Showing posts with label Anthology/Short Stories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Anthology/Short Stories. Show all posts

Friday, July 31, 2015

The Heart is Where the Angels Sing by Kenny Miller




Genre: Adult, Short Stories
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.


From Goodreads:

Have you ever wondered what it is like to live in a small town in the American Midwest? Maybe you grew up in one and moved on. Would you like to take a little break and go back there for a while?

You can with The Heart Is Where The Angels Sing. It's a warm, often very emotional book about life in a small town during the 1950-1960 period. Get ready for the Beatles. Go to camp with the Boy Scouts. Be part of a school's first band. Be there as Walter told us about the dreadful events in Dallas and the loss of a President who was putting us on a new path to the moon.

The Heart Is Where The Angels Sing will grab your heart so have some tissues close by. It's a journey in time where you can take all the time you want to enjoy it. Each story takes you to a new place. You won't have to keep reading to find out what's next. It's the perfect night stand book that will send you off to bed with a smile on your face or maybe, a tear in your eye.
Either way, you will have a wonderful journey into the heart of America. Welcome home.


My Thoughts:
Although this book starts out a little slow it is still a very good book. It is a collection of short stories about a boy’s life as he grew up in a small Nebraska town. From polio at a young age the possibilities of his life are laid before him. I liked the way his father always believed he could do anything. He had a lot of encouragement throughout his life and learned some great life lessons along the way. I was born in the late fifties and grew up on a farm in the Midwest. I could relate to so many of his “memories”. It made me stop and think about those times and how they shaped me just like they shaped him. This is a good book to read for many reasons. It gives you a peak through memories of that time period. It especially showed how kids were raised so much differently then and often had more freedoms. We had the freedom to experiment with life and learn lessons often the hard way. It also showed that a lot of the experiences kids have today are not so different from how he grew up. A great look back into times gone by.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Bitter Bronx by Jerome Charyn

Genre: Short Stories
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
In Bitter Bronx, one of our most gifted and original novelists depicts a world before and after modern urban renewal destroyed the gritty sanctity of a land made famous by Ruth, Gehrig, and Joltin' Joe.

Bitter Bronx is suffused with the texture and nostalgia of a lost time and place, combining a keen eye for detail with Jerome Charyn's lived experience. These stories are informed by a childhood growing up near that middle-class mecca, the Grand Concourse; falling in love with three voluptuous librarians at a public library in the Lower Depths of the South Bronx; and eating at Mafia-owned restaurants along Arthur Avenue's restaurant row, amid a "land of deprivation…where fathers trundled home…with a monumental sadness on their shoulders."

In "Lorelei," a lonely hearts grifter returns home and finds his childhood sweetheart still living in the same apartment house on the Concourse; in "Archy and Mehitabel" a high school romance blossoms around a newspaper comic strip; in "Major Leaguer" a former New York Yankee confronts both a gang of drug dealers and the wreckage that Robert Moses wrought in his old neighborhood; and in three interconnected stories—"Silk & Silk," "Little Sister," and "Marla"—Marla Silk, a successful Manhattan attorney, discovers her father's past in the Bronx and a mysterious younger sister who was hidden from her, kept in a fancy rest home near the Botanical Garden. In these stories and others, the past and present tumble together in Charyn's singular and distinctly "New York prose, street-smart, sly, and full of lurches" (John Leonard, New York Times).

Throughout it all looms the "master builder" Robert Moses, a man who believed he could "save" the Bronx by building a highway through it, dynamiting whole neighborhoods in the process. Bitter Bronx stands as both a fictional eulogy for the people and places paved over by Moses' expressway and an affirmation of Charyn's "brilliant imagination" (Elizabeth Taylor, Chicago Tribune).

