Hi, Everyone!
Today I’d like to share my most recent reads along with my poem. This is an Etheree poem written by me for Colleen Chesebro’s Weekly Poetry Challenge.
There
are worlds
between the
covers of books
Why fly, ride or walk?
To take us lands away
there is nothing like a book
So spread out your wings untiring
get to a book store or library
good books are fun and thrilling things to own.
The first book I’m sharing is called Strange HWY by Beem Weeks.
BLURB:
f you ever find yourself on the Strange Hwy—don’t turn around. Don’t panic. Just. Keep. Going. You never know what you’ll find.
You’ll see magic at the fingertips of an autistic young man,
•A teen girl’s afternoon, a lifetime of loss.
•A winged man, an angel? Demon—?
•Mother’s recognition, peace to daughter.
•Danny’s death – stifled secrets.
•Black man’s music, guitar transforms boy.
•Dead brother, an open confession.
•First love, supernatural?—family becomes whole!
You can exit the Strange Hwy, and come back any time you want.
See, now you know the way in, don’t be a stranger.
MY REVIEW:
Strange HWY brings together 18 of Author, Beem Weeks’ strange and wonderful coming of age stories about the madness and sadness, courage and vulnerability of youth.
This collection of eclectic short stories explores a vast range of topics including, suicide, cancer, prostitution, mental illness and even the paranormal. My favorite stories are Alterations, Constant of the Day, Demons, Songs of the Lost, and Looking for Lucy but to be honest, I was captivated by each well-written story in this book.
Author, Beem Weeks is a talented writer that’s very attuned to detail. His writing style is unique but also fun and easy. He seems to see the world as a reason to create with his straightforward, unusual, traditional stories.
The stories in this book are meant to be read slowly and savored and are filled with lovely and disturbing moments that will stay with you for some time to come. I highly recommend it.
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Connect with Author, Beem Weeks on Social Media!
The Indie Spot! (Blog)
Amazon Author Page
The next book I’m sharing is a short story called Open, Shut by Nonnie Jules.
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BLURB:
Darcy Lynn has a few problems: her sister, Lola, killed by a drunk driver, leaves her with an eerie message right before her death; her parents are atheists; her father drinks a little too much, and her brother, Bud, is just annoying. But, her most pressing issue is that things are mysteriously opening and closing around her and she hasn’t a clue as to why…or how.
In this short “sad but uplifting story with a wonderful message,” as one reader tags it, Author, Nonnie Jules flexes her writing chops once again, by introducing her readers to a normal, everyday family, whose lives are altered, not once, but twice by unexpected and unusual circumstances.
If you came into this story only believing in things seen with your own two eyes, and things heard with your own two ears, you walk away with a new and refreshing added sense…the ability and the courage to change, based on where your heart leads you.
MY REVIEW:
Open, Shut by Nonnie Jules is a poignant short story about a seemingly happy and normal family who experience the death of a loved one.
Darcy Lynn’s parents were atheists and prayer and reading the Bible were strictly prohibited in their household.
However, Darcy’s older sister, Lola was curious about Christianity and began secretly studying the Bible. She was caught once by her mother, who had a fit but that didn’t deter her from continuing her secret Bible studies and prayers. Lola also received visits from an angel who seemed to be preparing her for something.
Later, Lola became ill. During the course of her illness, she continued to pray and read her Bible, even in the presence of her mother who no longer made a fuss about it.
On one of Lola’s better days, she walked to school with Darcy and their younger brother Bobby. When she stepped off the sidewalk to cross the street she was struck by a car.
After her sister’s death, Darcy began to feel a presence in her room and strange things began to happen. She would come home to find her bedroom door and windows, closet door and dresser drawers opened when she knew she had shut them prior to leaving for school.
One day Darcy walks into her sister’s bedroom which her mother kept intact and finds Lola’s diary. While reading Lola’s diary, she learns a lot about her sister. Her sister’s words opened her eyes to many things hidden from her and changed her life.
What I enjoyed most about this short story was the author’s writing style which was believable, easy, and captivating.
Overall, Open, Shut is a worthwhile, easy short read and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading Christian stories.
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Author, Nonnie Jules is president of the Rave Reviews Book Club of which I’m a proud member.
Rave Reviews Book Club is a friendly and helpful community of talented writers and avid readers.
Learn more about the club here.
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Connect with Author, Nonnie Jules on Social Media!
Watch Nonnie Write! (Blog)
Amazon Author Page
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In the spirit of sharing, I’d like to share a poem by the late Julia Donaldson called
‘I Opened a Book‘
I Opened a Book
By Julia Donaldson
♥
I opened a book and in I strode.
Now nobody can find me.
I’ve left my chair, my house, my road,
My town and my world behind me.
I’m wearing the cloak, I’ve slipped on the ring,
I’ve swallowed the magic potion.
I’ve fought with a dragon, dined with a king
And dived in a bottomless ocean.
