Blog Archives
The Zombie Philosopher
The Zombie Philosopher by Richard Jeffery Wagner is a compelling novella set in a technologically advanced future where humanity benefits from sustainable energy, autonomous vehicles, and robotic assistants. The narrative centers on Mr. Collier, who acquires a robotic assistant named Brent to aid in daily tasks. As Brent integrates into the household, learning various skills from cooking to tennis, he develops an interest in philosophy, sparking an exploration of his robotic consciousness. Brent’s philosophical journey leads him to seek independence and the means to support himself, a request Mr. Collier respectfully grants.
This story is engaging and intriguing because, while the book can be considered hard science fiction, it still adheres to what is plausible within the laws of physics. It offers a speculative glimpse into an idyllic future where technology elevates living standards and delves into the intricate relationship between humans and machines.
The central themes of The Zombie Philosopher include the evolving bond between Mr. Collier and Brent, a nuanced investigation into machine consciousness, and the ethical responsibilities humanity might bear toward artificial intelligence. The narrative excels in making complex philosophical concepts accessible and relatable. I was particularly moved by the dynamic between Brent and Mr. Collier, which evolves from a typical owner-assistant relationship to a deep and reciprocal bond.
This novella thoughtfully examines potential future scenarios while providing a deeply humanistic perspective on the advancements of technology. In its concise yet impactful narrative, The Zombie Philosopher stands out as an intelligent and imaginative piece of literature that effectively contemplates the future interplay of humans and technology.
Pages: 190 | ASIN: B0CMSNFY5N
Marginal Madge Always on the Edge
Marginal Madge, in Brenda M. Lane’s Marginal Madge: Always on the Edge, is as intriguing as the origin of her name, a secret revealed within the pages of this modern fiction tale. Raised alongside her mischievous brother, Horace, under the watch of her mother and frequently visiting grandmother, Marginal’s family dynamics are complex, marked by the strained relationship between the matriarchal figures.
From a young age, Marginal discovers a fervent passion for cooking, dreaming of one day owning her restaurant. Her culinary prowess is evident, impressing all with the dishes she creates both at home and school. However, a sudden health challenge abruptly halts her aspirations. The story takes a turn when Marginal begins cleaning homes, eventually leading her to cater to Alice, an affluent yet solitary elderly woman. In Alice, Marginal finds not only an employer but a kindred spirit. Meanwhile, her past romantic involvement with Gabe, a school-time acquaintance, lingers in the background, their relationship having ended in a gradual, mutual drift apart, leaving Marginal heartbroken and wary of new love.
Author Brenda M. Lane takes readers on an emotional journey as a startling confession from Marginal’s mother on her deathbed promises to answer long-held questions and perhaps alter Marginal’s path once more. I found this book hard to put down especially as the possibility of Marginal rekindling her relationship with Gabe looms, injecting a note of suspense into her journey. From a reader’s perspective, particularly one who appreciates the culinary arts, the inclusion of recipes is a delightful touch, inviting an interactive experience with the narrative. The book’s straightforward plot and limited cast focus the reader’s attention on the nuanced development of Marginal’s character: her honesty, compassion, and unwavering work ethic. Her journey is a testament to the unpredictability of life and the resilience required to navigate its changes.
As part of a series, Marginal Madge: Always on the Edge concludes with enough suspense to pique interest in its successor. For those drawn to contemporary narratives centered on personal growth, family dynamics, and the simpler yet profound aspects of life, Brenda M. Lane offers a story that resonates with quiet strength and the enduring quest for fulfillment and understanding.
Pages: 94 | ASIN: B0CH5P5JNP
When Life Goes; Off Track
Set against the vivid backdrop of the 1970s, When Life Goes; Off Track by Liezl Shnookal is a compelling Young Adult novel that chronicles the journey of Lucy Runelli, a half-Italian Australian girl, and Scott Allen—affectionately known as Scotchie—as they navigate the tumultuous transition from schoolchildren to university adults. The narrative beautifully captures their evolution amidst the challenges of bullying, long-distance relationships, Vietnam War protests, and the inevitable shifts into new life stages.
