Musings of a Writer
The year of Corona and life in lockdown, Tales of beauty and glamorous gowns, Playing with dirt, and going to the ball, Missing your loved one, and no love at all.A glitch in the system, A catcher of dreams, A fun-loving trickster, who's not what he seems.Set sail for adventure, across ocean shores, Bewitched by a charm at the closing of doors, Guest uninvited, and a birthday surprise, And wait till you see what makes Tootles fly!A writer of words, A father in crime, The love of a brother, And a step through time.So many stories and poems galore.Stories for you to enjoy and explore.*This is the complete collection of Musings of a Writer, with bonus added content*
Messalina Of The Suburbs
"Messalina of the Suburbs" is a captivating novel penned by E. M. Delafield, delving into the life of Emma, a suburban housewife. Set in the early 20th century, the story provides a thought-provoking exploration of marriage, societal expectations, and personal fulfillment. Emma finds herself trapped in the monotonous routine of domesticity, yearning for something more from life. Frustrated by the limited scope of her existence, she embarks on a quest to break free from the confines of her suburban existence. With her incisive wit and keen observation, Delafield skillfully portrays the intricate dynamics of suburban life. Through Emma's eyes, the author sheds light on the hypocrisies, constraints, and unspoken struggles that exist beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic suburban neighborhoods. E. M. Delafield paints a vivid portrait of a woman's quest for self-discovery, challenging readers to question the expectations placed upon them and to seek their own paths to authenticity and contentment.
Musings of a Writer
The year of Corona and life in lockdown, Tales of beauty and glamorous gowns, Playing with dirt, and going to the ball, Missing your loved one, and no love at all.A glitch in the system, A catcher of dreams, A fun-loving trickster, who's not what he seems.Set sail for adventure, across ocean shores, Bewitched by a charm at the closing of doors, Guest uninvited, and a birthday surprise, And wait till you see what makes Tootles fly!A writer of words, A father in crime, The love of a brother, And a step through time.So many stories and poems galore.Stories for you to enjoy and explore.*This is the complete collection of Musings of a Writer, with bonus added content*
Love of the Blossoming Hills
Featuring colorful, exquisitely sculpted stories of many kinds-ranging from the comic to the tragic, the satirical to the serious, the lyrical to the macabre, and even the philosophical to the zany-Love of the Blossoming Hills presents a fascinating cavalcade of characters and incidents steeped in the regional tradition and history of northern New England. Here we find, among many others, tales of a wildly eccentric family whose interminable feuding over generations is tempered annually only by a glorious Christmas pie. You'll read about the brilliant lawyer whose early and inexplicable death is shrouded in the darkest mystery and about the Russian ballet master who sets up an international ballet school in an isolated farmhouse in the White Mountains.There's the story of a devoted Latin teacher who enthralls her students with the claim that she's a reincarnation of a girl who perished in the great volcanic catastrophe of Pompei, and of a young schoolgirl whose visit to the sinister domicile of a once renowned "poetess" turns initially into a nightmare and finally into a personal triumph.These stories, above all, are an expression of a love of life set off against the ever-astonishing natural and social landscape of northern New England.
Your Mother's Nightmares
The worst is not what happens.The worst is what every mother fears could happen.Imagination collides with maternal fear in this bold collection of troubling, twisted tales from a fiction writer who isn't afraid to plumb the often terrifying emotional depths of the motherhood experience.A party across the street lures a trusting three-year-old into an adventure, but thrusts his mother into a nightmare.A mirror offers the gift of more time, something every parent longs for, but what will it take in return?A mother erases her seven-year-old's painful memories to leave him with the impression of a perfect childhood. Only, it leads to imperfect consequences.Teeming with the unthinkable, this collection of six never-before-seen short stories tugs at every mother's helpless heartstrings, coaxes out her deepest and darkest fears for her children, and presents them in the guise of fantasy fiction so that her nightmares won't come true.Stories included are: The Party across the StreetA Suitable Colour for a GhostMemory Games*The Goldilocks ZoneHide-and-Seek**The Gift of Time*Memory Games secured an Honourable Mention in the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future Contest, July-September 2023 quarter.**Hide-and-Seek secured an Honourable Mention in the Spring/Summer 2021 issue of Allegory Magazine, Volume 39/66.
The Night I Prayed to Elvis
A bend in the road, a Gen-X brother and a sister living an idyllic country childhood, a burgeoning adolescence among peers, and finally young adulthood out in the world, making love, making families, and ultimately, confronting mortality and loss. Award-winning Southern author James D. McCallister presents a collection of short stories born of his own life growing up in the rural 1970s American South, but with universal preadolescent, adolescent and young adult experiences sure to resonate with most readers.Depicted in a dozen vignettes, what South Carolina siblings Lucy and Timmy Latham experience will feel warm and familiar to many American middle-class kids who grew up in the 1970s and 80s-muscle cars, marching band, first loves, first jobs, the duality of heartbreak and happiness, and how childhood felt in a simpler time. Included are three award-winners: "Heroes and Villains", "Trailer Trash" and "Eye of the Vandal," along with many other previously unpublished stories making up this long-gestating cycle of fiction from author James D. McCallister, who, like 'Sissy & Timmy, ' may even have lived a few of these adventures himself. Enjoy this nostalgic journey to a mystical, fabled land called Edgewater County...
