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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
The Shut Out
In The Shut Out, Ron Raye weaves a compelling tale that draws readers in and keeps them hooked until the end. The story follows the lives of Ollivierra and Big D, two characters facing unique struggles. Ollivierra finds herself pregnant with twins, unsure of who the father is, while Big D is grieving the loss of a loved one and struggling to make a name for himself as a writer. This riveting book is set mostly in Japan, where Big D is seeking feedback on his work-in-progress novel set in Nazi Germany. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles and personalities, including his mother-in-law, who seems determined to sabotage his career and life.
Author Raye does an excellent job of creating a sense of tension and danger that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. One of the most interesting aspects of The Shut Out is Raye’s inclusion of a book-writing protagonist. This adds an intriguing layer to the story, as readers are able to compare the content of The Shut Out with the fictional novel that Big D is writing. The book is also unique in its structure, with a back-and-forth timeline between 1930s wartime and present-day Japan. However, despite the book’s many strengths, it can sometimes be difficult to keep up with. With over six hundred pages, the narrative flow can feel overwhelming, especially with the multitude of characters, timelines, and struggles. However, once readers get a feel for the author’s style of writing, this novel becomes an immersive experience.
The Shut Out is a complex, dynamic tale with deep emotional draws. This thrilling book is a combination of drama, crime, and speculative fiction that is sure to fascinate readers. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a compelling read, and I eagerly anticipate the next installment in Raye’s series.
Pages: 686 | ASIN : B0BRJX8VKN
The Mole Vol II
The Mole Vol II by Ron Raye is a book of poetry that takes an in depth look at both the perpetrators and victims of slavery and the lasting impacts of that institution. Raye doesn’t pull any punches as he dives into the sensitive topic, following the journey taken by many slaves and exploring both their individual stories and their collective pain. From the woman who is raped and beaten, to the returning character of Willem, who appears to “[serve] as one of the architects of slavery,” Raye manages to use a variety of characters and stories to convey the depth and breadth of the history he is dramatizing, and he does so without romanticizing, dehumanizing, or trivializing.
Some pieces seemed to end but not and vice versa, so readers will need to read closely. There is a repetition to some of the pieces and I can see the reason for that repetition being an illustration of the continued suffering of the characters and others whose stories are not told. However the sheer power of these pieces and the stories being told is captivating.
Raye does a fantastic job of bringing characters to life in a way that feels raw and real; these aren’t just caricatures of villains and victims, but engaging people and stories that connect readers to real struggles. His language is incredibly evocative, painting a picture that is so vivid and at times uncomfortable that Raye succeeds in not just making you hear what he has to say, but feel what he means you to feel.
Pages: 307 | ASIN: B0BBJVZGMX
The Mole
The Mole by Ron Raye is a story in which a man is stranded on an island, has little time to live, and decides to write his masterpiece novel, which is split into ten pieces. In this first volume, the process goes awry, and his main character takes on a life of his own, “charg[ing] his creator with literary treason.”
The author also provides a quick overview of what is to come in his later volumes, where characters’ lives’ and realizations are explored. With these descriptions to shape our perspective, “The Mole” appears to be a unique exploration of the experience of being an author – imposter syndrome, god-like creation of worlds, the intangibility of inspiration, writer’s block, writing as both question and answer, the inevitability of growth, and the ways in which contemplating fictional worlds leads to contemplating reality. Ron Raye offers readers a wide range of thought-provoking poems that are impactful even with little context.
I enjoyed the references to other authors and works which made the book feel more connected, and, as I said above, some of the topics addressed are incredibly engaging and relatable both to authors and readers. Raye does a good job of balancing repetition and newness in a way that maintains coherence while keeping readers engaged with fresh ideas. The author romanticizes the struggles of being an author – the writer’s block, the terrible first drafts, etc., in a way that feels familiar. It’s a story about the creation of a story that carries an inherent timelessness. Overall, The Mole is an incredibly intriguing concept and well worth the time to read, and the time you’ll surely spend reflecting afterwards.
Pages: 844 | ASIN : B0BDBX5DWW
LITERARY TITAN 