Tag: Books

Book Review: The Clock in My Mother’s House

Annalisa Crawford, through a collection of stories – The Clock in my Mother’s House – skillfully transports readers into a world where time bends, age defies conventional boundaries, and characters confront their inner demons.

The Clock in My Mother’s House – Book Cover

Book: The Clock in My Mother’s House

Author: Annalisa Crawford

Genre: Fiction, Short stories

Review copy: BookSirens

Available at: Amazon.in

Recommended: Must read

Short stories spanning a variety of themes and notions – some obtuse, some as real as they can be.

Annalisa Crawford, through a collection of stories – The Clock in my Mother’s House – skillfully transports readers into a world where time bends, age defies conventional boundaries, and characters confront their inner demons. “Your future isn’t fixed. It’s like an ocean, flowing in all directions, nothing’s settled until you’re much older.”

Her narratives blur the lines between reality and fantasy, inviting readers to delve into either mystical realms beyond comprehension or to contemplate the workings of the human mind. Each story is meticulously crafted, showcasing Crawford’s expertise in blending elements both mystical and real. For example, in All the Magpies Come Out to Play, she captures fear and hope during a pandemic. In two stories A Thousand Pieces of You and Click – she delves into intense emotions and the power of resilience.

Crawford’s writing style is captivating. Each story is imbued with possibility, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the layered narration and ponder the story’s direction. Even in the confines of a short story, the characters elicit the reader’s interest and empathy. Whether it’s a stormy night or a tranquil weekend, The Clock in My Mother’s House promises an immersive reading experience that stays with the reader long after the last page is turned.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: Cat & The Dreamer

Mystery, melancholy, and a struggling protagonist in a novella that is a compelling read: Cat and the Dreamer by Annalisa Crawford

Cat and the Dreamer – Book Cover

Book: Cat & The Dreamer

Author: Annalisa Crawford

Genre: Fiction

Review copy: BookSirens

Available at: Amazon.in

Recommended: Must read

Trigger warning: Death, bullying

Mystery, melancholy, and a struggling protagonist in a novella that is a compelling read

Cat and the Dreamer by Annalisa Crawford is a captivating read that deftly intertwines elements of mystery and melancholy. Crawford’s writing style is exquisite, drawing readers in with its expressive prose and evocative descriptions. “My dreams are always vivid, lurid almost, like an over-exposed photo. It’s how I know what’s real. Reality is tinted with a disappointing grey pallor, washed out, even when the sun is shining and the sky is cobalt blue, or golden leaves are falling from the trees.”

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is Crawford’s character introduction and development. Readers are quickly drawn to Julie, the protagonist, intrigued by her mysterious aura. As an adult professional still living with her parents, her life circumstances pique interest. Julie is portrayed as self-conscious, burdened by the past, and experiencing waking dreams that blur the lines between illusion and reality, as she searches for “A Perfect Dream.”

Crawford expertly spins a storytelling web that captivates readers, keeping them engrossed until the very end. She presents a unique perspective through monologues, with references to the ‘cat’ that emphasize its wild traits over its typical feline cuteness. The book cover is a succinct portrayal of how Julie’s dreams are her escape portal.

Overall, Cat and the Dreamer is a slow-burn fiction that rewards readers with its engaging narrative and unfolding revelations. Crawford’s skillful writing and masterful storytelling make it a must-read for fans of literary fiction. The novel develops gradually, demanding the reader’s concentration, introspection, and appreciation of a poignant story told in a unique style. Importantly, the book sheds light on the complexities of adolescence, the impact of peer influence on young adults, and the burdens one can carry throughout life.

I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Book Review: 30 Stories about Life & Death: Flash Fiction

An engaging collection of short stories, spanning geographies, cultures, experiences, and emotions.

30 Stories about Life & Death: Flash Fiction – Book Cover

Book: 30 Stories about Life & Death: Flash Fiction

Author: Henri Colt

Genre: Fiction, Flash fiction

Review copy: Reedsy

Available at: Amazon.in

Recommended: Must read

An engaging collection of short stories, spanning geographies, cultures, experiences, and emotions.

Brevity in storytelling is a commendable trait. Henri Colt’s 30 Stories about Life & Death: Flash Fiction is a good representation of succinct writing with a flair for engagement. Divided into two parts – Life and Death – this compilation of flash fiction has many riveting tales in various shades.

The stories explore the themes of mortality, love, loss, and connection. They are set in different locations around the world, from Paris to Tokyo, and feature diverse characters and situations. Humorous, tragic, poignant, and surreal – all of them are written in an elegant style that captures the essence of each situation and emotion.

