Tag: short stories

Sean Murphy on Masculinity, Legacy, and the Cost of Manhood

‘This Kind of Man’ by Sean Murphy. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: This Kind of Man by Sean Murphy

A Stark Portrait of Modern Masculinity

This Kind of Man offers an unvarnished look at life in 21st-century America, unearthing the complicated, tender, and wild truth of what it is to be a man across generations and relationships. These stories dig into the pressures and tensions of contemporary life—and the ways men grapple with them, often unsuccessfully.

Themes include marriage, fatherhood, aggression, alcoholism, gender expectations, generational backlash, and the looming dread of mortality. Far from excusing toxic behavior, Murphy places it in the context of a culture that thrives on false narratives and pits overworked, underpaid people against each other in a zero-sum capitalist game.

A System Built on False Notions of Manhood

Murphy shows how traditional ideas of masculinity are deliberately instilled from the very beginning—ensuring compliance in a system where most are excluded from the start. These dysfunctions are passed down like an inheritance, with every cliché—from fighting and drinking to distrust and intolerance—acting as a carefully built trap that hinders solidarity, empathy, and self-love. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Standout Essays

  • The Letter My Father Never Wrote Me
  • No Tengo A Nadie – Chronicles the life of an undocumented man: “The choices he’s forced himself to make have given him the chance for a real life, but in return have robbed him of his youth. And, above all, he understands this: No tengo a nadie—I have no one.”
  • Now’s the Time –  The narrator is reminiscing about life while on his way to a life changing event. An eye-opening and unexpected point of view (inner dialogue) of a contentious person.
  • This Kind of Man
  • Our Vietnam

Review

Sean Murphy delivers an intense, intimate exploration of masculinity—burdened by history, shaped by family, softened by love, and often stumbling through misunderstood expectations. His writing is sharp yet lyrical, capable of both gut-punch realism and tender introspection: “No son truly grows up until he grows out of his old man’s shadow.”

The essays move fluidly across generations, tackling legacies, silences, and the quiet revolutions redefining strength. There are no easy answers—only an honest reckoning with vulnerability and the search for meaning in a disconnected world.

With emotional precision, Murphy captures fleeting moments of clarity, aching regret, and rare connection. This Kind of Man is raw, thoughtful, and beautifully written—a necessary addition to the ongoing conversation about masculinity and identity.

“All these people holding on for the one thing no one was guaranteed, no matter how often they went to church or how many people they managed, no matter how big their houses or small their waistline: time.”

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

*Thank you to Morgan Ryan/Mark Seferian for the gifted Advanced Reader Copy for review consideration. I have not received any compensation for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

‘Tiger Chair’: Max Brooks’ Haunting Vision of a Future American Warzone

‘Tiger Chair’ is a short story by Max Brooks. Photo: Amazon

📚 Book Review: Tiger Chair by Max Brooks

A Chilling Vision of America at War

What happens when the world’s most powerful nation becomes the battleground? In “Tiger Chair,” Max Brooks—the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “World War Z”—offers a provocative and unsettling answer.

Set in a near-future where China has invaded the United States, “Tiger Chair” plunges readers into the heart of a guerrilla war raging through the streets of Los Angeles. The Chinese military believed it would be a quick and easy conflict, but years later, the insurgency continues to escalate while state propaganda refuses to shift. One Chinese officer, torn between loyalty to his homeland and the wellbeing of his soldiers, risks everything by writing a brutally honest—and possibly suicidal—letter home, exposing the harsh truths behind the war.

A Compact Yet Powerful Narrative

Brooks’s meticulous research, combined with his talent for creating vivid, emotionally complex characters, makes “Tiger Chair” a standout in the realm of speculative fiction. The titular “tiger chair”—a real-life torture device—emerges as a harrowing symbol of power, fear, and moral ambiguity. With a first person point of view narration by the Chinese officer, it makes it more personal.

