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J.L. Michael is a Maine author partial to old-school jazz, vintage travel posters, and historical literature that champions daring quests into realms unknown. The majority of the author’s time is spent pursuing the honor code of an impossible dreamer, which includes acting as an able Healthcare Director, committed spouse, and steadfast (though imperfect) role-model to an eight-year-old best-thing-ever. When not thrashing away on a keyboard, J.L. can be found lounging beachside atop the hood of a Jeep Wrangler, contemplating a next escape to distant exotic lands or plotting further misadventures to include in the sequel to the newly released novel— Missteps Perfecting the Shutterbug Strut.
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Missteps Perfecting the Shutterbug Strut by J. L. Michael is the coming-of-age story of a spirited woman learning to live and enjoy every moment. Alexandra Illyria Bathenbrook had a taste of adventure when she was a child and ever since she has been chasing the highs. Working as a photographer, she left Montana to capture images that had never been taken before. With the dream of being recognized by National Geographic, Alexandra risked danger, flirted where she shouldn’t, and caused drama in different cities all over the world. Making a name for herself along the way, Alexandra accepted an assignment that could make or break her whole career.
Adventurous and filled with clever remarks, J. L. Michael did a fantastic job of creating a wholesome story about a heroine that readers can relate to. In Missteps Perfecting the Shutterbug Strut, Alexandra’s character was perfect. I could see little bits of myself in the way she was determined to chase her dreams, prove herself, and feel accomplished. She had goals and she was not afraid to work hard for them. I loved Alexandra’s dialogues as well. They were witty, had charm, and revealed so much of her personality. The author made sure each city was described authentically without being overdone. The setting, the incidents, the plot twists, and even the little epiphanies Alexandra experienced were incredible. I loved Uganda and the descriptions of the hunt for the lions. It was reminiscent of the preface to the story and almost a full circle for Alexandra. I highly recommend it.
