Blog Archives
Everyone! In the Dream! Is You!
Adam Dove’s Everyone! In the Dream! Is You! is a sharp and intimate collection of interconnected short stories that grapple with identity, masculinity, memory, and the messiness of love. Told in a poetic yet plainly honest style, the book moves between dreamlike surrealism and raw psychological insight. From sculptors binding lovers in clay to children descending into the earth searching for their lost fathers, Dove’s stories weave together fragile characters trying to anchor themselves in shifting emotional terrain. The title story is both a literal and metaphorical encapsulation of the collection; everyone, in every dream, might be a projection of the self.
What struck me most about Dove’s writing is how intimately he writes about emotional discomfort. The dialogue has the cadence of real relationships, awkward, evasive, and occasionally brutal. The prose feels lived-in, worn at the edges like a favorite coat, which makes the moments of beauty hit even harder. There’s an undercurrent of melancholy in every story, but it’s not melodramatic. It’s quiet. It creeps in during a pause between conversations or in the way a character stops mid-sentence. I found myself rereading passages just to sit in the strange sadness of them.
Dove doesn’t shy away from power imbalances, codependency, or emotional manipulation, especially between men and women. At times, I questioned whether the intimacy bordered on claustrophobia. But that discomfort seems intentional. Dove isn’t trying to offer easy takeaways or comforting conclusions; he’s holding up a mirror, and not everything in it is pretty. And that honesty, to me, is what makes the book worth reading.
I’d recommend Everyone! In the Dream! Is You! to readers who appreciate literary fiction that takes emotional risks. It’s perfect for fans of Raymond Carver or Carmen Maria Machado. If you’ve ever loved someone too hard or felt yourself coming undone trying to be who someone else needed, these stories will resonate. They left me feeling unsettled and weirdly grateful. And that, I think, is the mark of something good.
Pages: 208 | ASIN : B0DY69TB2M
Ten Years of Bliss, Poems
Lisa A. Lachapelle’s Ten Years of Bliss is a sweeping and soul-baring collection of 300 poems written over a decade. The work explores spirituality, love, grief, enlightenment, intuition, and the vivid experience of being alive. Lachapelle’s writing shifts effortlessly between meditative verses and emotional bursts, forming a layered mosaic of personal growth and cosmic musings. Divided into thematic clusters, spirituality, love, identity, and time, the book feels like a quiet unfolding of the author’s inner world, told in rhythm, metaphor, and unfiltered thought.
What struck me most was how Lachapelle’s voice dances between the mystical and the matter-of-fact. Her lines are often like whispered prayers or flashes of revelation. Poems like “Greet the Morning” or “The Majesty of Trees” feel rooted in the earth yet always reaching skyward. There’s a humbling beauty in her spiritual reverence, but it never gets self-important. It’s earnest, raw, and sometimes cryptic. A few poems do drift into abstraction, where the emotion is clear but the imagery loses grip. Still, I found myself going back to those pieces, confused at first, then weirdly comforted. The book doesn’t just present poetry; it invites quiet reflection.
On the flip side, her poems on love and human connection made me ache in the best way. There’s so much longing and gentle devotion, lines that made my chest tighten or my heart flutter a little. “It Was Always You” and “Count With Me” hit like confessions. She doesn’t write romance for show. It’s the kind of love that feels lived-in, broken a bit, healed again, then handed to the reader. The style can feel meandering at times, almost like journal entries dressed up in rhyme, but that’s part of what makes it feel honest.
I’d recommend Ten Years of Bliss to anyone who finds comfort in introspective writing or enjoys poetry that blends the mystical with the mundane. If you’re someone who has sat in stillness and asked big questions with no expectation of answers, this book will meet you there. It’s not a fast read, and it’s not always easy, but it’s emotionally resonant.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0F5N7MWLN
Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns
Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns, by A.W. Anthony, is a gentle and heartfelt coming-of-age romance set in the Midwest during the 1970s. Told through the perspective of Terry Deitz, a small-town high schooler, the novel follows his winding, often awkward journey toward love, manhood, and faith. At the center of this story is Debbie Douglas, the girl who catches Terry’s eye and, in time, his heart. Through football games, study hall antics, and tender moments of doubt and hope, the story paints a nostalgic picture of adolescence flavored with Christian values and clean romance.