Though brief, this story hits hard. It asks difficult questions about nationalism, duty, and the future of warfare, all within a fast-paced and highly believable narrative.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Max Brooks is the author of “World War Z,” “Devolution,” and “The Harlem Hellfighters.” He is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point and the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Brooks frequently lectures at institutions including the U.S. Naval War College, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Army’s Mad Scientist Conference.

Final Thoughts

“Tiger Chair” is both a gripping tale of war and a sobering warning. For readers interested in speculative military fiction with sharp political undertones, it’s a must-read.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“If our way is the only way, why is it leading us off a cliff? I wish I knew. But I’m not a political scientist, or a philosopher, and if the last three years have proved anything, I’m not much of a soldier, either.”

‘Living Beyond Borders’ Review: A Powerful Mosaic of the Mexican American Experience

‘Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

Stories and essays about the Mexican American experience in the United States provide a vital perspective on culture, identity, and resilience. They illuminate the struggles and triumphs of a community that has shaped American history, offering insights into immigration, family, tradition, and social justice. These narratives resonate with readers of all backgrounds by exploring universal themes of belonging, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream. They also challenge stereotypes and foster understanding, making them essential in a diverse society. By engaging with these stories, readers gain a richer, more inclusive view of the American experience as a whole.

“Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America,” edited by Margarita Longoria, is a compelling anthology that features short stories, poetry, essays, and comics to paint a vivid portrait of the Mexican-American experience. Featuring a diverse group of voices, this collection provides an intimate and multifaceted exploration of identity, culture, family, and resilience.

Each piece in this anthology offers a unique perspective on what it means to straddle two worlds—balancing the rich traditions of Mexican heritage while navigating the complexities of American society. From heartwarming tales of family bonds to sobering reflections on discrimination and the challenges of immigration, it doesn’t shy away from the struggles faced by the Mexican-American community. It celebrates its beauty, strength, and enduring spirit.

Contents:
Ghetto Is Not an Adjective – Dominic Carrillo
Yoli Calderon and Principal Hayes – Angela Cervantes
Warning Bells – Anna Meriano
I Want to Go Home – Justine Marie Narro
How to Exist in a City of Ghosts – Carolyn Dee Flores
Filiberto’s Final Visit – Francisco X. Stork
CoCo Chamoy y Chango – e.E. Charlton-Trujillo
Tell Me a Story/Dime un cuento – Xavier Garza
My Name is Dolores – Guadalupe Ruiz-Flores
“There Are Mexicans in Texas?”: How Family Stories Shaped Me -Trinidad Gonzales
Morning People – Diana López
Ode to My Papi – Guadalupe García McCall
The Body by the Canal – David Bowles
Is Half Mexican-American Mexican Enough? – Alex Temblador
Sunflower – Aida Salazar
La Migra – René Saldaña Jr.
La Princesa Mileidy Dominguez – Rubén Degollado
Ojo – Sylvia Sánchez Garza
La Llorona Isn’t Real – Xavier Garza
This Rio Grande Valley – Daniel García Ordaz

Highlights:

La Llorona – a comic about a young boy, with fear in his eyes, trying to convince himself that La Llorona is not real and therefore cannot hurt him. As children, if we misbehaved, our parents would tell us that the Llorona would come and take us. It’s short and to the point and it’s highly relatable to those of us who grew up hearing about the Llorona.

The Body by the Canal – Oscar, a young teenage boy, is swept away by Ariel, the new neighbor whose looks made him an instant target. As time goes by, they become close but fearing for Ariel’s safety, Oscar distances himself from him. He feels guilty about it, but eventually Ariel and his family move away. “Boy or girl, the kid was beautiful. And from my own experience, this town would do all it could to destroy that beauty.” This insightful story of one boy’s early experience with romance and homophobia is refreshing to read; it is seldom written about in the Mexican American community.

