Review by Peter Syslo
MIND YOUR Ps AND Qs (2009) is a recent release from author G.L. Giles. Information about the book is available on the website www.xlibris.com and you could also find info there about her other recent works, V3: THE VAMPIRE VIGNETTES REVAMPED (2007) and DAYS AND NIGHTS IN SUMMERVILLE (2008). MIND YOUR Ps AND Qs is a collection of poetry, quotes, a short story, and two non-fiction articles, much like the format of DAYS AND NIGHTS IN SUMMERVILLE. I will begin by saying that one of the best things about Giles' writing is that she defies tradition and she expresses herself in whatever format or style she wishes. I feel that she creates her own rules, regarding her writing, and I respect the hell out of that. I enjoy her “live and let live” policy, which constantly shines through in her writing, and I think that she is one of the most honest and open writers that I have read. She is very comfortable with who she is and that “peace” about her gives her words great power.
MIND YOUR Ps AND Qs begins with a humorous and enlightening preface by Giles (I always learn something while I am reading her work and this is no exception). She explains that the term “Mind your Ps & Qs” sometimes relates to a saying about pints and quarts – I never knew that. With that preface, she sets the stage for the rest of the book and there is that honest, connecting thread throughout.
The first section of the book is a collection of poetry. Some of the highlights, for me, were: “The Obituary Was a Velvet Harpoon”, about family relations which can turn spiteful; “Our Five Furkids”, about the life-improving connection people can have with their cats; “The Grey Parishioners”, which is an excellent commentary about religious leaders who exploit a person's need for spiritual guidance (one of the worst kind of criminals, in my mind); and “Spiritual Bullies”, about people who want to force their way of doing things upon you. I really connect with her writing on people who want you to do things their way. That is a daily battle for me and it is sadly true that people don't like it when you use your brain, think for yourself, and do things the way that you want to do them. However, it's been my experience that people who claim to “have all of the answers” actually have very little of the answers.
The second section is comprised of a number of quotes by Giles and all of them are simply great. I think that she has a gift for saying a lot in very few words. Here is one of my favorite quotes, which sums up the spirit of this section and the spirit of all of her work: “First and foremost, I belong to the church of G.L., though I have respect for many others as well.” That says it all, right there and it is evidence that she is very comfortable with who she is. Another favorite one is, “Green's my other black, and Black's my other green.” - which speaks to Giles' spirituality. Most of the quotes deal with the positivity of embracing one's true nature and being comfortable with that.
The third section contains the article, “More Marketing Advice”, in which Giles discusses more about her book signings and about the publishing business. Again, she advocates that one's attitude and energy can create opportunities for success. You can tell that she truly appreciates her fans and that is included in the recipe for success.
Part four is a short story called, “Stripper Witch”. Because of this story, I think that I will always wonder when a woman serves me rice, in the future. One of the “plot devices” of the story is something called “red rice”. Basically, a woman can mix menstrual blood with rice and when she serves it to a man, that man will become or continue to be attracted to her. I was joking about second-guessing a woman who serves me rice, but I think the “red rice” concept is one of the things I will remember most about this book. The surrounding story, “Stripper Witch” is a very good tale, in a dark and irresistible way.
The last “section” of MIND YOUR Ps AND Qs is sort of a “hidden” non-fiction article. “Hedge Wytchery My Way” is a description of Giles' spiritual/religious beliefs and it explained a lot of concepts to me. She really seems to live what she believes and her connection with nature is apparent throughout all of her writing. The discussion of Hedge Witches and Green Witches shed a lot of light upon things and, in the overall spirit of the book, Giles' lives her spiritual life in her own personal way - and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Gnawing through the flesh: MIND YOUR Ps AND Qs is another great work by G.L. Giles. It has an openness and honesty that is very refreshing and I like an author/creator who brings their true self into their work - I connect with that. Vonnegut is my all-time favorite author and I think his pragmatic approach and his honesty is what attracted me to his work. Also, Updike has that same quality in his writing; it's the “I'm me, this is life, and this is how I write about it” quality (Giles' writing seems to share that same quality). Also, I just want to mention that those of you who are turned off by the idea of poetry, please reconsider and give this a chance. This isn't like Shakespearean Sonnets, where you would have a tough time digesting and interpreting (though the Sonnets are beautiful in their own right). You can definitely relate to what Giles is saying and you will find corollaries in your own experience. Remember, all of this is coming from a mo vie guy, too. I admit though, there is always something special about reading a book – you are an active participant in the story and you create the visual images in your head, from the author's descriptions (at least I do). Once in awhile I do like to turn off the DVD player and read; it is always a worthwhile experience and I always learn something – about myself and about the world in general. I give MIND YOUR Ps AND Qs a 10/10.