I opened a book and made some friends.
I shared their tears and laughter
And followed their road with its bumps and bends
To the happily ever after.
I finished my book and out I came.
The cloak can no longer hide me.
My chair and my house are just the same,
But I have a book inside me.
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Tanks, Vasthi. The books sound great and I adore the poem. Have a fantastic weekend!
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Hi, Olga! I’m always happy to see you here. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. You have a wonderful weekend too, my friend! Thank you! ❤ xo
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Thank you, Vashti, for sharing yourself – through reviews and a wonderful poem by Julia Donaldson. Beautiful!! ♥
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Thank you for stopping by and for your lovely comment. I’m happy you enjoyed the post. ❤
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Thank you for the reviews, Vashti. The poem is beautiful.
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Hi, John! You’re very welcome. It’s my pleasure. I’m happy you enjoyed it. 😀 xo
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I love the poem, Vashti. That’s a great reading list too. Hugs!
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Hi, Teagan! Thank you, my friend! I LOVE your new picture! ❤ xo
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Vashti, Not only do I love your Etheree poem but I also think the way you used the poem to segway into some book reviews was brilliant. Fabulous, work my dear, Sister. ❤
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Hi, Sis! Thank you so much for the lovely comment. I’m thrilled that you liked the post. ❤ xo
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You’re so welcome, Sis. ❤️❤️❤️
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Nice reviews Vashti. Thank you for the lovely poem you have shared. Have a wonderful weekend.
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Hi, Balroop! Thank you. I’m glad you liked it. You have a great weekend too. 😀 xo
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I enjoyed both your and Donaldson’s poems; both made me smile. Thanks for posting your reviews!
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That makes me so happy, Priscilla! Thank you! It’s my pleasure. ❤
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Love me some books too! Awesome tribute to the world of our written words. ❤
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Like Stephen King said, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” Thank you, my friend! Enjoy the weekend! ❤
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What a great themed post today, Vashti! One of these days I’m going to attempt a etheree. I’m really intrigued at it construction and presentation. Two good books you reviewed and really captured the writing styles of both authors. Your poem was fantastic and the one you shared was a peek into the joy of reading. Hope you have a wonderful weekend, Vashti:)
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Hello, Denise! I would love to read an Etheree written by you. I’m sure it would be awesome. Thank you very much for the cool comment! You have a wonderful weekend too! ❤
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What a wonderful poem. Thanks for the review, Vashti!
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Hi, Jill! I’m happy you enjoyed the poem. I love it. You’re welcome. It’s my pleasure. 😀
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A fabulous post and poem, Vashti! Bravo to Beem and Nonnie. Wishing you a lovely weekend! XO
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Hello, Natalie! I’m so happy you enjoyed the post. You have a great weekend too! ❤ xo
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I’m pretty sure I have both of those stories on my kindle. I’ve read that poem before. I actually display it in my intensive reading classes sometimes during the changing of classes. 🙂
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I’m happy to hear that, Yvette. That’s a great idea. It’s such a beautiful and fun poem. Enjoy the weekend! 😀 xo
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Your Etheree is so spot-on! It’s easy to disappear into the pages of a good book and travel to places that could never be attained physically! I love your reviews of both of these books! Beem is such a great storyteller, as is Nonnie. Thank you for sharing, Vashti! Have a great weekend!
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Hi, Jan! Your comment has made me so happy! 😀 You’re right, Beem and Nonnie are great storytellers. Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the weekend! ❤
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A wonderful combination Vashti. And your poem reflects all that is magical about reading and books..hugs
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Hi, Sally! Thank you very much! I’m happy you liked the poem and post. ❤
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I did Vashti..hugs ♥
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I enjoyed your poem, Vashti. It’s nothing like a good book that takes us everywhere. Thank you for the great book reviews. Have a wonderful week. ❤
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Hi, Miriam! I’m so glad you enjoyed the poem. Thank you! You enjoy the rest of the week too! ❤
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Thank you, Vashti. I’m in a poetry class, reading poems from Gary Snyder. ❤
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That’s wonderful, Miriam! Good for you. ❤
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Thanks, Vashti. ❤
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In response to your etheree here’s a little something of mine:
OUTSIDE IN
I went to the library
It was full of worlds
The library is in town
And the route to town
Is stored away safe
Here in my mind
I am writing this
Sat at home
Think TARDIS
… and then some
– https://bennaga.wordpress.com/2014/03/06/5779/
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Very good, Ben! Thank you for sharing your poem. 🙂
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I’m glad you enjoyed reading it. 🙂 It seemed appropriate to yours.
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They did go well together. 🙂
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Two wonderful poems, they describe so perfectly what books mean to me, and I believe to many other book lovers. Thanks for the reviewers, add them to my list!
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Hi, Elizabeth! I’m so happy you enjoyed the poems and reviews. Thank you! 😀 xo
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