The range of storytelling styles and language makes it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Whether through powerful poetry, heartfelt personal essays, or striking visual storytelling, every contributor adds depth to the broader narrative of cultural identity. The list of discussion questions at the end helps readers reflect on the themes and topics presented.

Overall, “Living Beyond Borders” is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the richness of the Mexican-American experience, making it a powerful and necessary addition to contemporary literature. It is recommended for readers who appreciate diverse personal narratives.

“Though I was always curious and grateful for those Latinos who openly welcomed my exploration of identity, secretly, hot shame filled me inside, reminding me that I had taken so long to learn all these things.” – Is Half Mexican-American Mexican Enough? by Alex Temblador

Rating: 5 out of 5.

*The author of this blog received a copy for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Echoes of the Rio Grande: A Reflection on ‘The River Runs: Stories’

‘The River Runs: Stories’ by Thomas Ray Garcia. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Thomas Ray Garcia is the author of the award-winning short story collection “The River Runs: Stories” and the co-author of “El Curso de la Raza: The Education of Aurelio Manuel Montemayor.” At Princeton University, he received the Ward Mathis Short Story Prize for his fiction on the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. He is the founder and co-chair of College Scholarship Leadership Access Program (CSLAP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that teaches college access classes and connects near-peer mentors to students in the Rio Grande Valley. (Thomas Ray Garcia, 2025)

“The River Runs: Stories” is his debut short story collection that presents insights into Texas-Mexico border culture, highlighting tales of resilience while refusing to shy away from the omnipresent reality the river imposes. Written from 2015 to 2020, these stories resist a singular vision of the border, centering the Rio Grande as a site of transformation. It won the Américo Paredes Literary Arts Prize for Fiction sponsored by FlowerSong Press from McAllen, Texas, and Prickly Pear Publishing from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Stories include:
Seventh Man
Prosperers
Watcher in The Sky
La Lomita
The Curandera on Alameda Street
Burn The Sun
Sunset Station
After The Wall
I Know I Will Be Leaving Here
A South Texas September
Scholarship Boy

Thomas Ray Garcia’s short stories explore the deep, often turbulent connections between people and the communities that shape their lives. Set in the borderlands where the Rio Grande river is both a life-giving force and a dividing line, Garcia’s narratives illuminate the struggles, hopes, and identities of those living alongside it.

Each story is a poignant reflection on themes of survival, migration, heritage, and resilience. Garcia’s prose is lyrical yet grounded, capturing the stark realities of his characters with authenticity and emotional depth. “The pain behind every word was not like the rush of deoxygenated blood rushing to and from the brain, but the exertion of reaching a finish line obscured by hand and shouts and incense.” The river, more than just a setting, becomes a symbol of change, separation, and continuity—shaping destinies in ways that are both beautiful and heartbreaking.

The highlight is its diversity of voices, from immigrants seeking a better future to those who feel trapped by their circumstances. Garcia doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, but he also highlights moments of tenderness and connection. As someone who grew up along the border, these stories resonate with me as they reflect a commonality not usually present in modern literature.

Overall, “The River Runs” is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. It appeals to readers who appreciate literature that examines cultural identity, the human condition, and endurance. With its rich storytelling and evocative imagery, it explores the themes of family, coming of age, and friendship. Garcia’s work is a powerful testament to the lives shaped by the ever-flowing, ever-changing river.

“The Rio Grande was the only river I knew at the time, although I had only seen it once. I remember it made a lasting impression on me because Mom said something about rivers changing all the time. Every time you looked into it, it wouldn’t be the same river and you wouldn’t be the same person either.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.
@thomasraygarcia

Do I have favorite stories from The River Runs? Three of these stories speak to me for very different reasons. —– The River Runs: Stories presents revitalized insights into the Texas-Mexico border region by centering the Rio Grande as a site of belonging and becoming. These 11 stories feature characters facing the realities of living alongside a river running through their countries, communities, and cultures. Winner of the Bronze Award at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards for “Best Short Story Collection (English)” The River Runs is available at South Texas bookstores and online retailers like TikTok Shop, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Amazon. Click the link in my bio. #booktok #readersoftiktok #956rgv #riograndevalley #pharrtx #rgvauthors #texasauthors

