Review of Tales From The Northeast
- Jane Gaskins
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Review of Tales From The Northeast
"Writing is finally about one thing: going into a room alone and doing it, putting words on paper that have never been in quite that way before. (William Goldman, award-winning author and screenwriter)."
The introduction to Tales from the Northeast by Richard A. Pazasis contains a noteworthy quote that resonates with readers. This literary work consists of a collection of tranquil short stories devoid of intense and suspenseful narratives. Pazasis artfully interweaves authentic historical facts that our society has forgotten or chose to eliminate with a fictional plot. His meticulous attention to detail and descriptive prowess further enhances the reading experience.
The first narrative, "Haunting of Tadgell Hall," revolves around a young woman named Lynette, who aspires to follow in her mother's footsteps as an educator. After completing her education, Lynette begins her career as a second-grade teacher. During her first-year teaching, a severe winter storm leaves many people stranded. The narrative explores the events at the school during this challenging time, prompting questions about the missing children and Lynette's fate.
"The Bench" is the second short story on the list. Andrew returned to his childhood home because of a family emergency. He accepted a job at a nearby hospital to stay close to his family. He became involved in a project to create a small device to collect brainwave signals and transmit them to 911 for emergency assistance. The story is particularly captivating due to its exploration of the ability to interpret others' thoughts.
"David's Friend" depicts the life of a young boy afflicted with a genetic syndrome that results in heterochromia. Despite this physical affliction, the narrative explores David's determination to pursue his aspirations without allowing his condition to hinder him. The story delves into the theme of friendship and the unwavering support that friends offer one another.
"Orphanages are the only places that ever left me feeling empty and full simultaneously." (John M. Simmons,
Adoption and Orphanages)
The final narrative focuses on a young man who began life in an orphanage. He later achieved notable success while embodying kindness. Through his experiences, he internalized the value of diligence and recognized the influential force of compassion. Furthermore, he comprehended that integrity holds significance in professional and personal realms.
The book contains a wealth of fundamental narratives, which I found enjoyable overall. However, I occasionally found the level of detail excessive, leading to a loss of engagement. The author's tendency to switch between past and present tenses also disrupted the story's flow. Richard A. Pazasis exhibits a meticulous approach to depicting time and surroundings that may prove exhaustive for some readers. The editing was less than perfect, with missing and unnecessary words. I recommend this book to those who love history. I must deduct a point for the editing and one for the above-mentioned reasons. I will rate this book a 3 out of 5.
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Tales From The Northeast
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