My Thoughts:
This was a tough one for me to read.  Had I grown up in the Bronx, or lived in New York where I was more familiar with its history, I might have made better connections to this book. Instead I felt disconnected. I was able to get a sense of what life in the Bronx was like and the changes it went through after Robert Moses split it in two.  I have to agree that the changes were not for the best. I know my first husband came from the Bronx and his parents would talk about their reasoning for living was how bad it had grown and how gang filled it had become.  His writing was wonderful to read. It made me long to see the Bronx before the expressway went through cutting areas in half. It almost reminded me of the Berlin Wall that cut off the two sides.  Each side grew in a different way and at a different rate.  Sometimes the things we do in the name of progress have the opposite effect. The division created is one that has been a struggle for years and will continue for many more to come.  This was an honest look at what once was, what it is now and hopefully a glimpse into what it may become one day.


About the Author






Jerome Charyn's stories have appeared in The Atlantic, The Paris Review, The American Scholar, Epoch, Narrative, Ellery Queen, and other magazines. His most recent novel is I Am Abraham. He lived for many years in Paris and currently resides in Manhattan.

You can find him on:

Facebook

New York Times Review


Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Two Short Stories

Thicker Than Water by Clink Roslam

Genre: Contemporary Short Story
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This was a great short story. The life of two boys, brothers take different paths as they grow up. One is constantly in some form of trouble. He fights at school and at home to protect his younger brother. After spending a little over a year in rehab for a heroin addiction, the older brother returns.  His first stop is to see his mother. His second stop is at the secret spot only he and his younger brother share. But, as the younger brother discovers, sometimes things go too deep to be repaired.  He accepts this as easily as he breathes.  This story is woven together nicely and is one I love for the emotions it brings to the surface.  I would read many more short stories by this author and hope to see more from him.

Saturday, July 12, 2014

If I Was Someone Else - Kea Kamiya

http://www.amazon.com/If-I-Was-Someone-Else/dp/1500350516/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1405164631&sr=8-1&keywords=if+i+was+someone+else

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Short Story
Source: I purchased a copy, (while waiting on my autographed copy from her.)
Pages: 44

Okay, so this is where I usually have my Student Saturdays, where I have a student review a book.  I won't have those until school is back in session. Howeve,r I have the next best thing. The book I am reviewing today is from one of my former students.  She participated in NaNoWriMo last year.  Out of all of the students who reached their goal, she is the only one who got her work published.  Kea moved at the end of third quarter. I knew through emails she was continuing to write, but had no idea she had completed and published the book until I got an excited email.  To say I am proud of her is an understatement. Below is a review of her short story.  I can't wait to see what she writes as a seventh grader. It was truly difficult to write an unbiased review knowing she was my student, but I think I did a pretty good job.

My Thoughts:
Kea Kamiya has written a short story about a young girl who has gone through a life event that has left her scarred, whether she realizes it or not. Kathlean and her family are going through the daily motions of life. One day her dad walked out and didn't come back. Kathleen doesn't understand why. She holds onto little pieces of him, a letter, a DVD, all of which she hides form her mother. Her oldest sister Kathreana pretty much ignores her, as well as the situation.  Kat handles it by getting angry. Kathlean's mom is so worn out after working so many hours that popping a frozen dinner in the oven is the norm for her. She is oblivious to what is actually going on in her house.  Kathlean has always been able to deal with her feelings by talking to her best friend MC. Now, that  part of her world is crumbling as she learns her best friend is moving. How will Kathlean survive now? What will happen to her family?

Kea has taken a problem that faces so many kids today and put it into perspective. She is very intuitive.  Her solution to the issue is spot on. For her first debut book, as a sixth grader, I believe she did a great job in story telling. I look forward to much more by this passionate young lady.

About the Author:
Kea Kamiya is a middle school student. This is her first book. She is passionate about her family, God, and life.  This book came about through her participation in NaNoWriMo. She is currently working on her second book.

Monday, June 30, 2014

Caught - Deirdre Thurston

Source: I received a copy in exchange for my honest review.
Genre: Adult, Short Stories

Alert:  The book is full of the use of the F-word and talks a lot about sex.

