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The Healing Book
The Healing Book: A Collection of Short Stories, authored by Dustin Grinnell, is a poignant anthology that takes readers on a journey alongside diverse characters as they confront personal challenges and seek a deeper sense of purpose. Comprising thirteen compelling short stories, this collection delves into various themes, ranging from the discovery of one’s own voice to providing solace to someone who may not be healed.
A standout story in the collection, titled The Healing Book, tells the tale of Dr. David Mitchel, a surgeon grappling with his wife’s cancer diagnosis. As he exhaustively explores every possible avenue to help her combat the disease, from conventional medical treatments to holistic practices and the transformative power of literature, he eventually comes to terms with the painful reality of her passing. Through this story, Grinnell masterfully captures the emotional turmoil faced by countless individuals affected by cancer.
The author’s writing style strikes a delicate balance between scientific grounding and a thought-provoking exploration of morality. Drawing upon his background in Western medicine, Grinnell deftly showcases the complexities of the human experience, posing challenging questions and confronting difficult issues with sensitivity and courage. Each short story is thoroughly engaging, marked by well-developed characters and insightful examinations of human nature.
A unifying thread that runs through the collection is the characters’ pursuit of spiritual healing. These relatable, evocative tales will resonate with readers on a deeply personal level. I am pleased to have read this captivating and thought-provoking book, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking empathetic, introspective, and engaging stories.
The Mole Book III
The Mole Book III, by Ron Raye, is the third book in the fascinating The Mole series. This particular collection of poems centers on engaging themes of survival, human nature, and betrayal, among others. The book starts with an intriguing introduction where the author talks about a character, who may or may not be fictional, who he claims was his brother. Following the character’s death, the ghost continued to haunt him, the author, even though he was not responsible for the brother’s untimely death.
I’m surprised to find one familiar character who stands out in the book, Willem, who appears in a previous book in the series. He is notorious for his destructive nature and deception. The author’s use of metaphor is brilliant when describing Willem, with lines such as “That night I saw him through the flashing light.” It was Willem; like a mole, he was holding court. “The evil thing was him.” These words aptly capture Willem’s character, making him a memorable figure throughout the book.
Ron Raye is a master of wordplay and metaphor, and his poems are written like captivating stories. The use of repetition in the right places was what I liked most, and it helped to emphasize the author’s ideas on the struggles of life. He asserts that life is a constant battle, and only those who can adapt to different situations and show resistance to oppression will survive. His insightful observations on human nature are thought-provoking and resonate with readers.
Ron Raye is a true master of poetry, and this book showcases his exceptional talent. As someone who has recently developed a love for poetry, this book is one of the best I have read so far. I highly recommend it to poetry enthusiasts and anyone looking for a fascinating and thought-provoking read.
Pages: 204
The Mole Vol IV: Possessor
In Ron Raye’s book, The Mole IV: The Possessor, readers are taken on a poetic journey through love, human nature, romance, hope, and despair. The author’s ability to blend these themes creates a unique and captivating reading experience. Through a collection of poems dedicated to a mysterious lover, the poet shares his perspective on the world and its imperfections.
Indeed, love can hurt sometimes. The poems reflect his unflinching love for the lover, who may or may not have loved him. The verse, “Learning never ends.” It stretches into infinity. “Perhaps, at some point, it bends, picking up on present trends” is among my favorite lines in the book. I consider the statement true, and the author used it a lot. Repetition, puns, and metaphors were the dominant figures of speech used in the collection. The fictional character Willem adds an intriguing layer to the collection, as he destroys without remorse.
The poems in The Mole IV: The Possessor is vivid and rich in imagery, making readers feel as though they are seeing the world through the poet’s eyes. The collection is a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, love, or the human experience. Ron Raye’s words are direct and unapologetically honest, providing a distinctive and provocative viewpoint on these themes.
