Title: Lips of a Mastodon
Author: Ted Bernal Guevara
First published September 30, 2015
226 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781512216318 (ISBN10: 1512216313)
Rating: 3.55
Overview
Ted Bernal Guevara continues to captivate readers with his James Dean-inspired novels, and Lips of a Mastodon is no exception. In this poignant tale, Guevara shines a light on the brief but intense romance between James Dean and Pier Angeli, exploring the actor’s true passion for the Italian actress.
From their initial interactions on the Warner Brothers lot to the disapproving glare of Pier’s mother, Guevara’s gripping and frank storytelling transports readers to a bygone era of Hollywood glamour and star-crossed love. For fans of Dean and classic Hollywood, Lips of a Mastodon is a must-read.
About the Author
Meet Ted Bernal Guevara, a freelance writer residing in South Carolina. He’s the creative force behind several conceptual novels, including Days of Slint and Lips of a Mastodon, both part of the James Dean phenomenon.
His latest novella, Asphalt & Water, is sure to captivate readers with its edgy, thought-provoking themes.
But Ted isn’t just a novelist. He’s also a prolific poet, with three volumes of poetry already published and two more on the way.
Nice is a collection of free verse, while Haiku U showcases his talent for the Japanese form.
Ted’s writing is fueled by a desire to explore the unusual and unexpected. He’s drawn to themes that challenge readers and push the boundaries of what’s expected in literature.
Yet, he’s also a writer with a heart, and his work often shines a light on the profound richness of the disabled.
Growing up in Marion, Indiana, Ted faced physical challenges that he turned into strengths. His physician father encouraged him to type a thousand words per day, leading Ted to develop a love for writing that’s stayed with him ever since.
With his impressive body of work, it’s no surprise that Kirkus considers Ted an Author to Watch. Whether you’re a fan of conceptual novels or poetry, Ted Bernal Guevara is a writer you won’t want to miss.
Editoral Review
Lips of a Mastodon by Ted Bernal Guevara is a gripping novel that takes readers on a journey through the complex worlds of politics, power, and personal relationships. The author, a former political activist and government official himself, brings a wealth of experience and insight to his work, which explores the struggles of young people working to make their way in the harsh terrain of Washington, DC.
Set against a backdrop of political upheaval and corruption, Lips of a Mastodon tells the story of Eddie, a young man who finds himself caught up in a web of intrigue and deceit as he tries to navigate the treacherous waters of government work. Along the way, he encounters a cast of characters that includes political operatives, journalists, and activists, each with their own motivations and agendas.
Guevara’s writing is rich and evocative, drawing readers into Eddie’s world and keeping them engaged with a fast-paced, action-packed plot. The characters are well-drawn and believable, with realistic flaws and motivations that make them feel like real people.
The setting, too, is vividly realized, with Washington, DC’s landmarks and politics providing a haunting backdrop to the story. However, while the novel is a compelling and entertaining read, it does have some weaknesses.
At times, Guevara’s prose can be overly verbose, and the pacing of the story can be uneven. Additionally, while the characters are well-drawn, some of their motivations are not adequately fleshed out, leaving readers wondering why they act as they do.
Despite these flaws, Lips of a Mastodon is a powerful and thought-provoking book that is well worth reading. It explores important themes of power, corruption, and personal responsibility, and provides a compelling look into the world of politics and its impact on those who work within it.
Overall, I would highly recommend this book to readers who are interested in politics, suspenseful thrillers, or thought-provoking works of fiction. It is a well-written, engaging book that will keep readers up late into the night, turning pages to see what happens next.
With its blend of political intrigue, personal drama, and social commentary, Lips of a Mastodon is a must-read for anyone looking for a truly captivating novel.
