About

P1040947

Retirement

As you might be able to tell from perusing my website, I (in the red hat) love that retirement lets me spend more time in the world of books, photography and ideas and, when I’m able, feeding my passion for travel. Of course, the pandemic has put quite a crimp in that.

Countries I’ve visited in blue

My website/blog focuses on, in reverse order of frequency:

3. Random thoughts about gender, racism, politics, and making sense of the complex world around us.

2. My amateur photographer’s appreciation of beautiful and unique images.

1. My own independent book reviews where I try to convey the experience of reading a particular book. And NEVER include spoilers. I am particularly drawn to historical fiction and my favorite topics are English, French, and Russian history and both world wars.

In addition to this website, I also share my book reviews (sometimes under a pseudonym HalKid2) on Goodreads, Barnes and Noble, Bookbub, Facebook, Twitter, Kobo, Google Play, edelweiss+, reedsy, StoryGraph, booksirens, and LinkedIn. (not Amazon, we have had a falling out.)

I am currently ranked #44 on FeedSpot’s List of the 80 Best Historical Blogs and Websites.

I have also embarked on the humbling experience of learning to draw and paint with watercolors, for the FIRST time. You can see some of them if you look for HalKid2 on Instagram.

My Professional Life

There were three phases to my professional career, listed here in chronological order:

  1. A broadcast news writer, producer and news department manager at TV stations.
  2. A professor of broadcast journalism at Boston University’s College of Communication.
  3. A contract writer-producer-director of videos, animation, Web sites, and print materials for clients across dozens of industries.

I still apply my decades of writing experience to pro bono work for causes I am passionate about. If you’re interested, you can read more about my professional life. Or, you can peruse my previous business website archive. (be patient, it’s slow to load)

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34 Comments

  1. Hello Toby ~ my historical fiction novel TAYVIE’S STORY is currently available for review on Netgalley: https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/338611. An extraordinary coming-of-age journey of a talented, young, biracial jazz singer, who struggles to perfect her craft on two continents during the volatile 1930s & ’40s despite appalling circumstances. Not the World War II book you’ve already read dozens of times … Thanks for your consideration! Mim Eichmann

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    1. Thank you so much. I’m genuinely flattered that you would ask me. However, I think I need a break from WWII as a book topic for a while. I’ve simply read too many recently. Thank you for thinking of me. And best wishes on your latest book.

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  2. Dear Toby

    Please find below the official press release for my novel, Hungry Ghosts.

    I am writing to ask if you would be interested in reading and reviewing the book. The book will be published in the UK but will be available in the US.

    I am happy to send you a PDF (which you can read on a Kindle) because although other will be an ePub version, I do not have it yet (but could ask the publisher to send it later if you prefer).

    I could not find a email address on your site so I resorted to this route.

    Best wishes

    Chris Barker     

    Email: cbarker_nbn@iinet.net.au

    Webpage: https://creasedattheedges.com/

    Press Release

    http://www.bookguild.co.uk

    Hungry Ghosts

    Inspired by his father’s struggles with PTSD from WWII, Chris Barker presents a powerful historical family drama.

    The lives of Vic Woods and Ruth Wolfe, working-class teenagers from Liverpool and London, are profoundly disrupted by the arrival of World War II. Ruth’s journey leads her to aerial photographic interpretation, though her aspirations for advancement are denied, while Vic’s wartime experiences with bomber command haunt him long after the war is over. Their post-war marriage and tumultuous relationship with their son, James, make for a gripping narrative of trauma, conflict and, ultimately, love.

    Set against the backdrop of World War II and the social upheaval of the late 1960s, Hungry Ghosts transports readers into the drama of two pivotal eras in history, exploring the intergenerational impact of war, particularly the intricate relationships between fathers and sons.

    Hungry Ghosts is not just a war story; it’s a timeless exploration of family bonds and the indelible scars left by war.

    Chris explains: “I was inspired to write the book by my parents’ experience of WW2 in England and its subsequent impact on my family and myself. As a child and teenager, I did not have a good relationship with my father (who became an alcoholic), but later as an adult I came to understand that he was a victim of war, suffering what we would not call PTSD. I believe that my parents were both traumatised by the war (my mother for example lost a fiancé) and that this impacted on me (intergenerational trauma is both learned /cultural and epigenetic). I was both a rebellious teenager and later suffered depression.”

    He continues: “The novel is in some ways a letter of understanding and forgiveness to my (now deceased) parents. I was also influenced by the social movements of the late 1960s and I hint in the book that in some ways those rebellions were a revolt against the wartime parental generation. In 2008 I published a book (University of NSW press) called ‘The Hearts of Men’ in which I explored, through interviews with men, some of these issues.”