From Goodreads:
Caught is a collection of short stories, literary sketches and vignettes---each capturing a moment in the life of someone a lot like you. Each story delves into human themes: expectation, desire, hope, loss, fear, joy, peace, suffering, redemption. The narrative is filled with subtle irony, humour and touching observations. The stories highlight our era of increasing social disconnection, in which technology is replacing intimacy and life occurs at a pace that challenges people’s ability to stop, observe and interpret their own existence and its relationship with those around them. It highlights the everyday moment and provides nourishment for the harried soul.

The overriding message in Caught is that any moment in every life can be viewed as worthy of treasuring. Whether that moment is filled with despair or joy, they provide entertaining relief and nourishing benefits.


My Thoughts:
I enjoyed most of the stories in this book.  We get a glimpse into pieces of lives that often mirror our own. We read the story of a lady who sits next to an elderly couple in the theater only to spend less time watching the movie and more time glancing at the woman and remembering her own Nana.
We have the story of a woman who discovers her husband didn't marry her for love but because he wanted to "be" her. As a woman of faith she finds a solution, even if it is one I would not condone.
As much as I enjoy short stories, the use of the f-word and reference to sex throughout most of the stories meant I didn't enjoy the as much. It also meant that it was a book that I would have trouble recommending to a lot of my friends.  If you like short stories that will evoke memories from your own life, and if you can get past the language and references to sex then you might enjoy this book.

Sunday, January 26, 2014

The Carvings: A Short Story Anthology by Drake Vaughn

Genre: Horror/Thriller
Source: I received a copy in exchange for my honest review

From Goodreads:
The Carvings Collection: A selection of ten shocking tales from the crinkled mind of Drake Vaughn. The short stories span every arena of horror - from psychological tales of imagination gone wrong (“Dolls” and “Carvings”), to supernatural monsters (“Master Key,” “Sales,” and “Flatheads”), to realistic crime (“In The Chair,” “The Test,” and “Driver’s Seat”), along with a new spin on old tropes (“Trip to V-Town” and “The Garden”). All are bite-sized chunks for fans of horror and dark pulpy fiction.

My Thoughts:
I love short stories.   When I only have a few minutes to read I can sit with a good short story and get my reading fix.  This book is filled with great stories.  I must tell you that some of the language is a little rough in a couple of the stories.  However, if you can just jump over those words you will thoroughly enjoy the book.   The first story “Dolls” held the utmost creep factor.  When I read stories like this it makes me wish I could spend the day getting to know the author, just to see how they really think.  “In the Chair”  reminded me of one of those great movies you see on TV where you think the criminal is going to get caught only to have things spun around in some weird twisted way that catches you by surprise.  I mean this in a good way.  “The Garden” was one of those stories that took me by surprise.  It leads you to think one thing and then you get to the last page only to have it be something completely different than what you thought.  I would have to say my favorite of all of the stories was the one the book was named after, “The Carvings”.  Once again the author leads you down a path only to surprise you at the end.  I have to say that this was one ending that completely surprised me and I completely agreed with.  You really need to read this book to see what I am talking about because I’m not going to say anything more that I have said.


About the Author:
Drake Vaughn is the author of The Zombie Generation, along with many other pieces of dark fiction. His self-proclaimed “crinkled fiction” is a blend of horror, dark fantasy, and speculative fiction with a heavy psychological bent. His tales appear deceptively simple, but transform into a wild spree of suspense, madness, and trauma. He lives in Santa Monica, CA with his wife and a black cat named Shadow (who he is certain has come back from the dead on a number of occasions.)

To discover more of his crinkled tales, please visit his Amazon page.
Likewise, feel free to follow him on Twitter and like his page on Facebook. Or join his mailing list at his website:  www.DrakeVaughn.com


Friday, January 3, 2014

In Mint Condition 2013 - Shannon John, Editor

I was contacted by email and asked if I would be willing to read and review an anthology.  I happen to like anthologies so I had no problem saying yes.  This book is definitely different from most books.  The book is full of poetry and short stories that lean to the dark side of literature.  I enjoyed each story, some more than others.  One of my favorites was "A Place in Pine Island". This was the story of a man's run in with an alligator.  "Mr. Scratch's Murder Circus was a poem that reminded me of the freak side-shows at carnivals.  A lot of them dealt with the topic of death.  Call me a morbid person if you want but I enjoy reading things like this.  Each author was chosen from several people who had submitted their stories or poems.  After choosing the stories to be placed in the book, artists were found to illustrate each entry.  The book is full of both talented writers and artists.

