Blog Archives
The Palms
In The Palms, a profoundly evocative novel, we delve into the life of Ronnie Wells, a man sentenced for murder in 1979 and subsequently granted parole after enduring 36 years in confinement. Striving to lead a tranquil, repentant existence, he settles in the quaint, somewhat neglected hamlet of Paradise Palms Villas.
Upon meeting Clara, his enigmatic neighbor, Ronnie’s world undergoes a dramatic transformation. Clara, a hardened woman living under the shadow of prostitution, substance abuse, and an abusive partner who doubles as her pimp and drug supplier, shares her life with her innocent young daughter, Mary.
Their initial interaction is fraught with tension, but with the passage of time, a sense of affinity develops between Clara, Mary, and Ronnie. Embracing his role as their protector, Ronnie aids Clara in her desperate quest for escape from the sinister Joe and supports her in the struggle against the formidable chains of addiction. Despite these efforts, Clara’s dependency proves challenging to overcome, culminating in a shocking turn of events when Mary is abducted. The narrative then shifts to Ronnie’s determined endeavor to retrieve Mary.
This narrative stands out as a captivating masterpiece of literary fiction, exquisitely crafted with a riveting story. Undoubtedly, The Palms is an extraordinary feat deserving of the highest accolades. The author, Clay Anderson, masterfully employs poetic imagery to portray the vivid landscapes and intriguing characters, drawing readers into a heart-rending tale of redemption amidst a world spiraling toward chaos.
The Palms presents a compelling narrative worthy of any reader’s attention. This fascinating book leans on the side of creative imagery, resulting in a slower unfolding of the narrative. Nevertheless, readers will find themselves immersed in the intricately detailed world and its occupants. The Palms is a testament to literary artistry that will continue to engage and provoke thought among its readers.
Pages: 294 | ASIN : B0BYK8NYXS
I Think That Is Kinda Funny
Growing Down follows two drunk men who spend the day running around town trying to make up for what they feel is lost time in life. What was the inspiration for your story?
I don’t remember exactly the inspiration from it other than initially I wanted to write a story about a character who could not find their way home. I also remember sitting in a movie theater and seeing Federico Fellini’s I Vitelloni. I thought the movie was wonderful.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
I would say organically. At this point in time I am so busy that hardly any planning goes into anything anymore. I have my notes, but I rarely use them and much of the finished product is often the initial idea reworked over and over.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your character’s life?
Yes and No. I don’t think I know anyone who left a wedding early and got drunk with a buddy, usually that happens after the wedding is over. I do know that I am thirty and a lot of people around me are as well. I think when friend’s or acquaintances start having children, getting married, talking about their retirement, etc. it does make one reflect because nobody tells ya, ‘you are this age, this is this time…,’ so much as one person does it and the rest follow suit. I think that is kinda funny.
What story are you currently in the middle of writing?
I’m working on a story called Louis, which is about this happy go luck guy that likes to ride the subway train. I would really like to do something that involves animals. I work at Unity Farm Sanctuary in Sherborn, Massachusetts and among many of the animals there I love being with the pigs. I have some stuff on paper involving pigs, but it would hard to be Babe or Charlotte’s Web.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website
Michael Tuberdyke is the author of several short story collections. His work has appeared in Europe as well as North American in literary magazines such as Rundelania, A Million Ways, and Flora Fiction. He lives in Belmont, Massachusetts with his partner and works at Unity Farm Sanctuary.
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 Islander
David W. Berner’s The Islander is a poignant and thought-provoking work of fiction that delves into themes of grief, healing, and companionship. The novel follows Seamus Damp, an aging writer seeking solitude on a remote island to escape his troubled past. However, his attempt at a monastic life is disrupted by his painful memories that continue to haunt him. On the island, he meets a young woman, Maddie, who is also struggling with her own past. Together, they embark on an emotionally-resonant journey of healing and find solace in each other’s company.
