Blog Archives
The Righteous Place In Light and Shadow
The Righteous Place in Light and Shadow, by R. Groff, is an outstanding short story collection that delves deep into the realms of horror and sci-fi, delivering a series of imaginative and unsettling short stories. Within these pages, readers will encounter a variety of close encounters with the unexplained, the unknown, and the unknowable. In one gripping tale, a World War II survivor finds himself inexplicably linked to a string of bizarre crimes while another story presents the collapse of society in a manner that defies all expectations. Elsewhere, an alien artifact holds the key to cosmic horrors, and in the violence-torn streets of 1990s Compton, a computer game unleashes a demonic entity that threatens to drive a young boy to madness. As you navigate through this collection, be prepared to enter a realm where fantasy and reality blur, and cosmic terror lurks at every turn.
Groff’s collection echoes the eerie atmospheres found in Ray Bradbury’s The October Country and Stephen King’s Nightmares and Dreamscapes. Some of these stories delve into pure horror, while others venture into the speculative territories of science fiction. What ties them all together is the recurring theme of unsuspecting protagonists who stumble into situations where the very fabric of their reality is shattered, revealing a world far more sinister than they could have imagined.
A unifying thread throughout this collection is the idea that humans are most vulnerable when they believe their world is easily defined and categorized. The stories remind us that unspeakable evil and insidious threats often lurk closest when life appears most mundane. Standout stories include The Undead of Greenwood, which poignantly explores the hopelessness of addiction, and Jacob’s Game, which draws inspiration from the Tron movie series to craft a tale of technological horror.
The Righteous Place in Light and Shadow is a must-read for fans of both horror and sci-fi. Groff’s ability to craft tales of genuine nastiness and cosmic dread will undoubtedly resonate with aficionados of the genre, evoking the mastery of storytellers like Clive Barker and Robert Bloch. This collection is a treasure trove of short fiction that will both unsettle and captivate, making it an essential addition to any horror or sci-fi enthusiast’s library.
Pages: 688 | ASIN : B0D61BJC4Z
Queering My Religion
Queering My Religion by Rev. P. Crim presents a thought-provoking collection of short stories that reimagine biblical narratives through a queer perspective. This collection stands out for its modern twist on familiar tales such as “Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors,” “David and Jonathan,” and “The Centurion and his Servant,” among others. Set against the vibrant era of the 1990s, these stories delve into the intricacies of identity, love, and belonging, offering a unique window into the queer experience within the context of well-known biblical stories.
The book’s strength lies in its ability to breathe new life into these traditional narratives. Each story is carefully crafted to establish a connection with the queer community, challenging readers to embrace ambiguity and celebrate the diversity of human experiences. By urging readers to question their preconceptions, the book facilitates a rediscovery of history through an inclusive and fresh perspective. Drawing inspiration from works like Clarence Jordan’s Cotton Patch Gospels and P.K. McCarey’s Black Bible Chronicles, Queering My Religion adds to the rich tradition of reinterpreting religious texts.
The collection’s standout feature is its bold reinterpretation of biblical stories, providing insight into the lives of characters as they grapple with their identities and relationships. From the journey of self-discovery in “Joseph and his Coat of Many Colors” to the exploration of deep connections in “David and Jonathan,” each narrative resonates with contemporary audiences, bringing a new layer of understanding to these age-old tales. At its core, the collection challenges traditional heteronormative interpretations, highlighting the diverse spectrum of human experiences. Themes of love, acceptance, and resilience are woven throughout, reflecting not just the struggles and triumphs of the 90s but also presenting a timeless message of inclusivity.
Queering My Religion distinguishes itself by sparking discussions about inclusivity, representation, and the transformative power of storytelling. Appealing to fans of biblical narratives, queer literature, or immersive storytelling, this collection invites readers into a world of exploration and reflection, leaving a profound and lasting impact.
Pages: 97 | ASIN : B0CV9K3D61
Pick Up a Plate & a Book
Sweet Emotions is a collection of poetry inspired by your mother’s cooking and her love of sharing it with others. Why was this an important book for you to write?
My mother’s passion for cooking & ability to create mouthwatering dishes always fascinated me. Her food brought people together, creating unforgettable moments filled with love & happiness. I wanted to capture those emotions & share them with others through my writing. Sweet Emotions is a way of honoring her legacy & preserving those cherish memories.
What is the one thing you hope readers take away from the book?
Above all, I hope that readers find a deep connection to the emotions & memories that food & words can evoke. I want them to recreate the warmth that my mother’s cooking brought into our lives. Also, I hope that readers are inspired to explore their own culinary passions, experiment in the kitchen, & create memorable moments with loved ones, just as my mother did. And keep seeking my words.
What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
Sweet Emotions is not just a poetry book. It’s a poetry book based on my heartfelt tribute to my mother’s legacy. The things she stood for & lived for every day. God, family, food & books. That poetry book with cooking because we love food so much that when I write, you will find elements of food that I decided to put a recipe. God, food & words brought people together. Through the pages of Sweet Emotions, I aim to inspire readers to infuse their own dishes with love & passion. Cooking is not just about nourishment but also creating everlasting memories. Pick up a plate & a book. Preferably my book.
What is it about food that you think brings out an emotional response in people?
Food has the power to evoke a range of emotional responses in due to several reasons. First & most important… nourishment & survival. We need it to carry on in life. The fact it tase good adds more.