♬ original sound – Thomas Ray Garcia

Exploring the Chemical Frontier: A Review of ‘Strained Sigma Bonds’ by Arasibo Campeche

Embark on adventures with stories about science, magic, the tarot, Haitian vodou, the clash of epistemologies, and addiction. Photo: Amazon

“Strained Sigma Bonds” expertly combines the workings of science with an intense narrative. Arasibo Campeche explores the complexities of chemical concepts and uses them to create engaging stories that are accessible to both academics and curious readers alike. His writing style is as captivating as it is informative, blending personal tales, that are often narrated in the first person, with scientific insight. The language is descriptive and lures the reader into the story: “…following me through the forest like a slow-moving orgy ascendant from hell.”

Stories include:
Penalties of Entropy
Given Pain,
Magnetization and Resistance
Regret in Blue Sharp
Big Water Protect You
Flavor of Lab
Conservation of Cold
The Greater Secrets of Carbocations
One Step Forward, Two Steps Starways, Three Steps Plop!
Trompe-l’oeil
The Organometallic God
Butter Me Up and Float Me Sideways
Drowned in Mindfulness
First Blink
The Chroma of Home

Highlights:

Big Water Protect You – a survivor of a plane crash in the Puerto Rican rainforest, who has a PhD in biochemistry but was drafted into the army and sent to solve The Plague, encounters man made zombies. The CRISPR/Cas9 technology that was used to help cure many illnesses had inadvertently re-animated the dead. “That the ancient dead could be revived was one thing, but biting a bullet out of a wound…Signs of intelligence were a whole new problem.”

Conservation of Cold – Alicia dies from a heroin OD but her spirit is trapped at home with her grandmother. She doesn’t have the mass necessary to move objects but she can absorb people’s heat to move around, similar to a Carnot engine that transforms heat into mechanical energy. When her grandmother dies later that same day, her spirit is also trapped at home. Furious that she is not in heaven, she blames Alicia and attacks her and gouges her eyes out. Now Alicia can’t see and she is freezing cold. Her only hope is that someone eventually hears her. “…a chill spiraled up my spine like fingers flicking air out of a syringe.”

This is science meets horror and sci-fi at its best and Campeche uses it to successfully explore the darker aspects of the human condition with themes such as redemption, love, death, and survival. The stories are deep and reflective and the characters are relatable, each dealing with his or her own demons, whether real, imagined, or tech/science-related.

Overall, ‘Strained Sigma Bonds’ is a brilliant collection of short stories that has science, especially biochemistry, at its core. The author manages to make it easy to understand and follow, so that even if you’re not a science person, you will appreciate how it enriches the narrative. It is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the intersection of biochemistry and human interest, offering not just knowledge but a profound appreciation for the elegance of scientific inquiry. Fans of thought provoking science fiction, horror, and especially speculative fiction will find it fascinating.

“You march on the ocean floor, heading northwest, hungry for the pound of flesh owed to your people.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

New book release: ‘This Kind of Man’ by Sean Murphy

‘This Kind of Man’ is the new short story collection by Sean Murphy. Photo: Amazon

Short story collections are literary treasures, offering a diverse tapestry of narratives within a compact form and offer a glimpse into the human experience. They invite readers to explore new perspectives and cultures within a single volume. Each story is a different universe and readers can enjoy them individually or binge through the collection, reveling in the variety of themes. There is a new short story collection out this month by Sean Murphy – “This Kind of Man.” So if you enjoy these types of books, here is some more information.