Overall, The Mole IV: The Possessor is a rare window into the mind of a truly gifted poet and is a must-read. I recommend the book to fans of poetry. But no matter if you like poetry or not, this collection is worth reading because it is enjoyable and thought-provoking.
Pages 320 | ASIN : B0BJHD196K
The Mole Vol V Spare Part
A love so pure that even death can’t pull them apart. A hurting heart, mourning the loss of his beloved. A man who sees the world for what it is. Its imperfections, injustice, and unending struggle for power. In some parts of The Mole Vol V: Spare Part, Ron Raye expresses his devotion and undying love for his lover. Despite the challenges that they may face, he continues to stay true to her. He also writes poems that praise the brave people among us and explains man’s quest for truth and wisdom. And he pinpoints the challenges that we all face in the world, especially the disadvantaged or lower class. He talks about his experiences in different parts of the world over the years, crimes committed in modern society, and the consequences of war.
It was a collection of poems on his views on various aspects of life. Pointing the light on some of the ills of society and subtly proposing solutions. He writes poetry to advocate for a better society in which all men are treated fairly and there is peace. The sad reality is that life isn’t fair and rosy. Things don’t happen as we want them to, and the weak are continuously oppressed. The man keeps seeking the truth and looks for answers to his questions, which he seldom finds. Love is a beautiful thing, but it can cause so much grief, leaving the lover in distress if the love isn’t reciprocated, such as in the case of the author.
Ron Raye creates poems that are just like stories. Each line is a story of its own and will evoke deep emotions in the reader. I had to read some lines twice to better understand the message he was trying to convey. Each line is expertly crafted. Ron Raye continues to show he is a master at poetry with yet another fantastic collection. This would be a great read for fans of modern poetry. The book is enlightening while also being thought-provoking.
Pages: 320 | ASIN : B0BRLGBHT9
Seasons of Life
Whether they are positive or negative, we all have similar stages and relationships in our lives. Throughout this collection of short poems in Seasons of Life, we can see ourselves as a child blowing out a candle on a birthday cake or enjoying a game of America’s favorite pastime: baseball. From playing with dolls to high school graduation, from flying a kite to eating chocolate pudding, someone can relate.
Seasons of Life by Susan McLeod is an inventory of McLeod’s life. She has devoted a poem to each of the seasons, experiences, and family members that she felt was worthy enough of such devotion. The images harken back to a simpler time when families all went to the beach for the summer, to the drive-in movies at night, and to the fair in the fall. Each moment is bathed in a cheery light that makes one smile.
The simplicity of the language within this collection of poems makes it accessible to a broader range of readers. McLeod’s description of her life through poetry will also capture the interest of younger and older readers alike. Younger readers will delight in the simplistic imagery of experiences that they may have had recently gone through themselves. Older readers will look back fondly on milestones in McLeod’s life that may take them back to their childhood.
Seasons of Life, by Susan McLeod, offers readers bite-sized poems that do not intimidate with complex imagery and vocabulary. Readers may pick it up at their leisure, flip to any page, and enjoy a poem in their spare time. I highly recommend this book for anyone willing to reminisce about the “good ol’ days” with nothing but feelings of positivity, unity, and harmony to create a similar mood within the reader.
Pages: 52 | ISBN : 1639887113
Corpse Beneath The Crocus
Corpse Beneath The Crocus by N.N. Nelson is a collection of poetry written about everyday moments of life, portraying what it means to be human. This provocative book beautifully depicts feelings of rage, loneliness, and anxiety while at the same time illustrating quiet mornings, the depths of love, and the power of silence. In writing about a wide variety of things, N.N. Nelson paints beautiful pictures with words and sheds light on moments and feelings, so many people are afraid to speak aloud.
