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Wednesday
When everything in life has been against you, who can blame you for not playing nice with others?
My name is Wednesday Valentine. For the last seven years I have been abused and used by a sadistic bastard named Klein. Now he wants me dead- only he doesn't have the balls to kill me himself.
Alvin, who was sent to do Klein's dirty work, decided to save my life (repeatedly) instead of taking it. But no matter how much someone cares about you, they can only do so much...can only go so far. You are your only real shot at coming out on top.
Sometimes reclaiming your life requires a body count.
-Wednesday Valentine
My name is Wednesday Valentine. For the last seven years I have been abused and used by a sadistic bastard named Klein. Now he wants me dead- only he doesn't have the balls to kill me himself.
Alvin, who was sent to do Klein's dirty work, decided to save my life (repeatedly) instead of taking it. But no matter how much someone cares about you, they can only do so much...can only go so far. You are your only real shot at coming out on top.
Sometimes reclaiming your life requires a body count.
-Wednesday Valentine
347 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 26, 2014
3 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Dennis Sharpe
23 books149 followersBorn and raised on the edge of the American Midwest and the South, Dennis Sharpe has been a writer as long as he can remember. His mother has told many people about the fantasy and science fiction stories he'd write on scraps of paper, and staple together as his 'books', before he'd attended his first day of formal education.
He has spent many late nights at diners and dives, drinking coffee with a tattered notebook to put a voice to his feelings of himself and the world around him, and other worlds that can exist only in fiction. The voices in his head don't ever stop talking to him, and so sooner or later he has to get out onto a page all that they've filled him up with.
Inspired by Kurt Vonnegut, Frank Miller, William Shakespeare, Chrissie Pappas, Charles Bukowski, Stephen King, Douglas Adams, Issac Asimov, and countless classic literary influences, Dennis continues with the ability to write what at a glance might seem absurd, but quickly begins to resonate with our own thoughts and emotions. He writes people we know, love we've known and lost (and found again), and places we've been in our lives and in our heads. Even his fictional characters and worlds carry enough of the grey areas we experience in day-to-day life, to let us find the truth in his words, no matter how fantastic.
These days he can be found still writing at all odd hours, drinking coffee with friends, or spending time with his children (the true joys of his life - when they have the time and inclination to visit), in Western Kentucky.
He has spent many late nights at diners and dives, drinking coffee with a tattered notebook to put a voice to his feelings of himself and the world around him, and other worlds that can exist only in fiction. The voices in his head don't ever stop talking to him, and so sooner or later he has to get out onto a page all that they've filled him up with.
Inspired by Kurt Vonnegut, Frank Miller, William Shakespeare, Chrissie Pappas, Charles Bukowski, Stephen King, Douglas Adams, Issac Asimov, and countless classic literary influences, Dennis continues with the ability to write what at a glance might seem absurd, but quickly begins to resonate with our own thoughts and emotions. He writes people we know, love we've known and lost (and found again), and places we've been in our lives and in our heads. Even his fictional characters and worlds carry enough of the grey areas we experience in day-to-day life, to let us find the truth in his words, no matter how fantastic.
These days he can be found still writing at all odd hours, drinking coffee with friends, or spending time with his children (the true joys of his life - when they have the time and inclination to visit), in Western Kentucky.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 4, 2014
This novel is an inspired exploration of humanity. It is most certainly one of a kind. Its criticism of our world today mixed with acidic and biting humor is an undeniable stroke of genius. At its core the story is a tale of the battle of innocence and the heart against ignorance and cruelty.
Wednesday is certainly the focus of the narrative, even when not present in the scene, but she shares the pages with some brilliant supporting characters as well. Along with her mentor/savior/father figure, Alvin, there is Boyle, an insane (and disgusting) hit man bent on her destruction, and Josefina, a past association of Alvin’s seemingly further down her road to control of the direction of her life. Smaller, but no less important (at all) characters like Klein, Eastman, Pete, and Fowler round out the story making it rich and vivid. These characters make Wednesday more interesting as a character and make her world richer and more vibrant and dangerous.
