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Below the Fold
Prepare to embark on a thought-provoking journey filled with diverse essays, stories, and musings. Below the Fold is a unique book that invites readers to interpret its content in their own way. Amidst seemingly random dialogues and mad speeches, there are deep philosophical reflections and talking points on topics ranging from conspiracy theories and politics to history, language, and education.
Author Benjamin Anderson’s cryptic writing style pushes the boundaries of traditional literature, delivering a highly varied collection of ideas that will keep readers engaged and intrigued throughout the book. Whether it’s conversations with an alarm clock, jokes by Cro-Magnon men, or a child’s destructive behavior, Below the Fold guarantees to keep you on your toes, and boredom is not an emotion you’ll experience.
This book is anything but conventional. As Anderson admits, it’s intentionally designed to frustrate readers by building upon an idea and then suddenly shifting in the opposite direction or ending the chapter altogether. However, each part of the book provokes deep contemplation and intrigue, and it’s impossible to predict what could happen on the next page or even the next sentence. Anderson’s writing is backed by his pointed criticism of the English language and the concept that language is nothing more than a human invention. While the book raises many thought-provoking questions, there are some parts where readers may feel lost and struggle to find a metaphorical thread. An author’s note to explain the book’s purpose could have been helpful in this regard.
Below the Fold is an interesting read for those seeking a departure from traditional storytelling and who enjoy questioning the unexplained. Book clubs might find it particularly engaging, as each reader will likely analyze the book differently and arrive at their own conclusions. Finally, I recommend Below the Fold to those who enjoy unconventional books, as it’s definitely worth exploring if you’re up for a challenge.
Pages: 104 | ISBN : 1736901958
On a Fallen Wave
The book On a Fallen Wave by Benjamin Anderson is a collection of short poems distributed in sections dedicated to different regions of the United States of America, which include a series of poems named after their main cities and towns. In four to five brief verses, Anderson captures what he feels are key elements that describe each place. With an emphasis on landscapes for many of the poems, readers are treated to views of the mountains in Colorado to the California seaside and the forces of nature that preponderate in each region, and the sentiments that are evoked by them.
Benjamin Anderson’s poetry style is similar to the acclaimed author Rupi Kaur, known for her short poems on being a woman in present-day society. While Anderson’s object of interest is mainly nature – and, to a lesser extent, human relations – in this piece of literature, the similarity in syntax is noteworthy.
The Colorado and California parts in On a Fallen Leave are also worthy of mention. The Colorado section truly captures the beauty of the state’s national parks and mountain ranges that attract tourists worldwide. The part dedicated to California is rightfully the longest one, encompassing all the different geographical features, nature, and cityscapes alike: marvelous ocean views at the coast, arid desert areas, and poems on public-favorite national parks such as the Big Sur and Yosemite. Perhaps the only notable downside to this anthology is that not all American states and regions are covered, which might leave the reader wondering how the author would approach the natural beauties of their own state.
On a Fallen Leave is a beautifully written and well-thought-out collection of poetry that will take the reader on a tour of the United States to visit some of the most notable locations and some hidden gems that may not be publicized. Using poetry to take readers on this adventure is whimsical and captivating.
Pages: 86 | ISBN : 1736901931
Coming Soon
Quick Quirks, A Quick Book
Quick Quirks a Quick Book is a book that will have you think about everything in life. The language you speak, your encounters, relations, things that you see on your way home, human interaction and everything in between. Benjamin Anderson came up with a variety of topics; some related, others not, and shared his thoughts on each of them. Reading the author’s thoughts and notes was stimulating as it gives one a different view of things. Benjamin Anderson is easy with his pen. He does not write complex and neither does he get technical with his work.
Benjamin Anderson is entertaining. The reader gets to chuckle after every few lines thanks to the author’s amusing takes when narrating. The author’s narration is captivating and gets one glued on the text. Each chapter has a different sense from the previous. Every topic is distinctly put and gives the reader something to think about. The author could be talking about something as simple as trees but his way of expressing his text will have you keen to follow the entire paragraph. One of the greatest elements in Benjamin Anderson’s writing is how he twists his texts while introducing new discussions and words. You enjoy reading Benjamin Anderson’s book because he includes interesting phrases and sayings that are not only witty but also educative.
The chapter on Sarcasm-ism was one of my favorite in the book. Wonder where sarcasm originated? Anderson will have you think about this and give you hints on how it started. He explains in detail what sarcasm is, how it is used and why it is an important element in language. The author asks questions, and answers them in the next line, giving one the satisfaction of understanding the topic being discussed. I loved this particular chapter the most as the author made sarcasm seem like a new topic to me. He explained the nitty gritties with this figure of speech and even used examples in sentence form to expound further. This topic also gets the reader to think about language in general and how fun simple elements of language are.
Other favorite chapters in the book included those that the author discussed include ‘For Argument’s Sake’, Of Jokes and Essay’, and ‘Use the Force of Nature’. These topics were the most hilarious and also the most enlightening for me. You get to discover new writing skills by the author when you read the chapters. Quick Quirks a Quick Book is a short but enlightening book that will make you feel smarter and keep you thinking long after you’ve put the book down.
Pages: 62 | ASIN: B095XM8PPL
Belonging
Belonging is a collection of short quirky stories. From teen romances to the supernatural among other literary gems. You will encounter Jun as he meets Ming and promises to love her to his dying father. Who knew rare flowers could change your life? You will also meet Blaine who is rejected by Rebecca twice for different reasons. It is safe to say that it is not his poverty or his wealth, it is him. She is just not that into him. There is also Danny and the girl who faked amnesia. Learning French so he can profess his love to Gayle despite having messed everything up so royally. Then you will meet Judy and the boys who stumble upon something strange while scouring for party things. Not to mention Draquela and her sass. Each story a fun tale of one thing or another.
The one thing that is common throughout the book is the vivid imagery the writer applies. For example, “luminous moon suspended over gentle tranquil waters”. Not only does this sentence embrace you like warm fleece, but it also creates an image in your mind that places the characters right where they need to be. The writer knows how to set a scene. The very first story brings some of Oscar Wilde’s greatest works to mind.
These stories all portray people who belong with others. While this may not be the thematic intention, it still shines through. Ming and Jun belong with each other despite the circumstances that brought them together. Judy and the boys belong in their little group despite all the flirting. Blaine did not belong with Rebecca. If he had recognized this sooner perhaps he would have been able to find where he does. We all belong somewhere.
These are wonderful short stories. Perfect for a slow day to just enjoy. However, the prose in some of the stories is a tad jerky. This means that the setting changes abruptly with little warning. Some of them feel a bit rushed. The book and the stories are still enjoyable though. They are interesting with relatable characters. Most of the characters may be teenagers but they represent something we all recognize in ourselves.
Pages: 86
LITERARY TITAN 