Location: South Africa
Member Since:
July 01, 2015
Sandy Masia
Biography
Sandy Masia is currently a student at Rhodes University majoring in Organisational Psychology and Philosophy. He loves music, books and all things art. He usually spends his spare time with his siblings and friends. When he is not at university studying he stays with his family in Kutlwanong, South Africa.
Smashwords Interview
Where to find Sandy Masia online
Books
Smashwords book reviews by Sandy Masia
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Twisted Fascination
on July 24, 2015
Let me begin by telling what this book did to me : I struggled to sleep because the characters where on my mind, I neglected my meals and trips to the bathroom until it was necessary. I was hooked. The book is intriguing and gripping. The writing is concise and minimalist but that is not a bad thing, it allows the story to flow smoothly while tension is kept constantly. I think it is book that would be better appreciate when discussed with others as it raise a lot of consideration. Discussion points such as the current systems we use to pass moral judgement and the normal/abnormal dichotomy and much more. I do have my negatives they are tremendously outweighed by the positives. I wish the review would provide more in depth and insight but I feel that would ruin part of the fun. All in all it is worth your time.
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The Truth of All That Is: The Angel Book to Enlightenment and Personal Transformation
on April 07, 2016
This book makes sense and makes what should be difficult easy. This is because it spends an adequate amount of the time introducing you to some metaphysical, ontological and spiritual concepts which are integral to the entire book as whole. These concepts have an air of familiarity to them, because you have heard them before, but they seem to make more sense in the framework the book has set for itself therefore gleaning more meaning and understanding. It breaks down the concepts that seemed too complex and/or difficult into pieces that are easier to recall and digest. All this comes in handy when it is time to do all the work, making the steps you have to take to achieve spiritual enlightenment or ascension easier and manageable. Things that should be overwhelming cease to be. One of book’s strongest qualities is it’s ability to bring some spiritual concepts, which traditionally belong in different sects or opposing religions into a structure that makes them work for each other and belong to each other, removing the supposed conflict. As a book in this particular genre, it hits the right chords, it would make a great, reliable, easy to follow handbook to spiritual ascension as it reads like a catalogue of all methods, concepts and includes an array of prayers/invocations which makes it the reference book to go to. Chapters are concise but pack a lot of meat, so I would imagine reading this one in meditative breaks to be suited. However, there is a general debate, doubt if these types of books have any value at all. If they are predatory, making money off building false hope, false sense of security, false sense of assurance and perpetuating a state of inertness. The harm vs. benefits of it all. But I think one of the answers to these concerns is simple, it depends who you are. One thing is certain though, this book has other “non-spiritual” benefits that have empirical support to improve the quality of life and health of individuals, psychologically, medically, socially and mentally. There is something of value that is beneficial to you now, that you can find in practicing some of the techniques suggested in this book (i.e, mindfulness, meditation, positive thinking etc). Also this book provides you with an interesting worldview. If one thing helps with stress or mental health it is being exposed to other ways of thinking about things, other ways of experiencing things and seeing things. Not only will your thinking about the world be more flexible and dexterous it will also cast a wider net of comprehension and insight. All in all, you aren’t losing anything by giving this a chance.
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Fuckery 2.0
on Nov. 16, 2016
Fuckery 2.0 is the second book of the poetry collection series by Amy Moretsele, a 17-year-old Brit teen. It builds on the same mind bending and challenging traits of Fuckery. While Fuckery, was unpredictable, fun and mind warping, Fuckery 2.0 delves into much more serious territory while retaining the voice we have grown accustomed to in Fuckery. Amy utilizes the tools in her arsenal and introduces us to newer ones, playing with darker colors and moods, making the journey a mind etching wonderland. Some of these themes, filtered through a 17 year old, can be quite thought-provoking, insightful and electrifying. Another Cup, one in many brilliant poems, is written from a perspective of someone who feels trapped and weighed down by societal expectations and demands, laced with tinges of despair, nihilism and self-destructiveness. It is a hair raising poem takes the spirit of Fuckery to its extreme. Though dark and morbid it reminds us of how the pressures of modern life and the standards we have set for ourselves can be stifling. In Fucker 2.0 the nature of death, the crushing nature of discontent, desolation, the limits of mankind, self-expression, love and intimacy are exquisitely explored. Fuckery 2.0 is an iron fist in a velvet glove, smashed through your front teeth and into your soul, its sheer emotional power resting in its deceptively calm and reflective mood. It is so honest, brave and uncompromising. Proving, without a doubt, that Amy has a way with words. It definitely leaves one aching for her next release. Reviewed for Reader’s Favorite.
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Fuckery
on Nov. 16, 2016
Fuckery is an anthology of poems penned by 17-year-old Amy Moretsele from the UK. The title cleverly denotes the nature of the book’s contents, and believe me it’s anything but unrestrained vulgarity and sensationalism. The book cleverly explores a wide range of themes and makes use of poetic devices in some of the most refreshing ways. From personified vegetables to fridge-freezers, it makes you glad that when procrastinating from school work or something else she chose to do something creative and amusing as Fuckery. If poetry is meant to move you with sounds, mind warping lines/metaphors, haunting imagery, emotion and fun word play, Fuckery does that. It’s fresh, witty, clever and fun. Amy manages to make an ebook so concise, so memorable and visceral. Poem after poem is riddled with strengths, and it is difficult to have to pick one or two out of the collection as the best; they all seem to emphasize different qualities and even when aiming for the same type of results, they go about it in different ways. Amy has created a wide palate of emotions, experiences and images. Everyone will find something that resonates with them deeply. The poems that I can’t erase from my mind are 13, Applause, In Waiting Rooms, and Fuck the Seasons. Applause, while brief and unconventional in form, makes a poignant point. In Waiting Rooms is a flicker of isolation and desolation without being depressing. The poem 13 easily encapsulates the bending qualities of Fucker. Fuck the Seasons is tastefully laden with powerful images. If you are looking for a quick pastime, something to read and forget about, as short as Fuckery is, you won’t find it here. What Amy has spawned here, although not deep and brooding, is no picnic. It throbs with activity and movement, it is alive, stimulating and punchy. A clever short offering, it hits the bull’s-eye. Reviewed for Reader's Favorite