You can find out more here.   The stories are so good that I read the entire book in a couple of hours.  I just couldn't put it down.  I will tell you the stories are for the more mature reader and there is some graphic language.  I would definitely read another anthology written any of these sixteen authors.

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Student Saturday - The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar - Roald Dahl


Student Saturday is a day I post reviews written by other students.  The review that follows is written by Connor

This book is about a selfish billionaire that cares only for himself and does nothing but gambles. When he stays at one of his friend’s estates he finds a little folder and read it. The folder is a report about a man who can see with his eyes closed and sees without seeing. When he finds this out he takes the folder and immediately starts to practice. After three long years of training he can see with his eyes closed and he can do this so quickly he can read a person’s hand in less than four seconds. When he shares this new information with a friend he wants to go along with him. Henry agrees and they go off at once. They fly to casino to casino with whatever money they are not using for their project. When they have enough, the locations were set up and the construction began soon after the plans and money has been received. The years passed on and more and more places were built, and soon Henry died. The story came to be when his friends thought it was time to share the secret and what they did.

The story was amazing because it reminds me of “The Ghost Before Christmas”, because when Henry wins his first round of money he doesn’t want it so he throws it out and then he decides why not do something good for the community, and that’s how his mission became true. I recommend this book for people with warm open hearts and who want a good book to read with the family.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Everblossom - Larissa Hinton

Everblossom is an anthology unlike any I have ever read before.  First of all it seemed strange to read something that was so casual in its style.  I almost felt as if I was at an oral story telling.  This is not bad, just different.  Her mixture of short stories and poetry was refreshing.  I loved the poem “Childhood”.  As I find myself getting older it was nice to read a poem that took me back to what it was like to be a child.

Just about the time I thought I had the author’s style pinned down she slipped in something new.  “Crack” seemed like a short story of an abusive mother.  It had a twist to it that caught me off guard.

I think I enjoyed the poetry more than the short stories.  I felt like there needed to be more to the stories.  Maybe it was just my desire for there to be more.  I do believe this is an author we will see more from.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Day Two of Catch Up Reviews

Last Night I was looking for an empty sheet of paper to write notes on.  I pulled out a notebook I had not used at home or school for at least a month and a half.  I worked my way back toward a blank sheet and suddenly found some reviews I had previously written. I went to my blog to see if I had already posted them and lo and behold I had not.  My husband stood in the doorway to my office chuckling.  He thought it was funny that I had misplaced eight book reviews.  I kept thinking I was losing my mind.  I knew I had read the books but couldn't find the book reviews.  This is what happens when you have so many different notebooks for different purposes.  You know, one for each of your WIPs, one for school, one for reviews.  Then when that student who has no paper comes up and asks for some, you grab the first notebook you can get your hands on and then forget what you had done.  So today we will start off with four of the eight reviews I had written.  I know the authors will be happy.  They must have thought I had forgotten them.  I am trying to get things caught up and organized so that I can start the new year fresh.