The Stories
Is it quick reads you're after? On train, boat or plane? Or just at home with a cuppa on the couch. A variety of short stories of fiction bundled into one exciting and entertaining book. Don't miss out on this little gem!Go on, enter a forbidden Room and find a mysterious clue. Gemma is on a search for her clue. A murderous event determines who inherits. Or are you more partial to vampires? Then Horror is what you're looking for. Is French bread in Germany really tasty? What about the two little brothers playing hide-and-seek. Will they find each other? New Zealand seems the best place to meet 'the love of one's life'. And many good things have come from Forbidden Love. But has this one? A Treasure can be found in this storybook as it looks back on World Championships in Germany. A Bookshop on the brink of bankruptcy, but an owner holding on to familiar ways. Mrs Pretty is a welcome addition to the family. And was there a Cabin? Wise trees, a refugee lost. And yes, there are two great Christmas stories for the kids to enjoy as well!
A Rake in the Park and Other Short Stories
Escape the rigors of modern life with this delightful collection of fifteen light-hearted stories. Each tale is crafted to bring a smile to your face and provide a much-needed break from the daily grind. With a humorous and light-hearted tone, the stories take you on a journey across the globe, from the vibrant streets of India and the passionate tango halls of Argentina to the ancient wonders of China and Peru. Explore the rugged landscapes of South Africa, the sun-drenched plazas of Spain, and even venture into the vast expanse of outer space. These charming stories offer a delightful respite from the everyday, inviting you to sit back, relax, and let your imagination take flight.
Where The Day Never Ends
ABOUT THE BOOK "Where the Day Never Ends" is the third collection of short stories that includes contributions from my pen pals Yao Lu and Catterina Coha. The title of the collection refers to a trip to Lapland, where the photo on the cover was taken at midnight when the Bifrons sun reflects on the day gone and the day to come at the same time. So I hope that the stories offer the reader's soul an infinite cycle in which past and future merge in the harmonious light of recollections and hopes that comfort us in difficult times and allow us to dream of an unending beauty.
Storyhouse Volume 1
Andy Kind presents a collection of short stories as a remedy for the time-strapped modern reader. Storyhouse Volume 1 offers a diverse array of tales through Dusk, into Night, and on to the Dawn - each representing different emotional landscapes. The tales are 'pandemic babies, ' conceived through the intersection of lockdown monotony and persistent hopefulness. A Blanket of Embers offers readers an escape into diverse minds and experiences, exploring the three R's: redemption, resurrection, and reconciliation - while acknowledging the harsh realities of life where death, pride, and brokenness often prevail. The collection promises moments of pleasure, inviting readers to step into the world of compelling 'What if?' scenarios and poignant reflections on the human condition, while at times straying into the fantastical, the liminal, and the horrific. In this, his first collection of short prose, Andy Kind displays both his depth of emotional nuance and his eye for the details hidden in the human psyche.
Seven Stories That Should Be Movies!
David Gerrold has written for STAR TREK, BABYLON 5, SLIDERS, and THE TWILIGHT ZONE, created LAND OF THE LOST for Sid & Marty Krofft, appeared on THE BIG BANG THEORY, and his Hugo and Nebula Award-winning story THE MARTIAN CHILD was turned into a major motion picture starring John Cusack and Amanda Peet, where he served as Executive Producer. And he still has many more stories to bring to a screen near you.Here are a bunch of them.Bubble And SqueakThe Thing In The Back YardDeath GameKing Kong, Behind The ScenesJumping Off The PlanetCrystallizationThe Trouble With Hairy...plus three extra stories!The Great Pan-American Airship Mystery (Or Why I Murdered Robert Benchley)Jacob In ManhattanThe Last Case Of Sherlock Holmes
Whispers in the Dark
From the dark, twisted mind of horror writer N. J. Hanson come three short-stories of bizarre, spine-tingling chills. Inked in Blood - A pen that can bring to life anything written with it. Roadside - A young hitch-hiker is picked up by someone who isn't what they seem. Wingbeats in the Night - A man travels to visit the Aztec pyramids only to discover the dark secrets lurking just out of sight.