Sean Murphy is the Founding Director of 1455, a non-profit that celebrates storytelling. He has appeared on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and been quoted in USA Today, The New York Times, The Huffington Post, and AdAge. A long-time columnist for PopMatters, his work has also appeared in Salon, The Village Voice, Washington City Paper, The Good Men Project, Sequestrum, Blue Mountain Review, and others. His chapbook, “The Blackened Blues,” was published by Finishing Line Press in 2021. His second anthology of poems, “Rhapsodies in Blue” was published by Kelsay Books in 2023. He has been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize, twice for Best of Net, and his book “Please Talk about Me When I’m Gone” was the winner of Memoir Magazine’s 2022 Memoir Prize. His new book “This Kind of Man” is his first collection of short fiction and offers an unvarnished look at life in 21st Century America, excavating the complicated, tender, wild truth of what it is to be a man across generations and relationships. (1455 Literary Arts, 2024)

“This Kind of Man” – These stories interrogate the pressures and tensions of contemporary life, and the ways men grapple with them, often without success. Issues such as marriage, fatherhood, aggression, alcoholism, gender expectations, generational backlash, and the inexorable dread of death, abound.

Many of these stories live within a slow implosion of coping, and often failing, as well as those who refuse to succumb, addressing concerns oft-discussed, or not discussed enough, in mainstream print: gun violence, the recent history of coal country Appalachia, sports-related concussions, illegal immigration (and the jobs many of these ostensibly unwelcome folks are obliged to do), homelessness, and the inability of men to honestly connect or communicate.

Far from excusing or exonerating toxic males, this collection locates their violence (toward others, against themselves) in the context of a deadening culture and the false narratives that prevail in an exploitative, zero-sum game capitalist model, where those without are encouraged to quarrel with similarly overworked and underpaid, mostly blue-collar workers. We see that our received notions of manhood and masculinity are inculcated-from the beginning and by design-to ensure willing participation in a system where the overwhelming majority are excluded from the start. We witness the way these dysfunctions are handed down like inheritance, and how every cliché, from fighting to drinking to intolerance of dissent and distrust of others, is a carefully constructed trap, preventing solidarity, empathy, and love (for others, for one’s self).

Forthcoming new book release: ‘You Like It Darker’ by Stephen King

‘You Like It Darker’ will be out May 21, 2024. Photo: Amazon

It is no secret that I love horror novels, especially from Stephen King. His were the first books I enjoyed in elementary school (yes, elementary school) but surprisingly, have yet to give me nightmares. I look forward to every one of his releases and my home library is filled with most of his books, especially the short story collections. I even have “The Bachman Books;” if you’re a Constant Reader, you get it. So today, I’m pleased to share that the Master of Horror has a new book coming out next month: “You Like It Darker.” Enough said.

Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes the short story collection “Holly,” “Fairy Tale,” “If It Bleeds,” “The Outsider,” “Sleeping Beauties,” (cowritten with his son Owen King) and the Bill Hodges trilogy: “End of Watch,” “Finders Keepers,” and “Mr. Mercedes.” His epic works “The Dark Tower,” “It,” “Pet Sematary,” “Doctor Sleep,” and “Firestarter” are the basis for major motion pictures, with “It” now the highest-grossing horror film of all time. He is the recipient of the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. His new book “You Like It Darker: Stories” will be released on May 21 and is available for pre-order on Amazon. It is an exciting new collection of twelve short stories, many never-before-published, and some of his best EVER. (Amazon, 2024)

“You Like It Darker” – “You like it darker? Fine, so do I,” writes Stephen King in the afterword to this magnificent new collection of twelve stories that dig into the darker part of life—both metaphorical and literal. King has, for half a century, been a master of the form, and these stories, about fate, mortality, luck, and the folds in reality where anything can happen, are as rich and riveting as his novels, both weighty in theme and a huge pleasure to read. King writes to feel “the exhilaration of leaving ordinary day-to-day life behind,” and in “You Like It Darker,” readers will feel that exhilaration too, again and again.