Reading this book felt like riding in an old pickup on a country road—bumpy, charming, and unexpectedly meaningful. The writing is earnest and full of heart. It leans into its strengths: relatable characters, small-town dynamics, and the quiet courage of first love. I appreciated that the story was never rushed. The slow pace mirrors real life, especially in rural America, where relationships unfold over seasons, not chapters. Anthony’s choice to write from the boy’s point of view adds a fresh and grounded feel that sidesteps cliché. And while not every conversation crackles, many are brimming with sincerity and teenage honesty. I smiled a lot. Sometimes I winced. But I always believed them.
I do feel there are moments where the moral undertones get a bit heavy, and a few plot beats feel like they were written with a wink to Hallmark. But maybe that’s part of the charm. This book isn’t trying to be edgy or clever. It’s kind, and that’s rare these days. The moments that truly shine feel pulled straight from real life— tender, simple, and real—the kind of moment that doesn’t need big drama to feel big.
Blue Jeans and Lavender Gowns is more than a simple love story; it’s a tribute to decency, patience, and young hearts figuring it out. I’d recommend it to anyone who craves clean romance, Christian values, and a walk through simpler times. It’s especially great for teenagers and their parents, or anyone who wants to remember what it felt like to fall in love for the first time—with a girl, with life, or even just with the idea that something good might be waiting around the corner.
Emotional Depth
Ain’t No Way This Is Real is a poignant exploration of friendship, heartbreak, and self-reclamation—when a lifelong bond shatters over love and shifting priorities. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
So, the inspiration behind this short story is my own friendship in high school. I met this kid in my freshman year, who ended up becoming my best friend for 5 years. We got so close, we saw each other as brothers. But, we sadly ended it shortly after graduation.
The book has a poetic and lyrical style. Was that intentional from the start, or did it evolve as you wrote?
I wrote it this way as I wanted to put a bit more emotional depth into the story, and poetry and lyrics have that ability. The narrator’s emotions feel incredibly raw and real.
Was there a particular scene or moment that was the hardest for you to write?
Throughout the entire writing process, I had to take breaks, break down, and had to call my support people. But, if there were particular moments I felt the hardest to write about were related to our past memories and connection to my mental health.
What do you hope readers take away from the narrator’s journey of loss and healing?
I wrote Ain’t No Way This Is Real as a way to heal, but I later realized my story could help others heal. Help other young adults and teens like me who are going through or went through a similar situation like mine, but never found anyone to relate to. As in the media, romantic relationships and breakups are pushed to be seen as the most important relationships and the most painful relationships to end,compared to friendships.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Ain’t No Way This Is Real is based on the author’s friendship with his best friend from high school. We see through the lens of his personal experiences the difficult journey of healing when close friendships come to an end.
Men In Books Aren’t Better
Men in Books Aren’t Better, by Amanda Nelson and Lisa-Marie Potter, kicks off with Molly, a thriller author in a creative rut, who embarks on an unusual quest: hiring an escort to inspire her switch to writing romantic comedies. Molly’s skepticism toward conventional romance, coupled with her career-driven desperation, leads her to Jared Washington, a professional companion with charm, wit, and an uncanny ability to challenge her cynicism. Their encounter is both a humorous and heartfelt exploration of vulnerability, love, and personal growth.
The book’s writing is a delightful mix of sass and sentiment. Nelson and Potter’s prose sparkles with witty dialogue that feels as if you’re eavesdropping on real-life banter. Molly’s self-deprecating humor and Jared’s dry wit create an entertaining dynamic. One of my favorite moments is when Molly, in all her stubborn brilliance, searches for synonyms for “escort” to avoid the stigma leading her to the hilariously titled “Plus One Companion Agency.” The authors’ ability to inject levity into Molly’s personal turmoil is refreshing, and it makes her a protagonist you want to root for, flaws and all.
While the premise is quirky and fun, the book’s deeper strength lies in its exploration of human vulnerability. Molly’s struggle to move on from a broken engagement and Jared’s jaded view of relationships add layers of realism. A standout scene is Molly’s internal debate about her expectations for Jared—balancing professional respect with undeniable attraction. It’s a testament to Nelson and Potter’s skill that these emotional beats feel organic, never forced. The “meet-cute” via video chat is a pivotal moment with its charming awkwardness and genuine sparks between the characters. Jared’s playful challenge to Molly’s aversion to romance (and his wariness of the ocean due to sharks) had me smiling like a fool.
