During the recent January snow day, many people were concerned the road conditions would cause car accidents-- kind of like the one that sets off the events of Stephen King’s “Misery” (1987).   When considering the possibility of road issues with the weather, most folks probably were not worried about being abducted from their vehicle and held hostage until they were forced to write an entire book.   That is exactly the predicament that King’s main character, Paul Sheldon, fi

Anais' Annotations Sean Dietrich is a Southern writer who gained popularity online by sharing pieces of his creative nonfiction. Long-time fans like me consider these short reads to be some of his most heartwarming, but the writer, also known as Sean of the South, is also a highly regarded novelist. One of his most recent books, “Kinfolk” (2023), is a combination of redemption stories, modern odysseys and small-town justice tales.  The novel is set in the 70s in our great sta

Anais' Annotations The expression “if these walls could talk” is often used to reference the desire to hear the events a location has experienced through its own perspective, but what if it went outside of just four walls? What if an entire town could spin a yarn? This story of place is the very point of Donald Ray Pollock’s “Knockemstiff” (2008). Set in the real town of Knockemstiff, Ohio, this unique work takes a new approach to regionalism and storytelling.  When you first

Anais' Annotations Science fiction as a genre tends to conjure images of robot-human hybrids and spaceships soaring through the sky. In Rachel Ingalls’ 1982 novella “Mrs. Caliban,” this classic definition is put to the test. The author combines elements of science fiction with a psychological thriller; all set in an average suburban home. This tiny book packs a punch of meaning and heartache.  The story’s main protagonist, Dorothy, is a highly unstable but compelling characte

Anais' Annotations After having spent much of my life not being interested in the film version, I decided to take some time during the winter break to read “Dances with Wolves” (1988). Michael Blake’s novel is better known for its film adaptation, a popular culture icon starring Kevin Costner. Despite its cultural lingering in the halls of cinema fame, I found Blake’s story left a lot to be desired.  The basics of the plot sound solid: post-Civil War, a United States soldier

Anais' Annotations Real talk: getting along with your in-laws can be really hard. You may love them, but sometimes, you just wish they would do literally anything else than what they are doing. It is in-law relationships that spark the events of E. M. Forster’s “Where Angels Fear to Tread” (1905). This novel is a whiplash of drama, tragedy and romance, so buckle up.  I have heard some mixed opinions on this work, but for myself, I quite like it, and one reason for my approval