“Two Talented Bastids” explores the long-hidden secret of how the eponymous gentlemen got their skills. In “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream,” a brief and unprecedented psychic flash upends dozens of lives, Danny’s most catastrophically. In “Rattlesnakes,” a sequel to Cujo, a grieving widower travels to Florida for respite and instead receives an unexpected inheritance—with major strings attached. In “The Dreamers,” a taciturn Vietnam vet answers a job ad and learns that there are some corners of the universe best left unexplored. “The Answer Man” asks if prescience is good luck or bad and reminds us that a life marked by unbearable tragedy can still be meaningful.

King’s ability to surprise, amaze, and bring us both terror and solace remains unsurpassed. Each of these stories holds its own thrills, joys, and mysteries; each feels iconic. You like it darker? You got it.

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New short story release: ‘Embracing The Unconventional Path’ by Ife Akanegbu

‘Embracing The Unconventional Path’ is the new short story by Ife Akanegbu. Photo: Ife Akanegbu, used with permission.

Although not in the headlines as much as they once were, stories about people with HIV and the stigma it carries still need to be told. It affects people of all types of backgrounds, genders, and races and the strain it causes on their mental health is undeniable. Today’s new book is “Embracing The Unconventional Path: A Short Story About Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Mental Health” by Ife Akanegbu. It tells the inspiring journey of Adanma, an HIV positive young girl. It is available on Amazon and from September 14-16, it will be free to download.

Storytelling is to Ife Akanegbu, a Nigerian native, what art is to Picasso: an undeniable passion that only grows stronger with each tale told. He began telling stories as a young boy as a means of passing the time and would soon evolve into a creative outlet when, years later, Ife decided to add his voice to the mental health debate. That is when he combined this talent with more than fifteen years of medical expertise to create Motivating Our Champions, a game-changing children’s book series designed to help our precious little ones take good care of their mental health. (Ife Akanegbu, 2023)

By covering various topics from health problems and communicable diseases to writing Christian short stories, he is determined to impact lives by inspiring people to start deep and honest discussions on matters that are often considered too difficult to initiate, even as he promotes preventive medicine. Ife is versatile and as dedicated to addressing children through his captivating stories as he is to addressing adults.

Leading a life full of adventure, compassion, and resilience with life lessons learned along the way, Ife enjoys sharing his thrilling experiences with others. He completed his medical training in Nigeria and obtained his Master’s in Health Management at the University of Leeds. Ife now practices family medicine in British Columbia. With more projects in the works, you can certainly look forward to more beautiful, vivid, and interactive reads. His new short story “Embracing The Unconventional Path: A Short Story About Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Mental Health” invites you to challenge your own perceptions and embrace a world free from stigma. (Ife Akanegbu, 2023)

“Embracing The Unconventional Path: A Short Story About Confronting HIV Stigma and Embracing Mental Health”– When Titi and Musa struggle to conceive a child, fate leads them to Adanma, a beautiful 5-year-old in need of a loving home. But something about Adanma makes Titi hesitant to adopt her – she is HIV positive. However, Musa’s deep connection with the young girl compels him to pursue the adoption process, which Titi eventually gets on board.

Determined to protect her against prejudice, Titi does whatever it takes to hide her status from the world. But right from the word go, Adanma bravely and resiliently embraces her status, fearlessly talking about it every chance she gets, regardless of who is listening.

Her brilliant mind and unwavering self-acceptance become her greatest assets, and she excels academically, refusing to be defined by her status. Adanma’s inspiring journey ultimately captures the attention of both young men and influential figures, leading her to the world stage.

The way we see ourselves influences how the world sees us. It becomes our inner thoughts and can help us navigate difficult paths.

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Photo: Ife Akanegbu, used with permission.

New book release: ‘Beyond the Covered Veil’ by Wesley B. Herndon

‘Beyond the Covered Veil’ is the new collection of short stories by Wesley B. Herndon. Photo: Wesley B. Herndon, used with permission.

