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Mark Steensland

Author of Behind the Bookcase

11+ Works 102 Members 12 Reviews

Works by Mark Steensland

Behind the Bookcase (2012) 72 copies
In The Scrape 4 copies
The Special 3 copies
Coffin Shadows (2023) 3 copies
Jimmy the Freak 2 copies
Shadow Vista 1 copy
The Special [2020 Film] (2020) — Writer — 1 copy

Associated Works

Exotic Gothic: Forbidden Tales from Our Gothic World (2007) — Contributor — 7 copies

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Reviews

DNF at page 197 or around 75%.

I just didn’t care anymore. It started out great and then fizzled. The characters had no depth or growth, and the convo between Sarah and Jeb bothered me. Children need to learn critical thinking skills. I think it’s harmful for these characters to say that they believe everyone is good and wouldn’t lie to them.

I also didn’t like the thinly veiled heaven, hell, purgatory worlds. There are much more imaginative ways to do a story like this.

Also, what is with these first time authors writing the entire book except for one chapter from a single perspective? Why did we need one chapter halfway through from Billy’s perspective? Unnecessary. Just do dual perspective throughout otherwise it’s jarring.
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LynnMPK | 8 other reviews | Jun 27, 2023 |
If you like creepy mysteries then I recommend this book to you. Sarah and Billy will be spending their summer fixing up her late grandmother’s house to sell. Sarah’s mother just wants to get things done and the house sold. She has never liked the house and she believes that her own mother was a little crazy. The reason it that Sarah’s grandmother used to tell some pretty crazy stories to her mom. While cleaning things out Sarah finds an unfinished letter from her grandmother. She states that “strange things are happening behind the bookcase.” When Sarah finds an opening behind the bookcase she just has to see where it leads. Unfortunately it dumps her into the land of Scotopia. But things aren’t what they seem in Scotopia either. Why would her grandmother leave her an unfinished note and what is it that she is supposed to do or learn? Why is there a locked door in the basement that no one seems to have the key to?

This book is full of secrets, a talking cat with his own evil agenda and fantastic worlds. More importantly the message of the importance of family with all of their quirks is a main theme running throughout this book. I am sad that I had the book with me at home when we were forced into online school. None of this year’s students got the opportunity to read this wonderful book. However, I will make sure that next year’s students hear all about it.
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skstiles612 | 8 other reviews | May 23, 2020 |
Where do you begin with this novella? The description of the book only touches on the outline of the story. It does not prepare the reader for the intense emotional connection that you will make with the two boys, Jake and Matthew. Truly you just want to steal them away from the first few pages and take them home to love them.

There is so much going on in the limited pages of this book. An abusive father (that I at times could vision myself murdering), a absent mother (which I also had strong ill will for throughout most of the book), two darling boys just trying to survive and go live with their mother, a few unlikeable bullies, and a town that seemed not to give a darn about what happened behind closed doors.

It is hard review such a book as this without destroying the experience a reader will have with it. I will say that the second half of the book flew by in a blink of an eye, so much happened! So many things explained. I didn't even realize how quickly I was reading until the end.

This book is a must read and highly recommended. It is the perfect length to give you a lot of enjoyment without a huge commitment.
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OurWolvesDen | 1 other review | Mar 29, 2020 |
Two authors, writing seamlessly together, produced a coming of age novella that cracked my heart.

Matthew and Jacob just want to get away from their abusive father. Trying to put aside enough money to get to California where their mom is now living, there isn't much Jacob won't do. He's the oldest and he can't stand to see his little brother abused and beaten-not one more time. On top of all this, Jacob also has to deal with the local bully. Will Jacob and Matthew get away? Will they be able to find their mother in California? You'll have to read this to find out!

I read this novella in two sittings. The last half especially, hummed right along with a tension that was palpable. I wanted to reach out and hug these kids. I wanted to tell them several things throughout this book, but I never got the chance to breathe! As I said above, the writing style was seamless-I couldn't tell who wrote what and I didn't care. I just wanted these children to be okay.

I can't say too much more without spoiling everything, (and the synopsis gives away a lot already), but if you enjoy a good coming of age tale, scoop up this novella quick! Spend some time with Matthew and Jacob. They need your support!

Highly recommended!

*Thanks to Silver Shamrock Publishing for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest feedback. This is it!*
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Charrlygirl | 1 other review | Mar 22, 2020 |

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Works
11
Also by
1
Members
102
Popularity
#187,251
Rating
½ 3.3
Reviews
12
ISBNs
10

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