Colt’s vast travel experience has influenced the settings of most of the stories. His passion for life and understanding of human travails and feelings bind words into endearing fiction. As a reader, I could imagine him creating stories during each of his travels, capturing the nuances of places and people in dexterously crafted words. Throughout the narrative, Colt encapsulates various cultural experiences, sometimes with explicit descriptions, and sometimes with tender emotions. The characters are also varied in each story – teenagers, elderly, youthful, adventurous, humorous, travelers, and artists – the writer showcases his observations of different personalities and scenarios.

The depth of characterization in each story keeps the reader engaged. There is much to read between the lines and much to savor and absorb. Through vivid descriptions and surprising twists, Colt portrays the complexity and vulnerability of the human heart and our choices in life. Life lessons are tucked into the stories. For instance, “Don’t think, Kyra” he counsels, “Just be.” Or “… when suffering ends, and joy spills forth like the birth of an idea.” I recommend you get a copy and find the lines that resonate and stay with you, long after you finish reading it.

I received an advance review copy for free from Reedsy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The selection of a sacred strawberry

Writers often lament writer’s block and procrastination as colossal hurdles to a regular writing practice. While both hold a genuine place in the writers’ list of woes, it is my experience that nothing is a bigger enemy of the creative journey than ill-disposed mental health. One can create masterpieces in sorrow and carve out brilliant art in happiness but it is hard to get a grip on artistic pursuits when one is stressed or anxious. 

A stack of books and an open notebook

Since mid-November 2022 until now I have been struggling – first with a long spell of flu that lasted for a month and a half. Then, somewhere during this difficult time, debilitating worry and paranoia found their way into my life. I was trapped in a maze of repetitive thoughts and stress-induced negativity. I tried many things to heal my mind but it was a lonely journey.

The biggest casualty of my mental ill-health was my poetry. I realize how delicate a device poetry is. It demands total dedication. A disrupted mental frame cannot do justice to the pursuits of the poet. 

One of the tools recommended for mindfulness and healing is journaling. I do vouch for its benefits but that is a post for another day. What I discovered amidst these trials was that for me story writing is closer to journaling.

As my physical health gradually recovered after Christmas, I came across the Penfluenza 3.0 contest by WriteFluence. I decided to start writing because the theme of Ritual called out to me. Each day, I poured a lot of love and care into my draft. It slowly became a healthy diversion. My mind would be at ease at least in those crafting moments. The story itself was therapeutic.

My efforts were worthwhile because when the contest results were declared, I was glad to know that my short story was one of the winning entries. Today, I received a heartwarming message that the anthology that contains my short story is now available for purchase. Read about The Selection of a Sacred Strawberry.

Meanwhile, I tried to go back to my favorite daily activity of writing for poetry prompts. It didn’t happen. Thoughts arrived wrapped in imagery but the words wouldn’t manifest. I felt for my forsaken blog but when you are broken, you can’t create a piece that is as fragile as poetry. Short story, in my case, was the sturdier sibling of the poem!

This weekend, I returned to my blog to publish a book review. Some words formed and then they started to string together. I am not sure if I will be able to write frequently because unresolved issues still camp in my mind space. But I am trying – each day – to let go of what I cannot control and to get a grip on the things I can create.

Words – are all that matter

Reading and reviewing books for ReedsyDiscovery has become an integral part of my daily schedule. My reading game seems to be spot on even though I don’t give it a thought. I get the Reedsy Discovery top book reviewers for the month badge when I am least accepting it. I do not count the books I read in a month or compete to get this badge. I just pick up a book that draws me in – be it the book cover or the back cover blurb.

I read parts of a book throughout the day. Each weekend, I carve out a good 3-4 hours to write and publish book reviews. I always have a read and review task on my to-do list. Honestly, it requires discipline, dedication, time, and effort. Yet, it comes effortlessly because it is a cherished interest. It has helped me grow in so many ways.

I have read some brilliant books this year and the stories have stayed with me. I often ponder over the stories or the lessons I garnered from the non-fiction book I consumed.

The most endearing part is that the authors are also thinking about my review of their work. I receive comments and emails from authors and it warms my heart. Many request me to read another of their work or contact me with advanced review copies (ARC) when their new work is ready to be unveiled. It’s a symbiotic author-reader relationship – unique because we only know each other through words.

We build bridges across the world with our words. I can only stand in awe of all the brilliant talent out there and gaze with greedy eyes wanting to consume the brilliance of these works of art and creativity.