1.5.2021

Short stories for sophisticated young readers of whatever age; some wacky and humorous, some that will produce anxiety . . .

Hey, people. You might be relieved to know that this isn’t a funeral announcement. I know I am. Anyway, it is to inform you that the first of four books I’ve recently completed is available on Amazon. It is titled Tales from the Underside, and features stories for readers from fifteen to ninety. Well, eighty-two.

Themes range from a guy forced into a western-style duel in a southwestern desert, a Pakistani slum kid being indoctrinated to blow himself up, a starving cat giving his rescuer a lesson in commitment, a farmer being questioned by one of his cows who was sent by the herd elders to ask some stiff questions, to mention a few. The softcover book costs $8.50 plus shipping, less than five bucks, and the e-book costs $2.00.

The three books to follow are another volume of short stories, for a more mature audience, called Slightly Bent, which might give away the thrust of its material. Then there follows a book on Artificial Intelligence called Humang/A Cautionary tale of Free-Range Artificial Intelligence. This probes the near future when power begins to shift from human hands into those of the entities called AIs. The last book is a lengthy novel on a relationship gone south, called The Whammy, in which a man, after having undergone an uncomfortable session with a stage hypnotist, uses this to precipitate the divorce that he wants but is afraid of the heavy losses he’ll incur by going through the usual court process.

So, I don’t expect much to come of this announcement, reading tastes being such a personal matter. But if you do make a purchase I ask that you provide a review if you’re able to wade through my verbal undergrowth. This can be either positive or repelling, as befits your experience. I guess that’s it. Thanks, if you made it this far. The books can be found at: https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B01I4C0RCQ