Updates & Audible Original 1984- My Review

You can watch the video here, but I’m ADAMANT: Do Not Share this post or video on any other social media! I prefer to keep this video off those platforms. See Details below: https://youtu.be/wsbpYocmpYc

Hello everyone. It’s been a while since I wrote. I’ve had some personal issues that have really affected me as of the year before, and haven’t been resolved. It was a traumatic experience that I didn’t intend to happen, and that’s why I decided to seek help. Between televisits (no, not BetterHelp) and physical therapy for my chronic condition, it’s kept me busy. As of late, I now have two part-time positions that are taking up the majority of my time during the week, which is why I’ve had little time for reading, and having to postpone videos for the weekends. I’m trying my best to complete an online writing course, working on my stories, and reaching out to other avid readers and authors to hopefully get my podcast up and running again. When one door closes, another one opens. ‘. I’m trying my best to complete an online writing course, working on my stories, and reaching out to other avid readers and authors to hopefully get my podcast up and running again. When one door closes, another one opens.

That’s what happened as of late. One author was kind enough to reach out to me earlier in January, and had the publicists send me the arc of this recent publication. I was in the middle of reading and was hoping to hear back as this author was abroad and seemed to agree to be interviewed. Suddenly, I was told this author was completely booked throughout the year. I wrote them and the author back to let reiterate what was stated, and I hope to finish the book and be able to interview this author once there’s an availability. Out of the blue (literally), I heard back from another author of many months ago in silence, and we’re looking into a future interview in late July. (fingers crossed). Hearing back from this author in particular made my evening last night. Her first story is one of the best stories next toe Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”.

On April 4, 2024, the Audible Original of 1984 premiered. This audio drama- I can’t express how incredibly AWESOME this was to listen. I’m not a fan of audio book recordings, but this novel was “dramatized” by Joe Wight, and had the best performers as the main characters- my favorite actor, Andrew Garfield as Winston Smith, (the use of “exaggerrated breath” is his specialty to add emotional trauma); Cynthia Erivo as Julia (like the character “Trinity (The Matrix) she’s very direct and precise); Andrew Scott as O’Brien (like the late actor, Cyril Richard as “Hook”, sinister voice choreography on his part); Tom Hardy as “Big Brother” (Commanding Dictatorial Voice); I was just introduced to this actor-comedian, Romesh Raganathan as Parsons (character appears to be positive, but like Winston, very unsure of his position. Like Carol Burnett in “Friendly Fire”, I didn’t see this coming. A comedian has just as much power to make people laugh, and even more powerful to make people cry.) The music was cowritten by Matt Bellamy and Ilan Eshkeri- this reminds of music by Hans Zimmer- very apocalyptic, epic themed techno-orchestrations that build-up to cliff hangers.

I read this story to my former students, and so after listening to the audio drama, I decided to make a video combining both of them together. I introduce the viewer with a performance “hook” based on a rhyme the character Winston Smith recalled, and sings in this version. Then I go into the story, including how certain story elements relate to other sci-fi stories, like “The Hunger Games” and “Fahrenheit 451”. I then tell a little of my own history growing on the audio read-along stories, and the power of voice actors behind the microphone, both for audio and animated films. I then go briefly over radio drama history before discussing my review of the Audible Original premiere, detailing each actor’s unique theatrical power to their character, and a brief stint on the power of propaganda, a universal tool for empowering division amongst people. As I state in the video, “they pulled out all the stops” and this was “a stellar performance”. I give this 5 stars.

The last part I posted was the hardest for me. I just hope the right person reaches out as I got scammed twice, which caused me emotional trauma.

Messiah 101- An Educational Choir Concert

Come join me as I sing with my local choir, the San Fernando Valley Master Chorale, to Handel’s Messiah. Our artistic director decided to take an educational and interactive approach with this concert, and we’ve been singing high notes that will reach to the heavens. Here’s my latest promo https://youtu.be/w7HmPlMa8kY and you can also view the choir’s promo here at https://youtu.be/8rqShZYjbaM?si=2AUpDLGELaLADRlv. Tickets available at http://www.sfvmc.com

New Email Update

Hello to my fellow subscribers. My new email has been updated on the contact page. I need everyone to do a test and write to me at becca@becca-b.com. I’m still trying to configure the emails to subscribers, and I’m trying to make this as simple as possible. Whenever I send update, it’s still using my gmail, and I’m trying to change that. This would be a great help. Thank you.

PopSugar Reading Challenge 2024

Here is my first video of my books TBR list based on the book prompts of the PopSugar Reading Challenge. Come watch the video on my YouTube Channel because if you’re taking part in this challenge, I have plenty of book recommendations, and titles to share. This also includes about 5min alone of book titles that became musicals. Grab your pen, paper, and get ready to write down with me! Enjoy! https://youtu.be/hpPAUcHDcIc

The End of 2023 PopSugar Reading Challenge & My Last Book Reviews

Once again, I didn’t finish the reading challenge this year. This video shows which of the last books I read for final tasks I was able to complete. You may watch the video here: https://youtu.be/LYQDSsJpMYE

A lot of personal issues affected my well being and my reading this year. I’m praying that next year, 2024, will be better, and I’m hoping to MANIFEST my wishes and goals. My family and I continue to send thoughts and prayers out to the families of the hostages and the IDF who are fighting to be returned home and end this war, and all those who have been affected.

Thank you to my newest subscriber. I have to catch up on the new subscribers to send you my digital freebies as promised.

New Podcast Interview To Premiere

Check your times for the 10am YouTube premiere of my interview with author and medieval scholar Dr. Kavita Finn on December 9th. This was a surprise, great honor and privilege for me. We delve into her TOP 10 Books, Medieval studies and boundaries, how the era plays out in GOT, LOTR, and other Arthurian Retellings that have programmed our current society to traditional European-based middle ages when there’s much more. She also discusses the authors who are challenging the traditional stories by “re-storying” and “counter-telling”.

Book Reviews & Recommendations: Latest Vlog

Just uploaded my latest Vlog for Thursday’s Thru the Page on my YouTube Channel. 2 more books checked off the PopSugar Reading Challenge List, “Letters to a Young Poet” & “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane”, plus Rabbi Kedar’s “God Whispers”, which delves into divine spiritualism we’re looking for in the midst of chaos. I reflect on life changing books, from favorite films, television, Andrew Garfield, and how certain passages/quotes transcended from the single student to the masses. Enjoy! https://youtu.be/SCtng5-qP6I

The “Almost” Halloween Baby- Read Aloud

Well, I couldn’t procure a public reading event at my local library nor at my former elementary school. People didn’t get back to me in time, as it takes months to get accepted, and 15 days prior to requested dates for school events. So, this was the best option: Reading my own children’s story aloud to the masses on YouTube, followed up with a Discussion Questions & Answers. Enjoy! Spread the word!