Congratulations to Mel Bosworth on his chapbook WHEN THE CATS RAZZED THE CHICKENS & OTHER STORIES.
I received my fine-looking, hand-crafted copy from Folded Word Press, congratulations, Jessi Graustein, Managing Editor. (Thanks, Mel, for your very kind note on my copy :-)
There are twelve works in this collection, and they showcase Mel's range and talents. I liked the shifting style, tone, and mood: funny, flip, irreverent, tender, complex, honest, probing, and moving.
I liked "Sometimes Conditional," which read funny, moving, and honest.
"The Humble Origins of the Milky Way (Boys)" was another standout with a great last line.
Despite the fact that I'm not a beard fan (sorry, Mel!), I do enjoy narrative around objects, and really liked "Xyrophobic Me" -- I enjoyed the imagination here, and again the last line got me.
"Chivalry Lives" -- a fabulous micro, and one of my favorites in the collection.
"The Stumbling Conquistador," centers on issues of identity, a theme that always captures my imagination.
"Leave Me As I Lessen" is a great title, and the fine work behind it is my favorite piece from this collection.
Congratulations again, Mel, and well done. I envy you the feeling of holding this work in your hands.
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Thank you so much, Ethel. You are awesome. And I have a sneaking suspicion that you'll be holding your own collection before too long. 2010 is going to be a great year for a lot of people. You'll be one of them. I can smell it.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Ethel. Wow. Thank you so much for this review. It seems we have similar taste in literature, though I must say I love beards...
ReplyDeleteNice overview. Still waiting for my copy, but I ordered at the last possible moment.
ReplyDeleteMel and Jessi, you are both so very welcome.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy, Laura.