Unique Long Narrative Poem! I liked this long narrative poem. It was a unique read, and I loved the way the prose put together a story that flowed. "Most humans see just what they can, and have no concept of the span, of much their senses can't reveal, they know not of what's truly real." It takes a real talent to tell a story in prose, and have it make sense. This story was very good. I truly liked it. I received this book in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Folk Story Esq Poetry book **I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review** Maria can talk to the feral cats in her city, and the cats can talk back to her. Some think that Maria is a ‘Strega’ (Witch). This maybe true, as Maria uses her abilities to cast a spell for a dying man, to see if the woman he has always loved, loved him too. The book is written in poetry form and tells the tale just as if it was a folk story. The verses flowed easily into one another, and it is a book that must be devoured in one sitting to fully understand it. Although at only 44 pages long (according to Amazon), this shouldn’t be a problem, though to really truly grasp the meaning of the story, read it slowly and let the verses sink in. I've never been one for poetry, but since blogging I've been asked to review a few books that are either poetry books or tell their stories in poetry form. This is a genre that is growing on me and I am becoming to love. Well done Mary on creating a beautiful story, that is not only heat-warming, but emotional, both happy and sad at the same time. Thank you for sharing the beauty of the Gattara in Rome.

Modern Day Folktale in a Narrative Poem A modern day folktale comes to life in this narrative poem of 125 tightly metered rhyming couplets ending with a message. A Cat Lady, Maria, in Rome goes out of her way to feed the feral cats. At least one passerby call the cat lady a witch [Strega], and they are likely right for she talks to cats and they talk back. In particular, she has befriended Bast, a mother cat, and her three curious kittens. She tells Bast and the kits that kindly Cardinal Mezzaluna, who makes sure the cats get fed, had a mission for the Cat Lady, which also shows that he accepts her abilities. He confesses that he loved a woman, Anne Marie, but due to his vows, they swore to part and never see each other again in this life. In his dying state, he longs to know if she remembers him. Maria uses a spell to detect the Cardinal's love and it pulls across the sea to America where Anne-Marie reveals that she respected his vows and his love--she never forgot and never took another love. The Cat Lady is able to let him know before he dies, after which the feral cats of Rome lead Mezzaluna to his afterlife. The kits are distraught that the obits mention his wondrous deeds, but not his love . . . I received my copy of this narrative poem directly from the author through

I, myself, have been called Cat Lady by nearby neighbor children... Right now I have ten cats at my home, three of them "strangers when we met..." Once they meet me, they normally stay, even if some won't let me near them... Charlie, for instance, knew his name right away and stops if I call out to him, but will never let me come close, his eyes registering fear and distrust...Yet, he's stayed and found a home here and I can tell he feels safe and is well-fed even if he still is fearful...So when Mary Schmidt wrote and asked me about reviewing her book, I quickly said, as I always do, that I have no background in poetry...but I quickly said that I loved cats... The book got here quite quickly I must say! And I soon met the Cat Lady of Rome... The book is beautifully done with just eight lines on each page and readers, like myself, will pause on each, considering the lives of the cat and that of old Maria, who like myself, provides food for cats... Others will read straight through the book, considering the rhyming words, the rhythm to be found, but, truth be told, it is the story that is what captures my attention, of course... Now you may think that this book is all about cats, but that is just not so! You see, The Cat Lady was called into the home of a local Cardinal, Mezzaluna, who also needed her help! Well, there's lots more to learn about what the Cat Lady was asked to do...you know, when I read a rhyming poem, it seems, I'm often drawn to rhyme as well! Anyway, this poem is exactly 31-pages long and ends with a mention that invites readers...When in Rome... that a certain gattara (cat lady) may just be able to find someone for you...Who Knew! But, of course, there is a call for kindness to the feral cat colonies...because the cats are waiting for you there! Visit them! I must point out that this long poem is really a very sweet short story that many lovers...of cats or otherwise...will deem to be a perfect little story that provides an excellent way to escape reality...and even head to Rome for a short visit! Cool, right?!!! Highly recommended...

Original in every way Mary Schmidt has written a book with a gripping plot and concise language. I have only read half of it but cannot put it down. Ms. Schmidt has a sharp tongue and a descriptive writing technique. I look forward to more of her clever books.