I don’t want to spoil too much of the story, so I will not touch on the plot points that I found moving, but I will say that this book was so good that I have no doubt that I will re-read it and hope that this one volume becomes simply the first volume in a continuing story. Wednesday is not for the faint of heart. It is, in turns, gory, funny, violent, tear jerking, vulgar, and downright horrible.
Through the story, as it unfolded (and that happens at a well-paced and but steady speed) I learned to appreciate the bad as well as the good and learn that no matter how bleak things can get, or have been, there is always hope. Wednesday, Alvin, and various other characters will inspire you. I would happily recommend this story to women and girls (all readers, really) of all ages. It’s a truly empowering and refreshing read.
Wednesday is certainly the focus of the narrative, even when not present in the scene, but she shares the pages with some brilliant supporting characters as well. Along with her mentor/savior/father figure, Alvin, there is Boyle, an insane (and disgusting) hit man bent on her destruction, and Josefina, a past association of Alvin’s seemingly further down her road to control of the direction of her life. Smaller, but no less important (at all) characters like Klein, Eastman, Pete, and Fowler round out the story making it rich and vivid. These characters make Wednesday more interesting as a character and make her world richer and more vibrant and dangerous.
I don’t want to spoil too much of the story, so I will not touch on the plot points that I found moving, but I will say that this book was so good that I have no doubt that I will re-read it and hope that this one volume becomes simply the first volume in a continuing story. Wednesday is not for the faint of heart. It is, in turns, gory, funny, violent, tear jerking, vulgar, and downright horrible.
Through the story, as it unfolded (and that happens at a well-paced and but steady speed) I learned to appreciate the bad as well as the good and learn that no matter how bleak things can get, or have been, there is always hope. Wednesday, Alvin, and various other characters will inspire you. I would happily recommend this story to women and girls (all readers, really) of all ages. It’s a truly empowering and refreshing read.
September 17, 2015
First off , just in case there are people out there that get offended by books with alot of swearing, then Wednesday isn't the read for you and for those who have been following our saga with Into The River which was banned for it's content of swearing, it got me thinking more about the issue when I was reading Wednesday as why is it that some books can get banned just so simple and others can have quite a lot of dark content and be fine for readers consumption and publishing. In this book we meet Wednesday, a girl who has been used and abused by Klein who as we learn throughout the book , really is one of the lowest scum. Now he's chucking Wednesday out like last week's rubbish and has hired Alvin to come and kill her. Of course, readers can see where this is going to go and what the story will be like . This was a fast-paced book with quite alot of action and movement as we follow the characters every move , I did find it difficult to read though due to the language and constant off-colourness as it's not what I am used to reading. It did however fit with the dark tones of the book and was seen as appropiate for this story. Wednesday is a roller coaster of a ride and will keep the readers glued to the pages and you will not want to put it down.
If you love Dark and Edgy Fiction, then Wednesday by Dennis Sharpe is the read for you.
I recommend this book to be read by 18+ due to the content featured within the pages.
If you love Dark and Edgy Fiction, then Wednesday by Dennis Sharpe is the read for you.
I recommend this book to be read by 18+ due to the content featured within the pages.
September 2, 2014
Oh, wow. Oh, this book. Oh, Wednesday, how can I explain you?
I read, and finished, this book in one session. I couldn't put it down.
I found it to be pretty sordid, off-color, and profane, but very well-written. It shocked me. It depressed me. It made me cheer.
The language, the violence, the humor. I really don't know any other book I've read that I can compare it to.
What I can say is that the pacing and style really worked, and I mean really worked, building as the story reached the first and then the second climax.
Then ending was perfect, but it left me really wanting more. Not that it wasn't complete, but I just want more Wednesday in my life.
I read, and finished, this book in one session. I couldn't put it down.
I found it to be pretty sordid, off-color, and profane, but very well-written. It shocked me. It depressed me. It made me cheer.
The language, the violence, the humor. I really don't know any other book I've read that I can compare it to.
What I can say is that the pacing and style really worked, and I mean really worked, building as the story reached the first and then the second climax.
Then ending was perfect, but it left me really wanting more. Not that it wasn't complete, but I just want more Wednesday in my life.