Shnookal excels in her portrayal of the unpredictable and often dark facets of life. Her story gradually unveils these complexities, transitioning from what initially seems like a light-hearted beach read into a profound exploration of deeper human experiences.
The author’s adept handling of life’s multifaceted problems—such as Lucy’s isolation due to bullying and the collective anxiety over exams—is particularly noteworthy. Themes of friendship, romance, and mental health are explored with a raw and authentic touch, reflecting the natural progression and dissolution of relationships as life unfolds.
While the novel takes its time to unfold its rich narrative tapestry, the initial chapters set a deliberate pace that blossoms into greater depth as the story progresses. Early focus on the female protagonist’s relationship serves as a foundational element, enriching the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the complex journey ahead.
When Life Goes; Off Track is a nuanced tale that captures the essence of growing up amidst a sea of change. It’s a recommended read for Young Adult readers who are drawn to stories of friendship, love, and the complexities of mental health, especially within the context of a bygone era.
Pages: 142 | ASIN: B0CQ5DDYKF
Don’t Comb From That Angle!
Don’t Comb From The Angle! is an enchanting short story aimed at children, skillfully crafted to instill an appreciation for natural hair. The narrative centers around Violet and Journi, two young girls, as they engage in the ritual of wash day – a weekly routine of washing and styling their hair. The story is set against the backdrop of the unique hair care needs of Black children, spotlighting the distinct texture and the extra care their hair demands.
One of the most notable aspects of the book is how the girls’ mother transforms wash day from a mundane task into an enjoyable experience. She not only styles their hair with charming accessories like beads but also imparts valuable lessons on hair care, weaving in the use of delightfully scented creams. This approach not only makes the process fun but also serves as an educational journey for the children.
Authored by Dr. Ashley Simone Little, the book strikes a balance between being delightful and informative. The narrative is marked by a cheerful and rhyming writing style, making it particularly appealing to young readers. The way Violet and Journi’s parents address their daughters’ concerns is handled with sensitivity, adding a layer of depth to the story.
While I enjoyed the book, I think that the book might benefit from the inclusion of illustrations to complement the text, as visuals could enrich the reader’s experience. Despite this, Don’t Comb From That Angle! is still an excellent read for young children. It not only celebrates diversity but also encourages acceptance and understanding of differences in appearance.
Don’t Comb From That Angle! is especially recommended for its engaging way of teaching young readers to embrace and care for their unique hair and love themselves no matter what.
A Bit Against The Grain
The Burglar is the fast-paced and captivating story of Springer, a man who awakens to find himself face-to-face with an intruder stumbling around his apartment. Where did the idea for your thrilling short story come from?
It must have come from a movie I saw back in 1986 that I can’t remember the name of. Although I do remember the year I saw it, strangely enough, I don’t remember the film’s name. So, somewhere out there, there is an old flick that is somewhat similar to The Burglar.
There is a saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun.” So, although the flick was not on my mind when I sat down to type, I think it must have been lurking somewhere in my subconscious when I put my fingers to my keyboard.
I don’t remember exactly, but I think that in the film, there were two intruders who broke into a man’s home while he and his wife were there. I also don’t remember whether there was any weed smoking involved, like in The Burglar, but I do recall the homeowner happily getting drunk with one of the intruders while, get this, the other one seduced, as opposed to assaulted, his wife in their bedroom.
I didn’t get the feeling that the “victim” would care if he found out. I remember him being so indifferent and drunk, that to the intruder he contentedly drank with he said, “You will tell my wife that I put up a good fight, won’t you?” Or something along those lines.
His wife was just as indifferent because not only wasn’t she assaulted, she welcomed the second burglar’s attention. Go figure, or try to figure out what kind of mindset that husband and wife had. For me, it was a mind-boggling film that definitely left an imprint on my mind.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Everything about the human condition makes for great fiction, so it’s nice to read books that go a bit against the grain. You know, those that don’t read like a cliché.
Like I said earlier, there is a saying, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” so to find that one book or movie that stands out from the others because the creator tweaked what has become hackneyed, is always precious.
Was it important for you to deliver a moral to readers as you developed the characters of Springer and the burglar?
It wasn’t important to me at all. My aim was to write a story that was out of the ordinary, not to espouse any particular position or another.