If you are anything like me, you are not always in the mood to read a big book. Sometimes it is the quick reads that are more meaningful. Today’s new book release might be what you are looking for: “Beyond the Covered Veil” by Wesley B. Herndon – a collection of short stories. The writing style is visionary and poetic: “He knew this way of living would leave him forever lost, smoldering in the cold grip of a cavernous grave” and is sure to appease the artistic side of readers. Sounds interesting? Pick up a copy and see for yourself. It is available on Barnes & Noble and Amazon. 

Wesley B Herndon is a theoretician, an ingenious creator who studies documentary pieces and is a human file cabinet of 80s pop culture. He lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his iguana Tubbs and a large collection of retro video games. His new book “Beyond the Covered Veil” is a collection of short stories that challenge the mind and soul. (Wesley B. Herndon, 2023)

“Beyond the Covered Veil” – As a child, you have a vast imagination to create anything out of nothing, but most lose that ability when they get older. I have kept the imaginative side of me alive and have honed it down to fine art. This is a collection of short stories that come to life in your mind. Follow a group of bandits who are pushed to their limits in order to overcome a fierce opponent. Descend into an empty desert where one awakens to a world that defies human logic. Then you turn the page and you are hit with words of insightful wisdom that exceed the thoughts of the common mindset. This book is for people who have gone through the darkest moments in life and survived them. Anyone who likes to be told real truths will also be entertained at the same time. You will be able to see it as you read it–“It’s what the world’s been missing.”

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New horror anthology: ‘Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem’ by Lori Kauldrin

‘Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem’ is the new collection of horror stories by Lori Kauldrin. Photo: Naomi Shulman, used with permission.

We all love to read horror but sometimes the idea of a long overdrawn story can seem daunting. Thankfully there are anthologies. The stories are short and you get several in one collection, all with their own shiver inducing storyline. “Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem” by Lori Kauldrin is a collection of horror short stories that have one thing in common – all is not what it seems. If you like stories with a plot twist, this anthology is just for you.

Naomi Shulman (writing as Lori Kauldrin) is the author/ghostwriter of over 160 books for children and adults. Lori Kauldrin’s list is comprised of psychological thrillers with emotional depth that grab readers’ hearts and refuse to let go. The stories may be fiction – but they tell the truth. Her new book is “Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem” is comprised of seven stories that are at times heart-rending and at times bittersweet, yet these are the stories of the in-between – the place between knowing and unknowing. It is available on Amazon, which includes a large print edition. (Naomi Shulman, 2023)

“Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem” – A young child pens an eerie goodbye. A shy ten-year-old finally makes a friend – a child who shares his obsession with solving an unthinkable crime that was solved long before his birth. A college student with a fractured soul seeks the truth behind her death. As their terrible narratives unfold, a growing sense of unease gives way to a familiar twist: nothing is as it seems. Their horror remains until its completion, at which time they release the reader into the proper emotional sphere – be it grief, loneliness, or aching nostalgia. But tread carefully, for once you reach the ending, there is no going back to the illusion.

Stories in this collection include The Crime Scene in my Bathroom, The House Where I Grew Up, Broken Love, First Train: I Thought I Could, How Did I Die?, Second Train: Together We Can, and Goodbye Mommy. They are all easy to read and pull the reader into the haunting settings. You can easily read it in one sitting, or enjoy it one story at a time. While the language is easy to understand, the writing style is often poetic: “Jealousy burned like the flames of hell inside my empty heart” from How Did I Die? The House Where I Grew Up, First Train: I Thought I Could, and Second Train: Together We Can are written in long prose and showcase the author’s strength in poetry writing. Goodbye Mommy is meant to be a goodbye note, so it is creatively made to look handwritten and the paper looks crumbled. I do not want to give away any spoilers, you will have to read it for yourself to find out why. Overall, “Wholesome Horror Anthology” is a must read for horror fans who love a good plot twist, because sometimes illusions are the scariest when you do not see them coming. 

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