September 8, 2014
In the beginning of the book the author confesses that he has never written anything so vulgar...
The language is strong, explicit and all serves to demonstrate the life of this girl. I am usually quite easily put off by vulgarities since it tends to take over the story. Not so with this book. It adds on, it does not distract.
And my, what an original and truly shocking plot line this has.
As for originality this should get a 5*.
Editing, cover and formatting, 4*
Plot, language flow 4.5*
For the fact that I cannot recommend it to all I know it loses a * but makes my recommendation to those whom I think will be able to deal with the plot and language that more stronger.
WaAr
The language is strong, explicit and all serves to demonstrate the life of this girl. I am usually quite easily put off by vulgarities since it tends to take over the story. Not so with this book. It adds on, it does not distract.
And my, what an original and truly shocking plot line this has.
As for originality this should get a 5*.
Editing, cover and formatting, 4*
Plot, language flow 4.5*
For the fact that I cannot recommend it to all I know it loses a * but makes my recommendation to those whom I think will be able to deal with the plot and language that more stronger.
WaAr
September 1, 2014
This book had me hooked in the first 20 pages. It is an amazing roller coaster of emotions and action packed adventure. Be ready for the ride of your life as you follow Wednesday through her journey. I guarantee once you pick it up you won't want to put it down. Can't wait to see if more will come!!!!
September 8, 2014
Wednesday's Wild Ride: From Property to Prosperity
The fierce and unrestrained narrative in this book is both fanciful and disturbing. It is a story told in a voice that is unapologetic and unafraid. The subject matter is audacious and surreal. The pacing is lightning-fast and visually simplistic. The characters and dialogue are, in turns, stunningly lurid and sensationally hysterical.
There are two central characters presented by the author, each of them flawed and each on a journey. One is on a desperate road for redemption from a past he can’t un-live, while the other is at first falling and then wildly raging toward claiming her life as her own. To tell much more would be to spoil the story, just know that the road trip this film follows is unparalleled (National Lampoon’s Vacation meets Natural Born Killers).
The story hurtles along effortlessly down the interstates of over half the Continental United States, taking readers from crime scene to blood soaked crime scene. The supporting characters and locations that appear are all-too-real and yet just bizarre enough to pass this fantasy off as a reality we may well share with characters such as these.
On its face this story could easily be seen as offensive (Human trafficking, childhood sexual abuse, murder, violence, criminal activity, and other questionable morals). If read suitably senselessly, it might even be mistaken for an endorsement for overtly vicious attacks on society as a whole, or humanity one at a time. However, in actuality, the storyline explores the lure of such violence to those who have lost everything or have never had anything to begin with, those who have been victimized, marginalized, dehumanized or just thrown away. It’s a difficult tale to tell, and yet it is told here quickly and expertly. I can say little more else except that I recommend this book. It is a journey, and a statement. It is worth your time.
The fierce and unrestrained narrative in this book is both fanciful and disturbing. It is a story told in a voice that is unapologetic and unafraid. The subject matter is audacious and surreal. The pacing is lightning-fast and visually simplistic. The characters and dialogue are, in turns, stunningly lurid and sensationally hysterical.
There are two central characters presented by the author, each of them flawed and each on a journey. One is on a desperate road for redemption from a past he can’t un-live, while the other is at first falling and then wildly raging toward claiming her life as her own. To tell much more would be to spoil the story, just know that the road trip this film follows is unparalleled (National Lampoon’s Vacation meets Natural Born Killers).
The story hurtles along effortlessly down the interstates of over half the Continental United States, taking readers from crime scene to blood soaked crime scene. The supporting characters and locations that appear are all-too-real and yet just bizarre enough to pass this fantasy off as a reality we may well share with characters such as these.
On its face this story could easily be seen as offensive (Human trafficking, childhood sexual abuse, murder, violence, criminal activity, and other questionable morals). If read suitably senselessly, it might even be mistaken for an endorsement for overtly vicious attacks on society as a whole, or humanity one at a time. However, in actuality, the storyline explores the lure of such violence to those who have lost everything or have never had anything to begin with, those who have been victimized, marginalized, dehumanized or just thrown away. It’s a difficult tale to tell, and yet it is told here quickly and expertly. I can say little more else except that I recommend this book. It is a journey, and a statement. It is worth your time.
