A Book Review
By Jonathan Herbert
Never Name An Iguana is an authentic
collection of blogs written by Susan
Hanafee under the name E. C. Thomas.
Blogging began as a way to promote her
exceptional novel, Six Weeks from Tuesday. This
book is a variation of blogs that range from flip-flop
etiquette to who really controls our happiness, to
a secret meeting between Hillary and Donald
pre-election. Susan has a keen eye for time and
place, with a true understanding of our surroundings
and the people we
encounter. Her imagination leads
the reader down one hysterical
path to the next thought
provoking idea, as it relates to life
and the human condition.
When asked why she decided
to blog, “These blogs are
designed as commentary on the
routine and are meant to be
light-hearted. However, I sometimes
tackle serious topics and have even dipped
into politics, which can be fun or
scary these days depending
on your philosophical bent.
I've found that blogs are very
liberating and a good way to
vent.”
As an award-winning former
journalist, Susan blogs about
the frequent use of
anonymous sources in todays “24-hour news
cycle.”
It’s easy and lazy to quote an anonymous source.
No verification needed or sought. Maybe that’s
why it feels like we’re seeing more
nameless, faceless people providing
us with so-called facts. I’m not
calling it fake news. It’s sloppy
reporting.
Over time, “I realized that my
website wasn’t receiving much
attention, although a few faithful
friends read and commented on
the blogs. I’m hoping the book will
give them a wider audience.”
Susan explains the difference between blogging
and writing novels, “Blogging is much different than
writing a novel. Successful blogs, I’m told, run about
600 words. That’s not much space in which to
capture the reader and make a point. However, the
discipline involved in these short essays keeps the
writing tighter and better for the reader. At least
that is the hope.”
Writing is often inspired by something, “My
BOOK
REVIEW
I’ve always been an advocate of
people writing their own obituaries.
Some people might find that
shocking, morbid. I think it’s smart.
Why not have the final say? It’s
your life. How do you want to be
remembered?
Susan Hanafee