    **

    Born in England, resident in Australia, Chris Barker boasts a rich history as an educator in schools and universities in the UK and Australia. He has published several non-fiction books including Cultural Studies: Theory and Practise and The Hearts of Men. When he is not engrossed in writing fiction, he can be found in his garden. He has published short stories in the UK, Australia and the USA.

    RELEASE DATE: 28/03/2024 ISBN: 9781916668447 Price: £9.99

    For author interviews, review or competition copies, articles, photos or extracts: SOPHIE MORGAN, SENIOR PUBLICIST
    Direct Line: 0116 466 0047 Email: sophie_morgan@bookguild.co.uk
    The Book Guild, Unit E2 Airfield Business Park, Harrison Road,
    Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7UL.

    What early reviewers have said about Hungry Ghosts

    “Chris Barker has a deep understanding of history informed by his work as an academic. Combined with his creative will and his commitment to character, that enables him to honour the stories of the past.”

    • Kathryn Heyman, award winning (Australian) author of’ Storm and Grace’ and ‘Fury’

    “Hungry Ghosts brings twentieth century history alive in a story that artfully illuminates the impact of war and the counter-cultural revolution on those who experienced them.

    • Professor Sue Turnbull, University of Wollongong, and Chair, BAD Sydney Crime Writers Festival

    “Chris Barker has produced a novel that you won’t forget.  Engrossing, perceptive and

    highly inventive. – you will not notice time passing as you read it.’  

    • Chris Rojek, Professor of Sociology and Culture, City University, London.

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    1. I’m very flattered, Chris, that you are offering me your book to review. I’m afraid I’m not able to commit to helping out right now because of other commitments. Best of luck with your novel.

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  3. Hello!

    My pen name is N.A.Abington and I’m an aspiring author! I saw on your page that you are interested in reviewing books, so I will list my book’s blurb below. My book is called Peter Thorn & The Ring of Honor, and it’s a fantasy/action & adventure book quite like Percy Jackson and Harry Potter. Please reach out to me if you’re interested in reading and reviewing the book! If you’re interested, I can send you an epub file of the book!

    Blurb:

    Peter Thorn had lived quite a boring life with his younger sister and miser of a father. Never once had he imagined that in another world (realm), he would be the legendary Master of Death. It wasn’t till he had passed through the portal of Arizona Mills that he had learned that there was another life waiting for him. The world which his mother must have wanted him to find. With his new friends, Anastasia and Cole, and his sister Jennifer, Peter yearns to unfold the secrets of the Giftable Realm and of course…his ancient family lineage…the Thorn family. While trying to find out about the Thorn family, Peter only manages to stumble onto a new mystery — the Ring of Honor: the most prized possession of the Thorn family, and the only thing that Peter’s mother had left behind for him, just seems to keep weaving itself back into Peter’s already complicated life.

    Also, here’s the Amazon link if you want to see the cover or read just the first few pages! https://www.amazon.com/Peter-Thorn-Ring-Honor-ABINGTON-ebook/dp/B0CQNLL4KV/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

    Thank you!!

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    1. Thank you so much for reaching out. I am truly honored. However fantasy just isn’t a genre I particularly enjoy so I think it’s better for both of us that I pass on your kind offer. Best of luck to you and your book.

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  4. Subject: Review Inquiry for “Covered in Flour”

    Hi Toby,

    I’m Chuck Presti, reaching out as the author of “Covered in Flour,” a historical novel that delves into the life of an 8-year-old boy in 1968. It’s a coming-of-age story with themes of diversity and inclusion, resonating with your advocacy for marginalized voices.

    Given your love for historical fiction and dedication to representing diverse perspectives, I thought “Covered in Flour” might pique your interest. I’d be honored if you’d consider it for a review.

    You can find more about the book at http://www.coveredinflour.com. I appreciate your time and the thoughtful reviews you share across various platforms.

    Warm regards,

    Chuck Presti

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    1. Thank you Chuck for your kind words. I am honored by your request. Your book indeed piques my interest. I would be happy to read and review it. How do I get a copy?

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      1. Thank you for agreeing to read and review “Covered in Flour.” I’m thrilled to hear that the book has caught your interest.

        I have various formats available – PDF, ePub, ebook, paperback, and hardcover; just let me know your preference. If you wish to have a hard copy (my personal preference as I feel it provides the best reading experience), could you kindly provide the best mailing address so I can arrange to send the book to you?

        Once again, I genuinely appreciate your willingness to review “Covered in Flour.” I hope you enjoy the read, and I look forward to your thoughts.

        Please feel free to reach out directly if you have any questions or need further information.

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      4. Hi Chuck, I did not receive the ebook. I’m going to use your email address which I see in USER INFO and send you my direct email instead. We’ll try again. Thanks.