Tithing and How to Get There - Paul Stephensen
Publisher:  Lulu.com
Pages:  66
Source:  Review copy from author in exchange for review
Genre:  Religion, Financial Planning


This was very appropriate for this time of year.  I know God allows things to happen for a reason.  We look at Christmas as a time for giving.  We give to others all the time but, how often and how much do we give to God.  In this book the author takes us on a short course of tithing.  He started off defining stewardship and giving examples.  God promises to bless us.  There are examples all throughout the Bible of God doing just this.    The author points out that tithing is a privilege and that it is a symbol of total service to the Lord.  It show our willingness to serve him wholly.  For me Chapter 6 was the most important in the entire book.  It was full of budgets, and worksheets and all the things I truly need to get myself back on track.   I have no credit cards.  My philosophy has always been if I didn't have the cash then I didn't need it.  Unfortunately this book made me look at my spending habits.  When I got paid the first thing I would do is buy books.  It didn't matter that I had 300 unread books on my shelf, I always bought more.  I would buy 2-4 books a month.  That may not seem like much but when you have nothing to start with and you are spending what you don't have it adds up.  This is a book I will definitely recommend to friends.  It is a book that Christian and Non-Christian alike can benefit from.  I am thankful the author sent me a copy for review, even if I did lose the review.






Flashes From the Other World – Julie Ann Weinstein
Publisher:  All Things That Matter Press
Pages:  160
Source:  Received a copy for review
Genre:  Short Stories

Product Description:
Magic without the hocus pocus, these stories explore the ethereal blur between reality and not, between dream and sleep, between love and 'other than' love. They present relationships with a tender wackiness. Tossed into the mix are mischievous ghosts, who give the talking plants and even the seductive and vocal grains of sand a run for their money. Quirky and offbeat, these stories will touch your heart, although they may tug at your funny bone first.
About the Author
Julie Ann Weinstein has published over ninety short stories and is a Pushcart Nominee. She is an editorial consultant and a flash fiction workshop leader in the Southern California area. Julie is also published under the name Julie Ann Shapiro. She currently lives in Encinitas, California, where she is working on future short story collections.

My Thoughts:
This is metaphorical writing at its best. The author has divided her book into three parts.  Part one is a collection of paranormal stories.  The are very short and bizarre.  Not bizarre in a bad way.  Bizarre in the sense they make you think.  They have a depth to them that makes you wonder if there is a deeper meaning, a hidden meaning.
The second part of the book is called relationships.  The first story grabbed me and made me hold on.  Maybe it is because my mom has to live with me now that I could see parallels between the relationship the daughter had with her mother and my own.  It takes great talent to write from the heart and attain such a deep meaning that will be read and interpreted differently by each reader.
The third part of the book is called Surreal.  I enjoyed “Blue Moon Carbs”.  This is a book where the reader is free and encouraged to make all kinds of connections.  As I try to lose weight this one story stood out.  It felt like I was reading the battle that goes on in my head every time I eat something that could potentially cause me to gain weight.  I loved it.  My favorite part of this book was actually in the back where the author explains what inspired her to write each of her stories.  Her explanations made me go back and re-read some of the stories as I looked at them through the eyes of what inspired her.  It put a truly different spin on it.  This is not an easy book to describe.  I will recommend it.  Just don’t pick it up for a quick read because that is the one thing it is not.





Justifiable Oregon – Pamela Wright


Publisher:  Reaction Press
Pages:  296
Source: Review copy from publisher
Genre:  Adult Thriller

Have you ever wished something bad would happen to someone evil because God and the law took too long? There are those that risk it all for the rest of us. This novel is about those few and the risks they take on our behalf, and the bystanders that unwittingly get caught in the fray. Duplicity, is the exquisite yacht manned by such men. Men intent on luring the world’s wealthiest human traffickers out of their million’s and into their final moments on earth inside Tillamook Rock Lighthouse.

My Thoughts
After reading the first few chapters  the “Dexter” series came to mind.  In case you don’t remember it, or you’ve never seen it, Dexter was a cop who worked in the police lab.  His specialty was blood.  At night he hunted down and killed those who managed to get off for some technicality, and justice was served.
Often we hear cases of criminals getting off scott free.  What if there was a force that took care of those criminals that were put back on the street?  In Justifiable Oregon that is just what happens.  There is a group of people who take those very criminals out to the Tilamook Rock Lighthouse  in Seaside Oregon.  There the criminal arrives drugged up.  As they come to they are tortured and then their bodies are cremated.  Who are these criminals?  They are members of a drug cartel, and those who traffic in humans.  Want to know more?  Read the book.  Be forewarned that this is not a book you can start and stop at will.  This is a book that demands to be read from beginning to end.