Men in Books Aren’t Better solidifies itself as a modern rom-com gem. It’s perfect for readers who love a balance of humor and heartfelt moments, especially those who appreciate protagonists grappling with real-life messiness. Fans of Emily Henry or Sophie Kinsella will feel right at home. I’d recommend this book to anyone in need of a warm, witty reminder that love—both on and off the page—can be unexpectedly transformative.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0DH8H2WRB
Seeking Closure: Someday, You Will Understand
Seeking Closure dives deep into the interconnected lives of its diverse cast of characters, blending personal growth, financial intrigue, and societal upheaval. Spanning decades from the 1990s to the pandemic-stricken 2020s, the book intertwines major historical events like 9/11 and the Great Recession with the intimate struggles of love, ambition, and self-discovery. The story’s heart lies in its exploration of universal questions: What defines love? How do we balance personal desires with societal expectations? It’s as much about financial investments as it is about emotional ones.
One thing that struck me immediately was the writing’s layered texture. The author breathes life into characters with rich, nuanced backstories. For instance, Adam, the protagonist, steps into the financial world with all the polished nerves of a freshly minted MBA, yet his journey is anything but linear. His first encounter with the enigmatic Charlie had me grinning and wincing in equal measure, reflecting on how chance meetings often define our paths. The way Adam’s nervousness on his first day mirrors his internal growth later in the book is rewarding. This character progression feels real and heartfelt.
I enjoyed the story but felt the prose occasionally reaches for more than it needs to, with some scenes feeling a bit overexplored. For instance, the meeting between Adam and Charlie in the early chapters, while engaging, sometimes lingers on details that could have been tightened. Even so, these moments also highlight the author’s enthusiasm for crafting vivid and immersive storytelling.
What I loved most, though, was how the book delves into its philosophical undertones. Each character seeks closure, whether through love, career, or family. The chapter on Jane’s sacrifices for her family versus her career ambitions resonated deeply. Her quiet strength is a sharp contrast to Charlie’s brash assertiveness and Adam’s introverted resilience. I found myself rooting for all of them, even when their flaws were painfully evident.
By the time I reached the closing chapters, I felt like I had lived decades alongside these characters. The final moments are bittersweet, leaving you pondering the very meaning of closure. Is it truly an end or just another beginning?
If you enjoy stories that weave personal dilemmas with historical contexts and explore themes of love, identity, and ambition, Seeking Closure is a must-read. It’s perfect for anyone who loves drama with a philosophical twist or wants to lose themselves in a tale that feels both sprawling and deeply personal.
Pages: 345 | ASIN : B0CW1BSJC5
A Meticulous Plan
A Meticulous Plan, by A. Mohit, weaves a heartfelt narrative set against the backdrop of a nation in turmoil. This story delves into the intertwined lives of its characters, focusing on themes of love, identity, and cultural boundaries. It begins with the serendipitous meeting of Bakhtiar Khan, a shy yet charismatic young man, and Pooja Roy Chowdhury, a confident and enchanting woman, in Bangkok. Their chance encounter unfolds into an emotionally rich tale that explores the complexities of love across divides of culture and religion.
The writing has its moments of brilliance. I was drawn into the vivid portrayal of Bakhtiar and Pooja’s meeting. The description of their quiet moments, like Pooja resting her head on Bakhtiar’s shoulder during a flight, is tender and captivating. While I feel the dialogue occasionally veers into being overly sentimental, the story is buoyed by the emotional depth of its characters and the sincerity of their struggles.
The ideas in the book are thought-provoking and timeless. Mohit raises important questions about societal prejudices and the boundaries of tradition through Pooja and Bakhtiar’s love story. For instance, the tension created by Pooja’s family opposing the match due to Bakhtiar’s religion is heart-wrenching yet relevant in many societies. I particularly appreciated the subplots, like Madhuri’s attempts to mediate and win over the family elders, as they added layers to the story. Some sections, such as the detailed descriptions of cultural rituals, felt a bit slower-paced, and I found myself wishing for a slightly more concise narrative in those moments.
One of my favorite parts of the book was the exploration of human vulnerability. Bakhtiar’s insecurity after meeting Pooja resonated deeply with me. His internal monologue when he berates himself for not asking for her contact information felt raw and genuine. Pooja’s character, too, is wonderfully nuanced. Her simultaneous confidence and yearning make her incredibly relatable.
A Meticulous Plan is a deeply emotional and culturally rich story that will resonate with readers who appreciate tales of love overcoming odds. The heartfelt narrative and layered characters make it a compelling read. I’d recommend this book to fans of romantic dramas, especially those interested in stories set against a backdrop of cultural and societal conflict.
Pages: 284 | ASIN : B0DMWPCGZX
LITERARY TITAN 