Review of Eidetic Transubstantiation

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Erin Dydek
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Review of Eidetic Transubstantiation

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[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Eidetic Transubstantiation" by William J Palmer.]
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3 out of 5 stars
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Michael Edwards can’t forget the past and is desperate to avoid the future. His eidetic memory, a supercharged photographic memory, allows him to take on observation-based tasks that make him vital to developing security within the United States government. But when an unavoidable disaster strikes, the haunting images remain with Michael forever. Unable to find peace, he sets off on a journey of self-discovery. As his travels take him far from home, he records his recollections in a journal. His long road to healing can only be found in Eidetic Transubstantiation by William J. Palmer.

In this fictional memoir, readers will find an intriguing perspective on life, memory, and the ever-evolving nature of culture. I enjoyed learning about Michael’s most difficult times as he learned to navigate life with his unique gift. The author uses a conversational tone in the storytelling, giving Michael a familiar, down-to-earth personality. While there were many struggles for him to overcome throughout the book, I particularly enjoyed where his story ended. It gives the sense of satisfying accomplishment that one hopes to achieve in old age–a place of knowing who you are and what makes you happy.

I also enjoyed the brief glimpses of history and the author’s thought-provoking discussions of digital culture. Michael’s story involves a harrowing transition from a world without internet to a society dependent on technology. It was interesting to follow this journey and ponder the implications of cyber dependency vs. good old-fashioned memory. The author also delves deep into transubstantiation and the events that cause those transitions or conversions throughout a lifetime. This idea may resonate more deeply with Catholic readers, as the subject ties to the segment of the Mass when the Eucharistic elements undergo consecration.

I appreciated the story within Michael’s memoir. Unfortunately, several editing issues made this book less enjoyable to read. First of all, the book was very redundant. Michael tended to jump forward and backward, often repeating the same information. These redundancies slowed the pacing and made the early chapters frustrating to read. There were also distracting inconsistencies in the formatting of the dialogue. In addition, there were missing periods and other punctuation errors throughout the book. The redundancies, inconsistencies, and typos reduced my rating to three out of five stars.

I’d recommend this novel to readers who enjoy historical fiction and fictional memoirs. The conversational tone makes for a fun but enlightening read that may resonate with those seeking purpose and identity. While the author references the Catholic Mass, the narrator takes a secular approach to interpreting and applying it to his life. There are instances of non-borderline swearing and mildly sensual content discussing the topic of sex without going into all the details.

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Eidetic Transubstantiation
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Samuel Falle
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Post by Samuel Falle »

This review appreciated the book and applauded the author for doing a great job in creating it. Based on the pleasant impression the author's writing created, the reviewer also did well in making me want to include the book on my bookshelf.
Samuel Falle
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Post by Samuel Falle »

This review appreciated the book and applauded the author for doing a great job in creating it. Based on the pleasant impression the author's writing created, the reviewer also did well in making me want to include the book on my bookshelf.
Samuel Falle
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Post by Samuel Falle »

This review appreciated the book and applauded the author for doing a great job in creating it. Based on the pleasant impression the author's writing created, the reviewer also did well in making me want to include the book on my bookshelf.
Samuel Falle
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Post by Samuel Falle »

This review appreciated the book and applauded the author for doing a great job in creating it. Based on the pleasant impression the author's writing created, the reviewer also did well in making me want to include the book on my bookshelf.
Jay Lu
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Post by Jay Lu »

I appreciate your balanced review of 'Eidetic Transubstantiation.' It seems like the book offers a deep dive into the complexities of memory and its impact on personal identity. Your points about the redundant narrative and formatting issues are well-taken and would be crucial for potential readers to know. Despite these issues, it sounds like the novel still provides a unique perspective on adapting to technological changes and finding oneself.
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Post by Aaron Joseph Maupin »

This review provides a helpful overview of the book "Eidetic Transubstantiation" by William J. Palmer and highlights its strengths and weaknesses. It offers insights into the story, characters, and themes covered in the book. However, the review also points out editing issues that may impact the reading experience. The reviewer rates it three out of five stars and recommends the book to those interested in historical fiction and fictional memoirs. While the review provides valuable information, it may not sufficiently motivate everyone to purchase the book. Whether it would be a good addition to one's library depends on individual preferences.
Donaking
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Post by Donaking »

Based on the review, "Eidetic Transubstantiation" by William J. Palmer seems to be an intriguing and thought-provoking book. The reviewer enjoyed the exploration of the protagonist's unique gift and the journey of self-discovery. However, they mentioned several editing issues, such as redundancies and punctuation errors, which impacted their overall rating. Despite this, the book is recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction and fictional memoirs, with a secular approach to interpreting religious themes.
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