vitale is the author of lovely children's books. I am thrilled to find her review of my poetry book, Home:


5.0 out of 5 stars A book worth of praise!December 14, 2014
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Home (Kindle Edition)
This is the first book I read from this author. Writing this story must have been hard for the author, as she throws the reader into a different world and different times. There is a melancholic tone to her writing, as she brings to life her father's life story, and many poems he wrote, After You've gone, Bent over Memories, Autumn's Gold, Vigil Light, and many more. A great book to read, well written, and worthy of praise!

The Final Outcome...

I am so glad for this review, written by Dolores Ayotte, author of A Woman's Voice (and other self-help books) who is a great inspirational writer and one of the best reviewers on Amazon. This is what she said about The Edge of Revolt:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Final Outcome...December 14, 2014
By 
Dolores Ayotte (Winnipeg, Manitoba) - See all my reviews
Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Edge of Revolt (The David Chronicles Book 3) (Kindle Edition)
The Edge of Revolt (The David Chronicles Book 3) by Author Uvi Poznansky

I have experienced the rare opportunity to get to really know a Bible character, warts and all. It would seem that King David had his fair share of them if one were to embrace this author's microscopic view of a powerful man's life in ancient times. In the author's own words..."It's amazing to be in the skin of the character from childhood to old age." My sentiments exactly...a great read indeed! I am an author myself and with each novel I read by Ms. Poznansky, she continues to inspire me to be a better one.

The Prologue sets the pace for the elderly and frail King David. Strongly advised by Bathsheba to choose an heir to the throne before the possibility of unnecessary rivalry results between his eldest living son Adoniah by Haggith, and his youngest son Solomon by Bathsheba, is a decision King David is slow to make. After all...he is still King as he proclaims to Bathsheba when she confronts him yet again.

The poignant presentation in the chronicles of King David as depicted by Author Uvi Poznansky and the endless possibilities of how he conducts the last years of his life, stand out in a very profound way. This talented author has both the skill and the courage to dig deeper into King David's psyche and portray his supposed indecisive character in a mesmerizing way. In doing so, Ms. Poznansky adeptly manages to give him a present day voice combined with a very human, and oftentimes, fragile persona. He seems to be a man with many weaknesses and numerous lustful cravings. This is clearly demonstrated by his several wives and his need for young concubines to frequent his bed and satisfy his sexual cravings. This, now much older King, does not compare to the young, down-to-earth, brave commoner that slayed Goliath. Uncomfortable with the knowledge that his eldest son Amnon follows in his path when it comes to his lustful nature, King David closes his mind to the rumors he hears. Now, emotionally torn by the rape of his daughter... virginal fourteen year old Tamar, defiled by half-brother Amnon, King David lacks the strength and wisdom to effectively deal with this heinous crime. Absalom, Tamar's full brother and Amnon's half-brother, is at his wits end and loses all respect for his father. After much deliberation, frustrating indecision and endless waiting, Absalom decides to take matters into his own hands...

"The Edge of Revolt" is the third and final installment in the Chronicle of David Series. As previously stated, I have read and reviewed the other two but Book 3 is my favorite thus far. It is penned by the same gifted author....well-written in Author Uvi Poznansky's unique and captivating style. However, it offers closure to the life and eventual death of King David. He has led a ponderous life, a gifted psalmist...filling up scroll after scroll, yet persecuted by the realization of his own humanity and need for redemption. Haunted by his love for Bathsheba, the taking of her when she was married to Uriah, and his subsequent act of perpetuating Uriah's murder on the battlefield clearly demonstrates one of the many reasons for the spiritual and emotional turmoil in King David's life. Will he ever find the peace of mind he so deeply desires before his death...?

Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
I'm Not Perfect and It's Okay