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  5. Hi Toby. IF you’re interested, I have a historical novel called “The Thunder and Lightning Man” (written as Trevor Halloway). In short, a story of an old travelling rainmaker in Pre WW1 California who seeks redemption for a past botched job. IF you’re not interested, then that is cool. I wish you a good day either way. Rob

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    1. Thanks Robert for thinking of me. I truly appreciate your asking. But I’m looking at a seriously tall pile of TO-READ books right now and not ready to add another one.

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  6. Fascinating site and personal story. Thanks for sharing. With your interest in WW2 historical fiction, I wondered if you might be interested in reviewing Alice’s War which I plan to release on June 30. My WordPress site is WilliamMcClainWriter.com if you’d like to find out more. Happy to forward an e-copy if you would like.

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    1. Thanks so much, William. I’m truly flattered. I appreciate you’re asking me to read Alice’s War. But I’m feeling a bit over saturated in World War II right now and am taking a break from that genre. Maybe I’ll be able to read something else you’ve written in the future. Best of luck with your upcoming release.

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  8. Thanks Jim for taking the time to express your views, though I am about to disappoint you again. While I welcome comments, this one seems more like your personal instructions to me rather than simply a reaction to a review.

    Since this is my blog, I will continue to read whatever I choose, from any genre, and I will continue to post honest reviews, with relevant information about how I approached the book.

    I leave it up to readers whether to pay attention to my opinions. Anyone is also free to not read my blog. That is, I believe, how the internet works.

    I also offer a link to an article you may find illuminating:

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  9. Greetings Toby,
    Your brief self-introduction tells me you enjoy stories of both World Wars. My book, Where Destiny Commands, is a WWII story based on true events. It is soon to be published.
    I am taking the liberty of sending you a short description of the book in the hope that you might find it of interest. And if, indeed, you do, I should be happy to send you the entire manuscript with a request for your opinion on it.
    Regards, Leila Sen

    Where Destiny Commands weaves the high drama of true events into a compelling WWII love story.

    1940: As WWII engulfs the world, & the British Raj faces its final years in India, a young Indian doctor embarks on the journey of a lifetime when he joins the Medical Service in the British Indian Army. The war takes him to the Middle East, and eventually to Cairo, a tumultuous city of political intrigue and espionage, teeming with Allied forces and those displaced from war ravaged nations. There he meets a young woman haunted by the Armenian genocide she fled for safe haven in Egypt. Fate, however, intervenes when his Battalion, the 2/4 Gurkha Rifles, is swept into battle against Rommel’s Afrika Korps, and he is captured in the Battle of Gazala. Faced with separation & surrounded by global turmoil, will their destiny be denied, or will their love transcend the tragedies of war, the boundaries of far-flung countries, & the barriers of time & fate…

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    1. I appreciate your request and I’m flattered, truly. But I only review books that I have chosen. I don’t write reviews on demand. Good luck with your book. Toby

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  10. Dear Toby,
    I am writing with the hope that you will consider my historical novel, THE LONE LEOPARD (set in Afghanistan), for a review. The book will be published independently in mid-July 2022.
    I was born and brought up in Afghanistan and claimed asylum in England in 1999. I have undergraduate and master’s degrees in Law at The University of Northampton and UCL, respectively; and a PhD on the War in Afghanistan at Durham University.
    THE LONE LEOPARD gives a first-hand account of what I (and most Afghans) have experienced over the past four decades in Afghanistan (and in exile). My previous book, ‘America in Afghanistan’, published in 2019 by IB Tauris/Bloomsbury (https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/america-in-afghanistan-9781784539986/ ), was praised by reviewers for its Afghan perspectives, and is found in, among other institutions, Oxford and Harvard.

    Looking forward to hearing from you.

    Yours faithfully,
    Sharifullah 

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    1. While I am genuinely flattered at your request, I’m afraid I only review books that I choose myself, and almost exclusively fiction. Best wishes with your new book. I hope it is a success. Toby

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    1. Hi. I am very flattered that you ask but I only review books I choose for myself. And that is almost exclusively fiction.

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  12. My name is Anita Tiemeyer, and I would like you to review and post three historical novels I had recently published on your website. Please visit my website to read what my books are about–the Holocaust and anti-Semitism. Thank you. ast4586@gmail.com

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    1. I’m flattered that you asked but I only write reviews of books that I have chosen to read. I don’t write reviews on request. Sorry.

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      2. I very much like your book reviews. Where best do you recommend I can follow your postings regarding books you’ve read?

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      3. Thank you. The best thing to do is hit the FOLLOW TOBY A. SMITH button toward the bottom of any post page on my site. It’s just above the SEARCH FIELD. then you’ll get an email notification whenever I post something.

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