A very eclectic read! What an interesting story in Ask Not by Mary M. Schmidt. I am a fan of this author, and her books are always very interesting. In "Ask Not," which refers to JFK's famous speech, we meet Katie Casey, a woman who is completely obsessed with President John F. Kennedy. It's a really interesting story full of wit and fun. The family dynamic is quite interesting, and seems like a "normal" family, with its chaos, lonesome teenagers, and a husband that has his mind on other things. So, Katie, madly infatuated with JFK, and then on a typical day in November 1963, the shots changed the world. And definitely, changed Katie. I liked the drama matched with wit, and it had the inkling of seriousness of Katie's obsession. Schmidt is a wonderful writer and grand storyteller. It’s one of those embraceable stories. It is always an honor to read this author's books. It's a great story to follow and try to figure out what will happen next. This author's characters develop and interacts well with the other characters. I hope to read more books by this author. Ask Not is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews. I read this book to give my unbiased and honest review. Amy's Bookshelf Reviews recommends that anyone who reads this book, to also write a review.

Clever and witty. A nice read! Katie Casey was an old, fat married lady with 2 teenagers and an obsession with John F. Kennedy. Her daughter, Michelle Casey, was a sad and lonesome nobody with a desire to get out of her crazy house. And Dan Doyle was the bestselling author living nearby observing all the family theatrics. The narrative was easy and quite engaging. Story mainly focuses on the drama and eccentrics of the Casey family. The cynical and emotional banter of the characters was especially entertaining. This family just had “dysfunction” written all over it. Things get more dramatic when Katie’s estranged sister comes back. And things certainly get crazier after the president’s assassination. “Dan hung up and doubted this twenty-second day of November 1963, could get any worse. But you never knew, did you? You never knew.” Clever and witty, story reveals the gritty side of an American family against the backdrop of American history. A nice read!

An Intriguing Viewpoint Normally I read books about spiritual warfare written from a person's viewpoint -- not a demon's, and certainly not from a demon who feels he is as important as his boss and is trying to prove it. This book is thought provoking and is a good reminder to not take everyone's actions at face value as we don't know what or who is affecting their thoughts or actions. I particularly liked the way the author ended the story.

Infernal Delight What fun! Engaging story and characters, with "bad guys" too close to today's people in the news. Schmidt is a terrific story-teller with a generous sense of well-deserved comeuppance.

A Dynamic Horror Comedy Our Frail Disordered Lives is a horror comedy novel that has some interesting twists and a really screwy demon who is out to prove to the Devil that he's not just another low-level demon. Larry Kavanaugh has the married life that he wanted, but he also has all the problems that he didn't want. You see, Larry is all about himself. He wants the world to pay attention to him, be focused on him, and he wants everything. He wants the riches without the work. Well, what he has is a wife who simply wants him to do right, two intelligently gifted children, and a desire for a better life. So he decides to take a shortcut...make a deal with the devil...or one of his minions. A demon by the name of Roach. Roach wants to prove himself, plus...let's just say he's holding a grudge that is well over a few thousand years old. So he decides to go rogue and prove himself. He has some help, but let's just say things don't work out the way that he planned. Our Frail Disordered Lives by Mary M. Schmidt is the first book that I have read by this author and I must admit I really enjoyed it. I love a good horror story, but this one leans more toward humor and comedy. Roach is a demon, but he's really the comedic force in this story. He wants to be taken seriously by the Devil, but he makes a few mistakes in the process. Larry is keeping secrets from his wife, but when he tells her what he's done...she doesn't react as expected. Kathleen, Larry's wife, is a timid woman in the beginning. I have some issues with her because of how she handles a couple situations. I do like that she develops as a character. It's not long before she grows a backbone and does what is right for her and her children. In a way, I can honestly say that I relate to Kathleen in certain situations in this story. I love the shifting dynamics of the overall storyline. Each of the characters in the story is interesting and bring uniqueness to the story. The only issue that I have with this story is the editorial errors. There are quite a few. Misspelled words, improper spacing with others, just simple things really. All in all, I really enjoyed this book. The author ties up all the loose ends in the story. We get closure for all of the characters as well. This is a fun story that will keep you engaged from start to finish. I am rating this book 5 out of 5 stars.