October 15, 2014
What an incredibly fun and unexpectedly moving book. On the surface, it's the tale of two broken but determined people, paired up under unlikely circumstances, escaping the malevolent pursuit of a boss they both crossed. But that description doesn't do it justice. Dennis Sharpe's dark humor shines through against the backdrop of violent action and the undeniable humanity of the characters as they develop and unfold with each conflict and turn of events. Just when you think you "get" either of the main characters, you find yourself pleasantly mistaken. It was impossible to avoid getting attached to either of them or getting pulled into the gritty interstate Americana scenery of their journey. It's just not an easy book to put down. I highly recommend it, unless you're easily offended by creative uses/combinations of profanity.
February 18, 2015
I have a dirty way of thinking "I would have done it this way" about books, and I honestly didn't have those thoughts about "Wednesday" by Dennis Sharpe. I was able to just read it and escape and feel like everything was handled in the way that it should have been. I couldn't hahe been more happy with the progression of the story, the way the characters grew, the flow from past to present. Everything about this book was just...INCREDIBLE. A masterpiece. 5 stars happily given!
September 4, 2014
I’ll start by saying that I love the way this book is structured.
There were more than a few turns of phrase that I enjoyed. The main character’s dialogue is at times priceless.
There were a few transitions that felt a little jarring, but I think they may have been intended to be that way. Other than that, it was a fast paced and enjoyable read.
There were more than a few turns of phrase that I enjoyed. The main character’s dialogue is at times priceless.
There were a few transitions that felt a little jarring, but I think they may have been intended to be that way. Other than that, it was a fast paced and enjoyable read.
September 3, 2014
I couldn't put it down. There was no telling what Wednesday was going to do next. I loved her freedom of expression and her will to fight. She was an obnoxious brat at first, but bared her soul and grew into a focused and determined warrior.
May 31, 2015
A great read. Harsh and definitely not a lighthearted story, but the way the book shows some of the darker aspects of human nature is very original. Wonderful characters. I love when even the good guys aren't really all that good.
February 2, 2016
This is the second time I read Wednesday and it's even better this time. Dennis Sharpe is a fantastic writer and this book hooks you from the first page.
December 24, 2017
Tried to get into this but I just couldn't. I suspect, from other reviews, that the storyline starts becoming more compelling, but the beginning just felt like darkness for its own sake. Perhaps I need to give this book another go.
August 31, 2017
Good characterizations
Pretty memorable characters that were well drawn. I didn't always like the main character, but it was a good read.
Pretty memorable characters that were well drawn. I didn't always like the main character, but it was a good read.
September 27, 2015
You can find this review and more like it on my blog, Declarations of a Fangirl.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to be in the minority apparently, but this book was just alright for me. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. It reminded me a lot of the Transporter 3 movie. You've got an older, nice-looking guy wearing a suit and possessing a set of badass ninja skills protecting a younger, bratty girl with no sense of self-preservation, and they are on the run.
I couldn't connect with Wednesday's character at all. I understand that she went through hell for many years, but still. She was so immature. She had no regard for anyone's safety, including her own. She threw a temper tantrum if she didn't get her way. I just flat out didn't like her.
Not being the central focus of the person or persons whom she was with was something Wednesday was completely unaccustomed to dealing with, and she was quite sure by this point that she didn't like it.
She stomped away without saying a word, breathing heavily, face flushed. It was storming off in a way that would make even the worst of children in their terrible twos pale in comparison.
Alvin was livid. This was a game for her. She was a child, playing and having fun, while putting their lives at risk, not to mention the lives of others, like this cop.
I don't know. Like I said, I didn't hate it, but this book just wasn't for me. There was mention about the excessive use of curse words but that didn't bother me much. I just had a really hard time getting into the story because I just couldn't connect with Wednesday.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I'm going to be in the minority apparently, but this book was just alright for me. I didn't love it, but I didn't hate it either. It reminded me a lot of the Transporter 3 movie. You've got an older, nice-looking guy wearing a suit and possessing a set of badass ninja skills protecting a younger, bratty girl with no sense of self-preservation, and they are on the run.