Don Quixote vs. Cowboys
In the vast, uncharted expanses of the American West, a realm where the whispers of the past intertwine with the echoes of gunshots ringing into eternity, there unfolds a literary journey of unparalleled scope and vision. "Don Quixote vs. Cowboys and Other Western Adventures" emerges not merely as a collection of tales but as a true adventure, guiding us into territories vast and unknown, where the valiant heart of ancient Spain's most fabled knight meets the indomitable spirit of the frontier pioneers. Within these pages, the essence of pure adventure is distilled, marrying the noble valor of errant knights with the resilient defiance of frontier gunslingers, crafting a tapestry as rich and diverse as the landscapes they inhabit.Embark upon an odyssey where the verdant, rolling hills of La Mancha blend seamlessly with the wild, untamed beauty of the American West, rekindling the romantic quests of Don Quixote amidst gunfights at dawn and harrowing showdowns beneath the relentless sun. Spanning over fifty chapters, each serves as a portal to a narrative both intimately known and thrillingly novel, propelling readers through stories brimming with the unexpected. Here, each twist of the tale is an adventure in itself, beckoning the reader to journey deeper into the heart of the unknown.At the core of this anthology lies "Quixote Rides Again," a tale that breathes new life into the legendary Don Quixote. His spirit, undiminished by the sands of time, charges valiantly into the heart of the West, mounted upon his undying steed. His path is one of laughter and enlightenment, a melding of fantasy and flesh, as he faces down bandits and forms unlikely alliances with outlaws, weaving through narratives that blur the lines between the mythical and the mortal, between the dreams of the past and the raw, rugged realities of the frontier life."Don Quixote vs. Cowboys and Other Western Adventures" stands as an epic journey across the emotional spectrum, traversing a landscape that has captivated the human imagination for centuries. It dissolves the barriers between legend and truth, myth and history, inviting readers to walk in the boots of characters who pioneer worlds both familiar and yet to be unveiled.This anthology is a genuinely fun read for the undying spirit of adventure, a homage to the dreamers who peer beyond the horizons of the known, and a celebration of the transformative power of storytelling. Amidst the untamed romance of the West, the allure of forgotten magics, and the timeless battle between light and darkness, lies a collection of tales that promise to enchant, challenge, and inspire. Brace for a voyage into the heart of imagination, where each story heralds a new dawn, and every dawn ushers in a new adventure, ripe with the promise of undiscovered realms.
The Revenge of Underwater Man
Memorable, haunting characters in memorable, haunting locales fill the pages of Jarda Cervenka's award-winning collection of stories. Cervenka takes us from Choco, the remotest jungle region of Colombia, to the infamous site of the Golden Triangle in Thailand, stopping along the way in Prague's Lesser Town, the island of Gore off the coast of Dakar, a village bar in Kamikawa, heaven, and Minneapolis.These stories are populated with well-meaning characters like Jindra, who disappears up the river in Papua New Guinea, towards "bad rapids and hostile folks who stick to some of the old, unpleasant dietary traditions," and the Bavarian professor who enjoys an idyllic, academic life, yet yearns to "disappear to some malarian hole at the edge of a jungle, with sauna-like heat and humidity, about as healthy as a hospital sewer, under a leaden sky that pours five meters of water per year on the palm-fronded roofs of some sorry shack sticking out of a permanent mudpie." Cervenka's characters are imperfect specimens of humanity, politically and otherwise incorrect, and his effortless revelation of their kindness leaves the reader cautiously optimistic and fully entertained.The Revenge of Underwater Man speaks to the optimist and adventurer in us all. This collection is edgy, erudite, irreverent, and funny--a rewarding read for those who treasure the true and the exceptional.
The Perfect Couple and Other Stories
This is a collection of stories written by Deric McClard's class at Macon County, Tennessee Junior High School. They are great stories.
The Casuarina Tree
The Casuarina Tree is a collection of short stories set in the Federated Malay States during the 1920s by W. Somerset Maugham. The stories are loosely based on Maugham's experiences traveling in the region for about a year. The strong thread running through the stories is alienation and contrast - between people and cultures. For most of the characters, after a crisis in their circumstances, life seems to take up where it left off and closes over the revelations that brought on the drama. Maugham was considered persona non grata among the expatriate British community in the Federated Malay States following the publication of The Casuarina Tree as he was felt to have betrayed confidences and to have painted the community in an unflattering light through his focus on scandal. The major themes are class division, racial difference, adultery, personal competitiveness, and human nature in reaction to fate. Contents: - Before the Party - P. & O. - The Outstation - The Force of Circumstance - The Yellow Streak - The Letter
80 Stories HIgh
Embark on a soul-stirring odyssey through the pages of "80 Stories High: A heart warming Collection of True Tales," where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and the mundane transforms into moments of profound significance. Dr. John, in this uplifting anthology drawn from his memoirs, unveils a tapestry of human experiences-stories that span the spectrum of emotion, from uproarious laughter to poignant tears, and everything in between. Within these pages, you'll encounter a mosaic of characters, each navigating their own labyrinth of challenges, yet emerging as beacons of resilience and hope. From the corridors of power to the cosy confines of a family home, from the playful antics of pets to the earnest endeavours of co-workers, Dr. John's narratives offer glimpses into the rich tapestry of human existence. Among these tales, you'll find examples of creative ingenuity that defy the odds, acts of courage that inspire awe, and gestures of forgiveness that heal wounds long thought to be incurable. Through the lens of Dr. John's compassionate gaze, even the darkest moments are illuminated by the radiant light of hope, as individuals find within themselves the strength to persevere against all odds. But perhaps most compelling of all are the stories of love-love that transcends boundaries of race, religion, and circumstance; love that binds families together in the face of adversity; and love that fuels the indomitable human spirit. These stories serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of love, and its ability to uplift, inspire, and unite us all. As you turn the pages of "80 Stories High," you'll find yourself drawn into a world where ordinary people achieve extraordinary feats, where the human spirit soars above the trials and tribulations of everyday life. With each story you encounter, you'll be reminded of the resilience, compassion, and inherent goodness that lie at the heart of humanity, reaffirming your faith in the boundless capacity for good that resides within us all.