Berner’s narrative style is engrossing and creates a vivid story that makes the pain and struggles of Seamus and Maddie tangible, if not relatable, to the reader. Through his skillful writing, he captures the beauty of the isolated island off the coast of Ireland, immersing the reader in its lush landscape. I’ve never been to Ireland, or been isolated for too long, but this book gives both an air of intrigue and a fascinating appeal.
The author’s sensitivity in handling matters of the heart is evident in the deep conversations between the two main characters, which lead them to explore their past traumas. The compassion and kindness that Maddie shows Seamus during his health emergencies are both heartwarming and gratifying. I was surprised by how deeply thoughtful this book is and was pleasantly immersed in the story after the first few chapters.
The Islander is a short but impactful read that explores the human condition in a compelling way. The book’s message is powerful, and the characters’ journeys are relatable, making it a highly recommended read.
Pages: 141 | ASIN: B0BWWZMR5Z
Song for Ria
Ria was an award-winning actress who had everything to live for, so why would she want to give it all up? Alison, who is an award-winning composer, is grieving the loss of her daughter Ria from an ‘accidental suicide’. She’s utterly shocked and heartbroken. She’s grieving and simultaneously trying to save her marriage. She is on a hunt, trying to know more about the last few months of her daughter’s life, hung up on it so much that it is beginning to consume her.
This emotionally-resonant novel follows her grief and her effort to gain some clarity so that she can move on. It is a story that is sharp, observant and completely heart wrenching. This beautiful journey takes readers into the mind of a grieving mother. It exceptionally depicts the confusing emotions of Alison and her husband. I feel that Alison is a character that anyone can relate to, even if they have not faced the unfortunate circumstance of going through what she did. The author’s excellent writing will help anyone connect with the character, if not the situation.
While the story has much depth, the book is written in such an easy to read style that I completed the story within a couple of days. The characters felt authentic and compelling, so much so that I was irked by the lack of complete understanding from her husband’s side, and the sad part is that often for people it’s the reality.
Song for Ria explores a topic as depressing as grief but does so through a beautifully written story so that it will be approachable to many, and understood by all readers.
Pages: 354 | ASIN: B0B99N1GXL
The Girl
The Girl, by Victory Witherkeigh, follows a girl who lived a difficult life. Despite her privileged upbringing, with class and money, her parents scorned her the day she was born. She was often neglected of affection and care, and anyone in a position to provide kindness either lived too far away or don’t understand the circumstances, including her grandparents. The girl’s brother seems to capture everyone’s attention in a positive light, while she is deprived of the same. Once she discovers secrets from her heritage, she learns details about herself and her past, which gives her more power than she could have imagined.
This book is a riveting coming-of-age story that blends spiritual, supernatural, and modern elements into a well-written book. There is also a rich inclusion of Filipino history and folklore, which is both interesting and educational – a welcoming surprise for me, as I have Filipino heritage. I thoroughly enjoyed how many authentic references make it into this modern story, which is not common in many novels. I enjoyed the author’s reflection on religion and morals, which is depicted in a way that is relatable and thought-provoking.
While this book is tragic and focuses a lot on the girl’s struggles, there are moments of joy and self-realization that are satisfying for the reader, which give a sense of closure and peace. I found the author’s take on familial ties, young adulthood, and religion to be honest, and gives the reader something to think about long after the book is finished. I personally enjoyed the supernatural themes and how they are woven into a dramatic story about sensitive topics and growth.
The Girl is a fantastic read that is not too lighthearted, but it will give you a lot to contemplate about family, morals, and acceptance. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Pages: 356 | ASIN: B0BFBTC8X7
Café de Sophia
Café de Sophia starts out from the POV of a sixteen-year-old boy named Nate. He’s walking home from school one day and it starts raining so he decides to seek shelter in a nearby café. While he waits for his mom to pick him up, Nate is drawn to the environment of the cute café and admires the décor. He meets a man named Plato who is a regular at the café. Plato is an educated and sophisticated man. He enjoys conversation and getting to know people through his conversations. Nate learns a lot from Plato, as well as his friends who frequent the café. The café is the spot where they like to hang out and have deep intellectually-invigorating conversations about a variety of topics. In the end, Nate learns more about himself because of the wisdom Plato shares with him.