I couldn't connect with Wednesday's character at all. I understand that she went through hell for many years, but still. She was so immature. She had no regard for anyone's safety, including her own. She threw a temper tantrum if she didn't get her way. I just flat out didn't like her.
Not being the central focus of the person or persons whom she was with was something Wednesday was completely unaccustomed to dealing with, and she was quite sure by this point that she didn't like it.
She stomped away without saying a word, breathing heavily, face flushed. It was storming off in a way that would make even the worst of children in their terrible twos pale in comparison.
Alvin was livid. This was a game for her. She was a child, playing and having fun, while putting their lives at risk, not to mention the lives of others, like this cop.
I don't know. Like I said, I didn't hate it, but this book just wasn't for me. There was mention about the excessive use of curse words but that didn't bother me much. I just had a really hard time getting into the story because I just couldn't connect with Wednesday.
August 26, 2014
***I did editing on this work and thus cannot speak of any errors I may have or may not have found***
What can I say about Wednesday Valentine? She's had a messed up life for sure, but on the worst possible day of her short life, she meets Alvin, a man who comes to mean more to her than she'd ever realize.
Wednesday is the perfect ball of emotion and action. From anger to sorrow to joy, the reader is taken on the wildest of roller coaster rides through roughly a month of one nineteen year old girl's life, which is anything but normal.
The storyline is beautifully written, and the characters are all pretty much love 'em or hate 'em. The descriptions, scenes, and characters are all realistically done and beautifully blended into this story, so much so, that the reader will get lost in the world unfolding before them.
I would recommend Wednesday to any lover of crime adventures. Lovers of gunfights, mob-type stories, corruption, etc are going to love this book.
I hope someday Mr. Sharpe revisits Wednesday's world and lets us see how our beautiful girl turns out.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws
What can I say about Wednesday Valentine? She's had a messed up life for sure, but on the worst possible day of her short life, she meets Alvin, a man who comes to mean more to her than she'd ever realize.
Wednesday is the perfect ball of emotion and action. From anger to sorrow to joy, the reader is taken on the wildest of roller coaster rides through roughly a month of one nineteen year old girl's life, which is anything but normal.
The storyline is beautifully written, and the characters are all pretty much love 'em or hate 'em. The descriptions, scenes, and characters are all realistically done and beautifully blended into this story, so much so, that the reader will get lost in the world unfolding before them.
I would recommend Wednesday to any lover of crime adventures. Lovers of gunfights, mob-type stories, corruption, etc are going to love this book.
I hope someday Mr. Sharpe revisits Wednesday's world and lets us see how our beautiful girl turns out.
I give this book 5 of 5 paws
March 26, 2015
This book brought a few tears to my eyes multiple times. From learning what Wednesday had been through in her short life (she’s only a year older than me), and seeing her grow and mature over time while keeping her fuck you kind of attitude, which was my favorite thing about her. And Alvin, so many things about him brought tears to my eyes.
Alvin, the hit man who grows close to her despite his job, had me wishing I could slap him most of the book. He took crazy chances to save this crazier chick. But I also fell in love with him as a father type figure.
I feel like there is a little bit of Wednesday in all of us. She’s the representation of what we all wish we could be sometimes; care-free, spontaneous, wild, free, and dangerous.
There were so many times that I wanted to tie her up and throw her in the back of the vehicle so Alvin could make good decisions, but then again, the crazy things they did made this book hard to put down for even a second!
It’s a page turner for sure, and a must read!
Alvin, the hit man who grows close to her despite his job, had me wishing I could slap him most of the book. He took crazy chances to save this crazier chick. But I also fell in love with him as a father type figure.
I feel like there is a little bit of Wednesday in all of us. She’s the representation of what we all wish we could be sometimes; care-free, spontaneous, wild, free, and dangerous.
There were so many times that I wanted to tie her up and throw her in the back of the vehicle so Alvin could make good decisions, but then again, the crazy things they did made this book hard to put down for even a second!