The Abyss of Possibility
"It has been said that the universe is not only strange, it is stranger than we can think. But not to Gordon R Clarke! In his second collection of stories, reflections, speculations and comedy, he explores the mysterious and the enigmatic in a manner which sheds profound light onto human psychology. By turn disturbing, witty and incisive, he challenges us to examine and question what we think we know."-- R.N.F. Skinner, author of the novel Still Crazy..., the short story collection After All... and the triplet of novellas These Years: 1973, 1986 and 1991
Alpha and Omega
Because, from time to time, St Peter liked to go fishing, he needed to entrust his sacred duties at the Pearly Gates to an utterly respectable soul, one which was well-meaning and kind, trust-worthy and unusually wise. So, he selected with the utmost care! Mrs. Jones of North Wales was just such a worthy. A somewhat bewildered, but righteously proud, and not too tightly permed, white-haired old lady, would answer the call from her small, neat flat in the North Wales enclave of Paradise. Her only condition, and it was 'non-negotiable, ' was that this new job would not interfere with the eternity of bliss with Stuart, her blast-furnace husband, as he didn't like surprises, and wasn't too keen on visitors either. It was agreed that the 'little chats' with applicants, as Saint Peter put it, would take place while Stuart was out doing something vital and unfathomable with the car.
White Nights and Other Short Stories
""White Nights and Other Short Stories"" is a fantastic collection of short stories by prolific Russian author Fyodor Dostoevsky. Stories included in this collection are-White Nights, Notes from Underground, A Faint Heart, A Christmas Tree and a Wedding, Polzunkov, A Little Hero, and Mr. Prohartchin. White Nights is the story of a young man fighting his inner restlessness. A light and tender narrative, it delves into the torment and guilt of unrequited love. Both protagonists suffer from a deep sense of alienation that initially brings them together. A blend of romanticism and realism, the story appeals gently to the senses and feelings.
Found at Blazing Star
"Found at Blazing Star" by Bret Harte encapsulates the essence of American literature, offering a quintessential Western fiction short story set against the backdrop of the California Gold Rush. Harte, a prominent figure in American literature, skillfully crafts a character-driven narrative that transports readers to the rugged frontier life of a mining town. In this literary classic, the California setting serves as more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in its own right, shaping the lives and destinies of the individuals who inhabit it. The narrative unfolds with the allure of the Gold Rush era, where the promise of fortune and adventure lures prospectors to the untamed landscapes of the Wild West. Against this historical backdrop, Harte weaves a tale of human drama and resilience, exploring themes of greed, hope, and redemption. The mining town of Blazing Star becomes a microcosm of society, where characters from all walks of life converge in pursuit of their dreams. Through Harte's evocative prose and vivid storytelling, readers are transported to a bygone era, where the spirit of the American West shines brightly. "Found at Blazing Star" stands as a timeless testament to the enduring appeal of Western literature, captivating audiences with its rich tapestry of adventure, drama, and historical intrigue.
Somewhere in Minnesota; Short Stories
With springtime in the air, a toddler chases a ball onto a melting ice-covered lake far beyond his parents' reach.As the chill of Autumn comes to Minnesota, Max opens the door to find a grizzled drifter on the doorstep. Then Max realizes he knows the man.When Julie returns to her mother's home on the shores of Lake Superior, she sees an odd shape tossed by the waves onto the beach. What is it?Somewhere in Minnesota is a short story collection about the frenetic human experience and the ways in which life manifests itself and delivers defining moments. With Minnesota lakes and seasons as the backdrop, each story shares a different tale of characters experiencing life's unexpected turns - from peculiar circumstances to moments of crisis - that at least temporarily set their world off its axis.
Secrets Between the Legs
Have you ever been curious about what goes on behind the closed doors of a waxing shop? In Secrets between the Legs, author Cassidy White gives the inside scoop of the hairy, scary stories from the viewpoint of a professional cosmetologist. She shares some of her wildest memories since her waxing career began in 2019. With a humorous outlook, White describes what goes on behind the scenes of a "simple" wax appointment and what estheticians deal with in their everyday work. In "Let It Snow," White tells happened when she worked during a New York snowstorm. "The Bug on My Head" confronts White's insect phobia. And, "Alma" narrates a poignant encounter with a woman who was a child in Poland when the Holocaust began. White's stories record the drama and outrageousness of some of the situations she's been in-the good, the bad, and the scary.
From Sand Hill to Pine
"From Sand Hill to Pine" by Mary Russell Mitford comprises a collection of short stories set against the backdrop of the American South. With keen insight and humor, Mitford explores the nuances of Southern society, delving into themes of social class, romance, and family dynamics. Through satire and cultural commentary, Mitford offers a glimpse into the complexities of Southern customs and plantation life, while also delving into the intricacies of relationships and character development. Each story is rich in regionalism, capturing the unique atmosphere and traditions of the South. From the humor-filled tales of intrigue to the poignant portrayals of Southern romance, Mitford's stories provide a multifaceted view of life in the American South. With wit and charm, she navigates the complexities of social dynamics and family relationships, offering readers a window into a world of tradition and change. "From Sand Hill to Pine" stands as a testament to Mitford's skill as a storyteller, showcasing her ability to capture the essence of Southern life with warmth and authenticity. Through her insightful narratives, she invites readers to explore the rich tapestry of the American South and discover the timeless truths hidden within its stories.
Secrets Between the Legs
Have you ever been curious about what goes on behind the closed doors of a waxing shop? In Secrets between the Legs, author Cassidy White gives the inside scoop of the hairy, scary stories from the viewpoint of a professional cosmetologist. She shares some of her wildest memories since her waxing career began in 2019. With a humorous outlook, White describes what goes on behind the scenes of a "simple" wax appointment and what estheticians deal with in their everyday work. In "Let It Snow," White tells happened when she worked during a New York snowstorm. "The Bug on My Head" confronts White's insect phobia. And, "Alma" narrates a poignant encounter with a woman who was a child in Poland when the Holocaust began. White's stories record the drama and outrageousness of some of the situations she's been in-the good, the bad, and the scary.
Moving on
A collection of ten witty, tightly written and upbeat short stories about people making new beginnings after significant losses (the death of their partners, home invasions, etc) set in the upmarket northern suburbs of Johannesburg, like Parkview. Filled with memorable characters and incidents.Barbara Ludman writes about loss and moving on with an alluring wit and ease. This is the best kind of fiction: profound philosophy rendered with a sure, light touch.-Mark GevisserBarbara Ludman's droll, sparkling dialogue makes this collection sing. Moving, often hilarious stories about finding new connections, jobs and joy after the loss of a partner.-Jo-Ann Bekker, author of Asleep, Awake, AsleepLudman's characters are entertainingly bold, and her fresh stories about life's vagaries are engrossing page-turners. As each story hits its intriguing climax, you're genuinely sorry to say goodbye. A tasty collection. -Anne Schlebusch, author of Bloomer
Leaf, Water and Flow
We live as social beings. But our being social includes power structures of various kinds - from the language that we speak and write into the state or anti-state actors that claim to run some of these structures. The novel attempts to grapple with these structures, the individuals who are part of these structures and also who are in conflict with these structures. There is Naxalite/Maoist politics, there is an egret who has seen a baby die in a village in central India, there is an author (perhaps the one who had written a novel titled The Story of Being Useless), there is a teak-leaf which is dying, there is a 'professional revolutionary' who has come out of incarceration, there is an adivasi woman who was once part of a Maoist dalam, there is a wife of a police sub-inspector, and there is a reader who reads this novel and ends it with his comments. There are some more such voices in the novel. Some of them tell their stories, some of them try to contribute to the stories of others, and a few of them are perhaps also thinking about how to end this binary and be a part of all the stories.
Cracked Glass Jar and other stories
These fifteen stories reflect contemporary cultural changes in Indian families. They stand witness to social, political and economic changes in globalized India and are in a way histories told from below. The writer's interests are wide-ranging from children and women issues to unethical practices in professions, to devastation of farmers' lives and to environmental degradation. Her empathy with the world of nature, keen observation of little creatures and plants and trees is unparalleled, and nature is the real friend to her lonely characters. However, damaging the current divisive and destructive forces are, her characters fight against these at times boldly and at others quietly, and live in hope and find happiness while playing positive role in other's lives.
A Fine Thread and other stories
A Fine Thread and Other Stories is a collection of sixteen translated stories originally written in Tamil by the acclaimed author Jeyamohan. Each story explores rich and intriguing territories, ranging from art's place in spirituality through the dreamy, incredible account of a young monk's search for atonement for his ancestors' curse in 'Shadow Crow', to the ruthless questions thrown at Mahatma Gandhi's integrity and rectitude in 'A Fine Thread'. This collection presents characters in the midst of their personal and global quandaries: we meet two American reporters, who find themselves at the threshold of the Great Russian revolution and the construction of socialism; an obsessed engineer who tries to decipher the conversation of the mountains; a dreamy, native youth who discovers tranquillity in nature; a young girl in search of meaning and exhilaration in this wonder called life. Compellingly narrated, beautifully crafted, and packed with a density of ideas, these stories provide an unflinching glimpse into the kaleidoscopic fictional world of a major Tamil writer of our times
Forever Yours, Krishna
Krishna is an anti-hero, an anarchist and a rebel extraordinaire. He fulfils all the dark desires lurking in the depths of our unconscious. He holds an instant appeal for all of us, young and old, transcending caste and gender. Krishna's unconventional behaviour is celebrated with great ecstasy and devotion in Indian art, music, literature and folklore. Krishna cannot be judged by the moral yardstick used for others. To the Indian mind, he cannot but do what he does. His deeds, righteous or not, are never questioned by anyone. In the imagination of the Indian people, he is the fountainhead of eternal energy, pranks and wisdom. This novel portrays him as our contemporary and also as a character who would be relevant in all times to come. Krishna is the most charismatic character in the Harivamsham, Sri Bhagavatam, Vishnupurana and the Mahabharata, yet he is not the hero in any of them. In this novel, he is the hero, the central figure around whom things revolve. The dying Krishna himself narrates his story to Jara, the hunter, who, in turn, chooses Narada, the eternal cosmic traveller who is well-versed in an idiom that is forever contemporary, to tell us in his own way what he has heard from Krishna.
Snapshots
A stirring collection of anecdotes by three writers looking back over the years, recording their experiences in their native land and as immigrants abroad. These stories cover times of conflict and stability, growing up and in maturity, in sometimes humorous, but always in an honest manner that readers will relate to with a yearning and nostalgia to which every expat can relate.BOOK ONE-THE HOMELAND1 CANE FARMING IS SHARP by Ram Jagessar2 SWIMMING BRIDGE DAYS by Roop Misir3 RAMADHIN'S ROOSTER by Kennard Ramphal4 RIFLE AT THE READY by Ram Jagessar5 ATHLETE'S FOOT by Roop Misir6 PLAYING COW by Kennard Ramphal7 THE ANGUILLA DEMONSTRATION by Ram Jagessar8 HOW I CAME TO STUDY SCIENCE by Roop Misir9 THE CRICKET MATCH by Kennard Ramphal10 FLYING LESSONS by Ram Jagessar11 THE PILLION RIDER by Roop Misir12 A LESSON IN PHYSICS by Kennard Ramphal13 PARKING BY THE ROYAL by Ram Jagessar14 NANA AND THE DOUGLA GITA by Roop Misir15 JOHN, RUBY AND SHAKESPEARE by Kennard Ramphal16 WINNING WITHOUT FIGHTING by Ram Jagessar17 CHACHEE'S BABIES by Roop Misir18 THE MORNING I PLAYED DEAD by Kennard Ramphal19 A WILD MAN SAVED MY CAREER by Ram Jagessar20 A SLEEPY CANE HAULER MISADVENTURE by Roop Misir21 PERSISTENT JEWARHIRLALL by Kennard Ramphal22 JANKHAN WIFE COULDN'T TALK HINDI by Ram Jagessar23 RAMLALL'S STRANGE COURTSHIP by Kennard Ramphal24 STORMING THE GAME by Ram Jagessar25 HOW I TRAUMATIZED MY COUSIN by Kennard Ramphal26 GOOM GOOM'S MARRIAGE by Ram Jagessar27 FORGETFUL ABEL by Kennard Ramphal28 A CORTINA WINDSHIELD AND BAD DREAMS by Ram Jagessar29 DRINKING SERVESAS AT THE PEGASUS by Kennard Ramphal30 GIVING UP MY FIRST PAY by Ram Jagessar31 ABEL AND WHAT MAKES IT TICK by Kennard Ramphal32 HUMMINGBIRDS AND KARMA by Ram Jagessar33 THE PUPIL TEACHER by Kennard Ramphal34 LEAVING THE GUARDIAN by Ram Jagessar35 DO NOT SPEAK FOR TWO DAYS by Kennard RamphalBOOK TWO-THE IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE-36 CHOOSING A WINTER SPORT by Ram Jagessar37 LETTER: RETURN IN FIVE DAYS by Roop Misir38 STOP SMOKING COLD TURKEY by Roop Misir39 A DOCTOR, AN ACCOUNTANT AND AN ECONOMIST by Kennard Ramphal40 THE MIGRATION GAME by Ram Jagessar41 SWIMMING OBSESSION by Roop Misir42 BREAKING PLATE GLASS by Roop Misir43 I'LL RAISE MY PRICE by Kennard Ramphal44 NO NEED TO SCRATCH YOUR HEAD by Ram Jagessar45 KEEPING WATCH ON CHRISTMAS DAY by Roop Misir46 LOST AT DISNEYLAND by Roop Misir47 SAVED BY A COMMA by Kennard Ramphal48 DO YOU KNOW THE WAY TO SPRUCE GROVE by Roop Misir49 A WEDDING INVITATION by Roop Misir50 MY APPRENTICESHIP by Kennard Ramphal51 CANADIAN LANGUAGE by Roop MisirABOUT THE AUTHORS
The History of the Baker’s Dozen
The History of the Baker's Dozen, as the title suggests, bristles with stories full of excess and want. In "Albatross," a beautiful former lifeguard, at a class reunion, confesses her ongoing wish to rescue a boy who drowned on her watch. In the title story, a baker, despite the number of doughnuts he adds to each dozen, cannot satisfy his customers. "Extant's" aging married couple long for a renewal of desire in a house formerly owned by a well-known pornographer. An underprivileged college student, in "Beauty," earns a supplemental income by exploiting customers who fantasize about photographs of her sexualized feet. What an otherwise wide variety of characters share is a struggle with satisfaction. No matter the situation, from coming-of-age to mid-life to old age, the desire for more is ever-present. By turns, these engaging characters deal with anger, frustration, sexual desire, cultural shifts, work issues, and an assortment of other common issues deepened and made singular, even in these very short stories, by close precise observation.
Heart Burn
Abe, a young man in the forever-moving city of Montreal, is suffering with a destroyed mental health, and battles his way through rock-bottom. With a range of barriers preventing him from moving on, Abe finds himself questioning his next move throughout his journey. Does he win, or is the pressure just too much?
Other Times and Places
What do a thief, wizards, a platypus, ghosts, soft drink salesmen, God, the devil, and a spaceman all have in common? Together they will make you laugh, think, sleep better, open your mind, spark your imagination, and quite possibly improve your complexion* as Joe Mahoney brings them all vividly to life in this humorous and thoughtful collection of seven tales of the fantastic. *Individual results may vary
Money, Money, Money
Can money buy happiness? How about a good life? Will poverty lead to misery? Will greed become a virtue and frugality a vice once you give up on all the clich矇s you were taught as a child? Have you been lied to? Despite being wealthy, the richest of us can sometimes share their good fortune with others - on the other hand, even Robin Hood was a thief, after all. These are seven stories of human behavior around the ultimate man-made god and devil on earth: money.
A Curious Cartography
Alison Littlewood, author of A Cold Season, The Hidden People, Mistletoe and, as A. J. Elwood, The Other Lives of Miss Emily White, among other novels, is also a winner of the Shirley Jackson Award for Short Fiction. Her tales have been picked for Best British Horror, The Best Horror of the Year, The Year's Best Dark Fantasy and Horror and The Mammoth Book of Best New Horror anthologies, as well as Year's Best Weird Fiction, Best British Fantasy and The Mammoth Book of Best British Crime. The stories in A Curious Cartography not only chart a writer's journey but range across the globe: from Vietnam to Sweden, from London to New York, from Cornwall to Lancashire and the Yorkshire coast. Some discover lands more curious still, beyond the reach of any map...
The Philosopher Stories
The dozen stories in this collection chronicle the life of Karl Pringle, a wannabe philosopher who had once been enrolled in the graduate Philosophy program at the University of Toronto where he imagined himself as an Ubermensch, a Superman derived from the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzche. But he was summarily dismissed from the program after punching out his academic supervisor. Now Karl lives in a decrepit apartment above a butcher shop in Toronto's Kensington Market, is unemployed and very much rootless. The stories in The Philosopher Stories follow Karl as he moves from one strange episode to another, none of which end well. Although Karl likes to think of himself as an Ubermensch, in the bleakest moments following his many mishaps, he seems to know better, that perhaps he is only fooling himself with his grandiose dreams. That he is nothing more than one of life's rejects, an out-and-out failure. Nuanced and multilayered, funny and yet achingly sad, these stories depict a young man grappling with life's big questions, including love, finding a place for oneself in an uncaring world, morality, success, and fate.