This is a sharp and cerebral book that uses Socratic dialogue to share observant and analytical deductions on life and all of the things it consists of. If you enjoy a story that is brimming with provocative ideas and astute observations about the world then you will enjoy M.A. Alsadah’s book. This is a story for those that like to ponder as this novel gives you plenty of food for thought.
The book is filled with deep and intellectual conversations between characters that all seem likable. The story uses Nate as a vehicle to deliver some fascinating ideas and I especially found the logical deductions intriguing. Any philosopher, or any readers that consider themselves so, would find the shrewd ruminations especially engaging. I would suggest readers not familiar with Socratic dialogue first familiarize themselves with the format. This will help readers understand the format and be in the right state of mind before diving in.
Café de Sophia is a thought-provoking literary fiction novel that uses an age-old format to tell a compelling story that is full of perceptive reflections on life.
Pages: 201 | ASIN: B0B75M9TGQ
The Perfect Place To Start The Journey
Doing Time in California follows a man who escapes from jail just before his release and embarks on a fun and thoughtful journey with friends to a golf tournament. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My younger sister died of bile duct cancer. It was nine months from diagnoses to death, the same amount of time for a natural pregnancy to lead to life. So, when I decided to write a story dealing with time, I thought the perfect character would be someone who has had their time taken away from them. During the decade I lived in San Francisco I would take Marsh Creek Road for my drive to Stockton to play in a golf tournament every summer. I passed the detention center going and coming and it struck me that it was the perfect place to start the journey.
Kimo Jones is an interesting and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
I obviously wanted a flawed character, like most of us. One of my favorite quotes is Oscar Wilde’s “I can resist everything but temptation,” and I wanted Kimo to be like that. He’s someone that wants to do the right thing but is a slave to his narcissistic impulses. I wanted him to have to make choices that were beneficial to others instead of his own self interests. It was important to me that he evolve beyond his arrested development.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the big boys: life and death, man vs self, love, time, God—but in a humorous way. I grew up Catholic and was often told that God works in mysterious ways, and I wanted to show that with this character. I tried to have him do something for the good of others almost despite himself, that sometimes God must get his vessel drunk out of his mind before He can work His will!
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’m working on a memoir called Army Brat that I hope to have completed and ready to go next year. I went to first grade in Germany, second grade in Aberdeen, Maryland, third grade on the island of Kauai in Hawaii, fourth grade to the middle of seventh grade at Fort Benning, Georgia, the last half of seventh and eighth grade at Fort Hood, Texas, ninth grade at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, then the rest of high school at Punahou School in Honolulu. I got hit by a car chasing my brother with a baseball bat and hit by lightning playing baseball in first grade. We saw Bobby Kennedy give a speech in Stockton, California on his way to Los Angeles the week he was killed. My brother and I played touch football with Lt. William Calley and his M.P. guard while he was on trial for the My Lai Massacre, and I went to high school with Barry Obama before he was Barack. Should be a fun read. Then I’ll work on a sequel to my novel called Doing Time on the Camino.
Author Links: Amazon | GoodReads
Disgraced Catholic School teacher Kimo Jones does just that, starting a journey through the California Delta with the aid of a beautiful young pianist. Mr. Jones taught his students that God works in mysterious ways, but he didn’t tell them that he believes hawks could be messengers from God. What kind of mind are we dealing with?
Dwight Jesmer’s Doing Time in California takes you on a laugh-out-loud funny journey to redemption. It’s a rock opera of a novel. Can’t wait for the movie!
LITERARY TITAN 