Fury – Elizabeth Miles

Publisher:  Simon Pulse
Pages:  384
Source:  Received a review copy from publisher
Genre:  Young Adult, Paranormal

From Goodreads:
Sometimes sorry isn't enough....
It’s winter break in Ascension, Maine. The snow is falling and everything looks pristine and peaceful. But not all is as it seems...

Between cozy traditions and parties with her friends, Emily loves the holidays. And this year’s even better--the guy she’s been into for months is finally noticing her. But Em knows if she starts things with him, there’s no turning back. Because his girlfriend is Em’s best friend.

On the other side of town, Chase is having problems of his own. The stress of his home life is starting to take its toll, and his social life is unraveling. But that’s nothing compared to what’s really haunting him. Chase has done something cruel...something the perfect guy he pretends to be would never do. And it’s only a matter of time before he’s exposed.

In Ascension, mistakes can be deadly. And three girls—three beautiful, mysterious girls—are here to choose who will pay.

My Thoughts:
The setting of this book sets the over all tone or mood.  It is freezing cold, and snowy.  That is exactly how this story leaves you feeling, cold and empty inside.  You have Emily who is best friends with Gabby.  But what kind of friend flirts with your boyfriend?  Emily does.  She is sure that she and Zach are made for each other.  First reason to hate a character in this book.  Emily is selfish and so full of herself.  Then we have Chase who is not financially in the same league as the rest of his friends.  He tries to make up for his past by becoming something he really isn’t.  He tramples on people to get where he wants to be.  To make Emily and Chase pay for what they have done to others the three furies Ty, Meg and Ali pay a visit.  Ty is so hot that she has Chase fawning all over her.   Can you say revenge.  The job of the furies is to seek revenge for those who they feel need it against those they deserve it.  This  whole book has a creepy movie feel to it.  I could actually see it come out on the big screen.  Although the characters so so many wrong things and justify it to make you hate them they are so wonderfully developed you can’t help love them.  This is the first book in this series and it will definitely not be the last one I read.  The ending definitely leaves you hanging for more.  Definitely one to recommend to all of your friends who like creepy, paranormal, mythical type things.

Sunday, March 20, 2011

The Poison Eater and other Stories - Holly Black

Publisher:  Big Mouth House
Pages:  224
Source:  Simon & Schuster Galley Grab
Genre:  Young Adult, Short Stories

Most of these stories appear in other anthologies.  Some of them a humorous.  Most of them are on the dark side.  Maybe that is what I liked about them.  My favorites by far were "The Night Market" where we discover what love really is and at what length we will go to obtain it," The Coldest Girl in Coldtown" a twisted vampire story, "The Poison Eaters" a story of revenge, and "A Reversal of Fortune"  a story of beating the Devil at his own game.  This book has something for everyone.  Not all of the stories were as good as I would have liked.  I will say there was enough here for everyone to find something for their taste in short stories.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Darkness Creeping by Neal Shusterman


Publisher: Puffin Books, 1995
ISBN: 9780142407219
Source: My Purchase
This book was part of my 9 For 09 Challenge. I had to find a book with the prettiest or ugliest cover. I thought this was one of the ugliest covers as it seemed to be a group of vines and/or snakes twisted around or creeping in and out of a school. The photograph and the stories within were definately both creepy. Here is my short review of this wonderful book.
Darkness Creeping is a book of 20 short stories that will creep you out. “Security Blanket” is the story of a 'special' quilt that turns into the worst type of security blanket. I may never look at quilts the same again. My favorite was probably the 'River Tour'. The story of a special guided trip down the River Styx. Have a fear of dentists? 'Ralphy Sherman’s Root Canal' is a story you can really sink your teeth into. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes short stories, the creepier the better. If you are a Neal Shusterman fan then I would definitely recommend this book. I gave it a 5 out of 5