mothermantis's Book Journey

Historically, I am a hater of short story collections. I’ve often felt they are amalgamations of chaos. This, however, was a masterpiece. Mine changed me from someone who groans at a prospective bookstore purchase, despite the interesting cover, when they find out they hold a short story collections in their hands. Now, I will remember my love for Mine and not turn away with disdain.

The most beautiful short story I’ve ever read was The Luthier’s Muse by Julie Sevens, from Mine. How an author could create such beauty and such pain within just a few pages is mind blowing. This one was close to my heart because of my love for the violin. The lust for revenge made this piece incomparable.

I was also moved by The Graveyard by Ravven White, from this anthology. This poem was the perfect conclusion to the collection as it summarized the desperation for bodily autonomy throughout the book. The bravery that The Graveyard displayed was nothing short of admirable.

I believe that this anthology touched me so deeply because its cohesive theme spoke directly to my own scars. Radical literature like Mine is vital, more so now than ever before.