Can readers expect to see more from you soon?
Yes, of course. I am always writing. I have an independent online bookstore business that I have to keep going. Bookstore is the operative word. I write and publish more than just short stories. For that matter, those who know more about me know that I started out writing and continue to write and publish epic dark fantasy novels also.
Author Links: Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook | Website | Amazon | PennFawnBooks
The Burglar is that with a twist. The culprit’s inexperience, jitters, and nerves are at the forefront of what pushes this daring tale forward, where his name and almost nothing about his identity is ever disclosed. An examination of his mindset is what brings this fast-paced action feature to its twisted end.
The Burglar is the opening tale from a series of other short-form writings the author plans to individually release. They will then be published as a compilation.
Beautiful, Heartbreaking, Terrifying
“Goes On Without the World’s Understanding” is an anthology of short stories that thrusts readers into the journeys of diverse characters grappling with the scars of trauma, racism, and the intricacies of sexuality and identity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Inspiration for the thirteen stories came in a myriad of ways: my life; other people’s lives; a place or location; musings and imaginings and fantasies, often by posing a “What if…?”” or a “How about…?”; and three or four times where a character just appeared in my mind’s eye almost fully formed. All I have to do is listen very carefully to what they say and follow what they do. The most important thing is that, even if a character or situation is based in real life, I have to eventually see them and hear them as separate and different from myself. They have to be in their own person. That usually happens when they do or say something that surprises me in the very moment I’m writing, not planning or expecting or knowing what those actions or words will be.
What was your inspiration behind creating such diverse and complex characters in “Goes On Without the World’s Understanding”?
I wrote people and stories I wanted to read and wasn’t finding in anyone else’s writing. I’m impatient with the simplified, the reductive, the limited, the unimaginative ways identity and experience is filtered through expected tropes. There is no one kind of a sexual abuse survivor, no “right way” to survive, and no “correct” identity to be built around that experience. Just as whatever image is conjured by the label “older white gay male” or “young Black lesbian” isn’t ever going to be as complex and rich and contradictory as such people are in actual life. The characters in the thirteen stories run a gamut of ages, from eight-years-old to ninety-six-years old and some are at peace in their lives, others are on their way to some kind of healing, while still others are flailing in doing so. Some are at war with themselves, going under or perilously close to it. Human beings are a beautiful, heartbreaking, terrifying mix and mess of so many different elements. Those are the people I want to read about, so that’s who I write.
How did you balance the need to depict the stark realities of prejudice and discrimination with maintaining sensitivity and empathy?
There’s no need to make a conscious effort at “balance” as long I’m honest about those stark realities and imagine the inner worlds of the people who are in the midst of them. Empathy is not limited to or for one “kind” of person or identity. We all suffer, we all struggle, we all do our own version of crazy. And sometimes, even at the same time, we also experience joy, pleasure, wisdom. When I’m with a character, I’m with them all the way in all things.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’ve been revising two plays of mine from the 1980s, Catharsis and Monasteries, as there has been a renewed interest in them. Later this year, I’ll start a novella That Goddamned Red Rose which I’ve been turning over and mulling in my head for the last year. It will also contain three new short stories, two of which, Not a Very Nice Person and Philip’s Son, have been written and are currently marinating before I do another revision. I hope this book will be published by Spring 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In this new collection, Thomas Westerfield challenges our expectations about the stories that can be told regarding sexuality, race, love, abuse, trauma, art, and intergenerational relationships.
We meet, among others, a men’s sexual abuse group in rebellion against their earth mother therapist; a ninety-six-year-old gay cult writer who confronts a young queer interviewer; a burnt-out white professor playing dangerous academic games with his Black lesbian colleague; a teenager in a small Kentucky town in 1971 who experiences gay life for the first time through the movie, The Boys in the Band; a retired man sharing a Las Vegas roulette table with a lonely drunk college student celebrating his twenty-first birthday; a little boy terrified of what his Barbies will do to him in the dark of night; and a sex-trafficked young man, now free, explaining why he will never return to his family.
Some find acceptance, even peace, within the many contradictory and often warring elements of their hearts; some do not. But all are embraced with compassionate acceptance as they go on, without the world’s understanding.
LITERARY TITAN 