Cultural & social significance… it brings many in touch with their history & different cultures together through leaning & happiness. Sharing meals promotes a sense of belonging & an emotional connection.
Comfort & satisfaction during difficult time having food together ease the pain.
Overall, the emotional response to food is deeply ingrained in our biology. It has the power to create joy, comfort, nostalgia & social connections. Making it highly sought @ times which I wish for my words. They won’t have the same sensory experience you wont smell, taste or feel the texture. But once you see & read my words you will get the emotional rush as they trigger memories.
Sweet Emotions
In Sweet Emotions, Kevin Bates, both an author and poet, offers readers an eclectic mix of romantic and introspective writings. This collection is not just a compilation of poetry; it also includes a unique blend of original recipes and semi-erotic illustrations. A notable aspect of Bates’ work is the integration of culinary themes, weaving food and beverage motifs throughout his poems. These compositions explore a spectrum of human emotions and experiences, ranging from love and admiration to memories and spirituality, with a few touching on the theme of conflict. The brevity of each poem adds to the collection’s distinct character.
The religious-themed poems in the book are particularly noteworthy. They provide moments for contemplation and introspection, adding a meaningful depth to the anthology. These reflective pieces resonate with heartfelt sentiments, offering a nuanced reading experience. The book presents an innovative format that blends various elements, creating a unique experience. The inclusion of recipes alongside the poetry adds an intriguing, unexpected dimension to the collection. While the fusion of illustrations with these recipes offers a distinctive approach, it also contributes to the book’s eclectic charm. The poetry itself, rich in its complexity, invites readers to engage deeply, presenting an opportunity to explore various layers of meaning and interpretation. As for the rhythm and structure of the poems, particularly when read aloud, they provide a distinct style that may prompt readers to reflect on the deliberate choices made in their composition.
Sweet Emotions is an ambitious endeavor that spans various literary landscapes. Bates’ work encapsulates the essence of passion and creativity, and though it grapples with inconsistency and ambiguity, it provides glimpses of wisdom and sincere emotion. The collection invites readers to immerse themselves in the complexities of love, spirituality, and the human condition.
Pages: 96 | ASIN : B0BSVN4JCF
Paper Wings
Paper Wings, by Mandy Woolf, is a thoughtful and insightful book, delicately addressing the challenging topic of a parent’s serious illness, in this case, a brain tumor. Woolf’s narrative, centered on the experiences of Lilybeth and her children, Leo and Luna, skillfully intertwines themes of faith, resilience, and the enduring power of love in the face of adversity. The story unfolds as the family grapples with Lilybeth’s diagnosis and the remnants of her tumor, which profoundly impact her spirituality and worldview. A pivotal moment occurs when Lilybeth, experiencing an out-of-body encounter with her late mother, rediscovers her inner strength and resilience. This personal epiphany not only rejuvenates her spirit but also provides a powerful lesson for her children.
Woolf’s narrative deftly conveys several core values: the significance of maintaining faith during trying times, the necessity of resilience in the face of life’s unexpected challenges, and the triumph of love and courage over daunting obstacles. This storyline offers readers, especially those encountering similar familial struggles, a relatable and hopeful perspective.
The book’s illustrations, crafted by Elmira Georgieva, add a layer of gentle beauty to the narrative. Georgieva’s artwork vividly captures life’s simple joys, boundless imagination, and the light that can be found even in the darkest of times, as symbolized by the grandfather figure in the story. Beyond the story itself, Paper Wings includes a valuable section for parents and guardians. This part of the book provides practical advice and resources for helping readers process and understand illness and its accompanying emotional challenges. It recognizes that health crises are not isolated events but affect the entire family unit. Here, Woolf excels in not only acknowledging this reality but also in providing tangible support for families navigating these difficult experiences.
Paper Wings stands out as a meaningful and empathetic resource for families, offering guidance, understanding, and a message of enduring hope amidst life’s most challenging moments.
Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1923020358
Lily
All who are born as Dubans are born as twins. Lily, unfortunately, is an exception. Due to the unique circumstances of her single birth, Lily is considered an outcast and even cursed from the moment she arrives. Even though she was born alone, Lily has never truly been alone and never will be. To live this way is to be feared, and this is something young Lily will never truly realize if her parents have their way. When her parents attempt to deceive the rest of the community, things take a strange and dangerous turn.
Lily, a short story by E.G. Creel, centers around the title character. Though the bulk of the action revolves around Lily from the time she is born, the narrative focuses primarily on White Beard, a figure who first appears as a Santa Claus-type character. Lily’s circumstances are extraordinary, and Creel has given readers an especially remarkable storyline in which to revel. The stunning world the author has created features amazing creatures, and the imagery conjured is breathtaking.
This short story packs a big punch in just short of 50 pages. With a fairly large cast of characters introduced in a short length of time, Creel’s storyline will fascinate readers right out of the gate. The overall verbiage in the story feels like classic folk and fairy tales; the more modern references don’t seem to add to or blend well with the story.
I recommend the short story Lily by E.G. Creel to readers who enjoy quick fantasy action and adventure stories. Readers will find that this tale is reminiscent of the Brothers Grimm style of fantasy and fairy tales with dark twists.
Pages: 46 | ASIN : B09X4KYZL3
LITERARY TITAN 