It’s a page turner for sure, and a must read!
September 21, 2014
"Wednesday" by Dennis Sharpe is a well written and entertaining story about a woman persecuted by a villain who wants her dead.
The story is told very well with flashbacks and change of narratives which adds to the suspense and urgency. From the beginning the story moves at a fast pace and feels quite intimate and intense. Alvin, an interesting character with his own past, tries to protect Wednesday but fails, only to be rescued himself at the last minute.
It seems nowhere is safe for Wednesday. Sharpe gives us a rich background for Alvin and then inserts a quick flashback to Wednesday's childhood. We keep moving at this pace with more colourful and well drawn characters, with great understated humour and some good action scenes, bad and good people, some bad language and a great ending.
Great character development for Wednesday who I hope will star in a sequel to this excellent novel.
Very enjoyable.
The story is told very well with flashbacks and change of narratives which adds to the suspense and urgency. From the beginning the story moves at a fast pace and feels quite intimate and intense. Alvin, an interesting character with his own past, tries to protect Wednesday but fails, only to be rescued himself at the last minute.
It seems nowhere is safe for Wednesday. Sharpe gives us a rich background for Alvin and then inserts a quick flashback to Wednesday's childhood. We keep moving at this pace with more colourful and well drawn characters, with great understated humour and some good action scenes, bad and good people, some bad language and a great ending.
Great character development for Wednesday who I hope will star in a sequel to this excellent novel.
Very enjoyable.
July 1, 2016
Wednesday is not a good book for myriad reasons, but like that messy wreck on the highway I just couldn't help myself from looking again and again.
What bugged me the most about this book was not the constant over the top swearing (although that made the book infantile), but the irrationality and unbelievably of every single character in the novel. Aside from the random hired goons that occasionally popped up to get gunned down, there wasn't a single character whose motives are consistent from chapter to chapter, or made sense on a human level. On top of this major flaw, a couple of the characters - including Wednesday, the main protagonist, changed their entire demeanour lightning fast, without a believable reason for doing so.
At best Wednesday is crude teenage literature mascarading as an adult action novel. But more honestly it is a hot mess, not worth your time even picking up.
What bugged me the most about this book was not the constant over the top swearing (although that made the book infantile), but the irrationality and unbelievably of every single character in the novel. Aside from the random hired goons that occasionally popped up to get gunned down, there wasn't a single character whose motives are consistent from chapter to chapter, or made sense on a human level. On top of this major flaw, a couple of the characters - including Wednesday, the main protagonist, changed their entire demeanour lightning fast, without a believable reason for doing so.
At best Wednesday is crude teenage literature mascarading as an adult action novel. But more honestly it is a hot mess, not worth your time even picking up.
September 4, 2014
I love how this book turns its nose up at any one genre. You won't want the journey of Wednesday Valentine to end (maybe it won't ...sure would love a sequel or series). The characters dialogue alone will make you love this adventure...but it is great on so many other levels. Watching Wednesday grow from a whiny brat who puts up a front, attempting to forget and escape her rather sorted past, to her emerging slowly but surely into an incredibly strong and independent woman, will take you through an emotionally journey that on some strange level in which we all can relate; At the same time, Wednesday will always be the unique, fearless, vulgar,strong-willed Wednesday. This one no doubt deserves 5 stars.
March 19, 2015
This is a dark tale beautifully told about unconditional love and what that cost sometimes can be. You get to know Wednesday through her own eye's and her struggles. Dennis, has a strong sense of the females perspective better than most male Author's that try to get a females perspectives. Her struggles become yours and you can't help but to become very attached to this character. Another must read.
March 1, 2016
Wow
I didn't like the character Wednesday at first.... but by the end I was loving her! Definitely a must read! Well done Mr. Sharpe!
I didn't like the character Wednesday at first.... but by the end I was loving her! Definitely a must read! Well done Mr. Sharpe!
April 12, 2016
Fairly linear plot told from an interesting perspective. Characters seem real with their own demons, with a satisfying end.
April 25, 2017
An excellent book that I could not put down. I am definitely going to reread his one for sure.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews