Slivers of Life could not be a more appropriate title for this compilation of short stories from Author, Beem Weeks.
Each is like a slice of pie from the whole or pages ripped from someone’s book. I thought I had found my favorite tale with “Medal Detector,” but the next chapter, “Forget Me (Not Fade Away)” had me in tears.
Exquisite emotion drips from the words Beem weaves together to create a story. Each writer has his/her own voice and that is what makes them unique. Beem is a master at ‘Show Don’t Tell.’ I’m going to share a few lines with you from various stories in the book to “show” examples of descriptive writing as only Beem Weeks can do.
“Urgency filled the air with a thick acrid smell.”
“It starts with that gnawing feeling, like a rat trying to chew its way through my stomach, making a meal of my guts as it escapes.”
“She backed off my front porch, set her black flats onto the cement walk, and eyed me like maybe she’d entertained notions of killing me there on the spot.”
“My feet slap the hard dirt in the field between our neighborhood and Wendell High school, carrying me quickly toward Chad and his paint cans.”
“The old timer’s shelter leaned like a well-oiled lush against a stand of ancient maple trees sipping life from Maryland soil a mile up the road.”
“Her feet found solid ground outside of the car. A quick spring breeze swirled around her like a cleansing devil, blowing away winter’s heavy sediment.”
He covers the gauntlet with stories about old folks to teenagers experimenting with forbidden and dangerous situations to the Bigfoot myth. If you are a lover of emotionally driven ‘too-human’ stories, this book is for you. It’s easy to read, but the stories linger long after you’ve turned the last page. I highly recommend this book!
Order is NOW on AMAZON
Beem Weeks is a member of the RAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB. For more information about this unique organization click on the link above.
Hello Jan! Great review! Beem’s book reads interesting––something for everyone. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Vashti!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been eying this one. I may have to add it to the list. I love short form.
LikeLike
I don’t think you’d be disappointed, Craig!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This has been on my reading list…sounds like I might have to move it up the list! I loved Jazz Baby so I can imagine this is equally as good.
LikeLike
I just know you will love it, D.L. Beam has a unique way of weaving words. Thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike
I read Beem’s collection of short stories a while ago and LOVED it! He definitely knows how to tell a tale.
Nice review, Jan!
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by, Mae! Yes, he most certainly does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful review, Jan! I loved this one, too. 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Natalie. I appreciate you stopping by and leaving some love for Beem!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review, Jan! I loved Slivers of Life as well and also gave it 5-Stars. Beem is an amazing writer and storyteller. 🙂
LikeLike
You might say, “he has a way with words!” 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Gwen!
LikeLike