A Blue Tale and Other Stories
This story collection is a welcome port of entry for any reader not yet familiar with Marguerite Yourcenar's works. Published to great acclaim in France in 1993, this collection is not only a delight for Marguerite Yourcenar fans but a welcome port of entry for any reader not yet familiar with the author's lengthier, more demanding works. This collection includes three stories written between 1927 and 1930 when the author was in her mid-twenties. These stories cover a range of themes, from an allegory on greed and a scene from the war of the sexes to a witch hunt that obsessively creates its own quarry. For the devoted readers of Yourcenar, this collection allows a rare glimpse at the beginnings of a writer's craft. In these accomplished but forgotten pieces, edited and introduced by her biographer, Josyane Savigneau, readers will find the blend of fable and fairy tale of Oriental Tales, the psychological chronicle of Dear Departed, and the ironic realism of A Coin in Nine Hands. Read as an introduction to Yourcenar's work, the stories take us into the writer's workshop, as it were, to the early days of creation. A Blue Tale and Other Stories carries the unmistakable voice of a formidable and vastly talented writer. Marguerite Yourcenar (her pseudonym was an anagram of her family name, Crayencour) was born in Brussels in 1903 and died in Maine in 1987. One of the most respected writers in the French language, she is best known as the author of the acclaimed Memoirs of Hadrian and The Abyss. She was awarded many literary honors, most notably election to the Acad矇mie Fran癟aise in 1980, the first woman so honored.
Billy the Elephant & Other short stories
For Billy the Elephant, anywhere else is better than the dangers in his native Ituri forest. Equipped with nothing but the determination to find home sets out on a perilous journey to the unknown seek a better life elsewhere. All-of-you the flying tortoise loses his wings and comes tumbling down the sky much to the delight of the angry birds whose kindness he had abused. Shelly the Snail has pity and puts together the shattered tortoise shell. Things turn rough for Douglas the Dog when he breaks his promise to Tembo the Elephant. He is eventually banished out of the forest and settles and forges friends with humans. Phoebe is that little girl who, intent on impressing her parents, deliberately goes against their ground rules. Unfortunately she is captured by the cannibal wizards her parents had warned her about. There everyone had given up hope of ever seeing her again, she is delivered to them by the least likely hero Todd the Talking Toad. Helma "The Naughty Nosy Girl" knows how to get away with appalling little deeds. She is curious, daring and adventurous too until she meets an equally naughty cow.
The Greater Massapequas
49 short stories from the legendary hamlet of Massapequa on Long Island, New York... tales of 1980s suburbia, divorce, being the new kid, bicycles, shoplifting, local mafia figures, standup comedians, actors, classic rock concerts, dysfunctional families, friendship, loneliness, a sexy English teacher, the mall, girlfriends, strip joints, porn sets, cruising for chicks in parking lots, estrangement, experimentation, and escape...
The Greater Massapequas
49 short stories from the legendary hamlet of Massapequa on Long Island, New York... tales of 1980s suburbia, divorce, being the new kid, bicycles, shoplifting, local mafia figures, standup comedians, actors, classic rock concerts, dysfunctional families, friendship, loneliness, a sexy English teacher, the mall, girlfriends, strip joints, porn sets, cruising for chicks in parking lots, estrangement, experimentation, and escape...
A Clean Bill Of Health
Our health is important, we all know that, even if we sometimes take it for granted. There are so many factors which can affect our health. Things we can help, and things we can't, from infection, smoking, depression and anxiety to excess weight, accident, injury or conditions we're born with. All can take a toll on our mental or physical wellbeing.Lynne doesn't seek prompt help due to embarrassment over the position of her boil, George worries the strange rash is a result of being bewitched and Emelie thinks she's the cause of her sister's avian obsession. Mr Thirlwall's imagination is running away with him. Helena's family are a pain in the abdomen. Jack is his own worst enemy. Things do get better for all of them - once their issues are diagnosed and assistance is accepted.No matter what ails us, there are treatments, coping strategies and cures. The characters in this book explore a few and find ways to feel better, no matter what their medical situation. Whether sick or well, making things worse, helping ourselves or others, we all have stories to tell. This book contains 24 of them.
Snapshots
Step into the captivating world of Snapshots, where every moment holds the power to redefine lives. "A good snapshot keeps a moment from going away."- Eudora Welty.Journey through small towns and bustling urban landscapes in eleven immersive tales that delve into the complexities of personal and professional relationships. From characters grappling with their own backgrounds and life experiences to unexpected twists that challenge their beliefs, each story is a snapshot of human resilience and conflict."Eliot Parker uses his absorbing prose to help his audience see these characters uncover their pain, doubt, and disbelief and how those emotions are challenged, and ultimately changed, when they attempt to rise above." -Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review
The Shepherd
The Christmas story has the power to take life to the next level. Sadly, layer upon layer of tradition has built up around this story over the years, neutralizing its effectiveness to bring the hope that never disappoints and life that not even death can kill. For many people today, Christmas is a feel good holiday, the positive effects of which are extinguished each January.These stories are intended to reignite the light of Christmas and help us see beyond the customs and rituals of the season, to rediscover the spectacular power of the Christmas story to transform lives, not simply for a few weeks but every day, 24/7, 365 days a year.So come discover Christmas in all its God-created beauty, love, and wonder. Experience the miracle that transcends time and even lifts us up to the gates of heaven.