This emotional collection contains raw and vulnerable narratives of happiness, heartbreak, anger, wonder, curiosity, lament, and regret. Numerous times, N.N. Nelson depicts being present in the present– recounting details of intimacy and transparency. Corpse Beneath The Crocus is a fantastic book for people looking to get in touch with their inner selves and process their deepest emotions. This collection of poetry will cause the reader to dive into memories and experiences of their own life while relating to the stories and narratives of N.N. Nelson. By going deep into their innermost thoughts and feelings, the author gives the reader a glimpse into moments and memories the readers themselves may have also experienced in a lifetime.
Corpse Beneath The Crocus will captivate anyone who is a deep thinker, empath, or introvert. I believe this book would be a great resource for people going through difficult times to find someone to sympathize with and relate to. Readers will find this is a great addition to their poetry collection and depicts moments of everyday life with simplicity, imagery, and poise. I would highly recommend this book to everyone. Genuine and eloquently written, this book will be a joy to whoever picks it up off the shelf.
Pages: 122 | ISBN : 1639887385
Poetry to Heal
Poetry to Heal by Rodney Lyttaker is a collection of Christian-based poems and a few evocative songs that will inspire and comfort readers. It’s a curated collection of pieces on love, faith, grief, and gratitude, which are recurring themes throughout the book. The poems are short, impactful, and largely revolve around the author’s faith. Lyttaker’s poems are deeply personal, and his deep love for family and friends. The reader also gains a glimpse into the poet’s life and his nostalgic reflections on becoming a rockstar as a teenager, the tragic loss of his parents, and the devastation of Covid-19.
The poems are short, untitled, and appear to flow from one to the next so that the entire book connects each piece smoothly. The author uses wording that expresses his emotions and state of mind in a compelling way as he contemplates his faith while reflecting on the people he loves. I especially enjoyed the comforting words and passages throughout the poems and songs. Lyttaker expresses the same devotion to his faith as he does towards his father and family, which is refreshing and enjoyable to read.
I found the short sentences and concise writing ideal for expressing the author’s thoughts and emotions. A significant amount of gratitude and appreciation for life is a nice break from heavy reading, as Lyttaker’s style evokes more emotion and connection than thought-provoking analysis.
Poetry to Heal by Rodney Lyttaker is an inspirational and emotionally charged collection of poetry and songs. This book is direct in its content and theme of love, acceptance, and letting go of loved ones. It’s a well-written collection of poems and songs, with simple, easy-to-visualize wording and metaphors, with many references to nature, faith, and perseverance. It’s an easy read that’s enjoyable, simple, and comforting.
Pages 108 | ASIN 1664247041
Dark Awakenings
Dark Awakenings is a collection of Ray LeCara’s most haunting short stories. Throughout each one, a different character is featured with his/her unique backstory. The only thing these tales have in common is that each of these characters’ recently experienced some life-changing event. After that, the same kind of slithering darkness crept into their lives. The darkness’s desire to force them into horrors they are taught to run away from is evident in every story, heedless whether it’s a broken-hearted girl or a priest. They are awakened to the haunting dark lurking alongside them, the one everyone knows about but no one dares to speak about.
This collection of five creepy stories has been written and compiled by LeCara to bring your worst fears to life. LeCara, being a fan of Stephen King and Clive Barker’s spooky stories himself, included elements of a very similar unadulterated horror in his book Dark Awakenings. As a result, each story was better than the last and even more challenging to put down.
LeCara’s storytelling skills are so enthralling that these already scary plotted stories somehow sounded even more atrocious. I completely lost myself in his excellent writing style and felt perplexed by the story’s entrance. Nevertheless, these 5 haunting stories were as spooky and captivating as it gets. After finishing this book, I kept glancing over my shoulder and struggled to tell fiction and reality apart. The setting of each story is different yet akin, and even though each character’s fate is subsequent, it is definitely unpredictable and inconspicuous.
The mysterious and creepy plots kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. However, people sensitive to horror plots should steer clear because the name Dark Awakenings definitely rings true.
Pages: 127 | ASIN : B0BDT441Y2
LITERARY TITAN 