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Contemplations: An Anthology of Short Fiction & Poetry
A bride forever buries a dark secret on her wedding day. A woman faces the hardest goodbye of her life. A homeless man leaves an unforgettable mark on a town. And a hat brings two lost souls together. These, along with many other tales and poems, paint a vivid portrait of the human condition. Lisa M. Gott found her voice by crafting a variety of short stories, poems, and flash fiction. Comprised of the very first words she uttered as a writer, this updated edition also features two new short stories, How to Say Goodbye and Arthur. From dark to light, Contemplations is a collection of tales and prose about life that are sure to touch each reader in one way or another.
- GenresPoetryShort Stories
ebook
Published April 14, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
March 31, 2016
4 heartbreaking stars
This book is such a beautiful collection of some really heartbreaking thoughts. Wildly poetic, and hauntingly gripping, Lisa M. Gott has woven soul into her words. I loved every single placement of the words.
So many emotions, so many dark days, and just so many tears. Contemplations is a perfect meld of poetry and prose and stories that is sure to send shivers into your minds.
I was given a reader copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is such a beautiful collection of some really heartbreaking thoughts. Wildly poetic, and hauntingly gripping, Lisa M. Gott has woven soul into her words. I loved every single placement of the words.
So many emotions, so many dark days, and just so many tears. Contemplations is a perfect meld of poetry and prose and stories that is sure to send shivers into your minds.
I was given a reader copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
..and now tarnished is the meaning of love, you ruined it along with me
June 25, 2013
There are writers who stand out from the crowd. L.M. Stull is one of those writers. I read a lot of books, but not many of them are able to keep me interested and make me feel compelled to read in this way. Not only that, but I was totally engrossed in the stories and really sensing the characters' emotions, and understanding them. L.M. Stull takes the reader to some dark places with this collection of short stories and poems. Reading the collection was almost like reading someone's private diary. The characters' feelings seem real, the characters could be real people. Themes include: abuse, secrets, revenge, betrayal, and regret. At the end of the collection, there is a short story told in about 9 chapters, so it's almost a mini-novella. In this story we follow two different characters, in what is, in essence, a love story.
One of my favourites in the collection, only because it totally surprised me at the end, is, 'The Things You Keep To Yourself'.
'The Bus' is another stand-out story; very poignant.
I enjoyed all the stories, and poems. There is a realism, sometimes quite dark, that pervades the writing.
Having read this collection, I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author. If you're looking for a new writer to try, you must pick up a book by L.M. Stull. Her literary skills are exemplary. Definitely an author to look out for.
One of my favourites in the collection, only because it totally surprised me at the end, is, 'The Things You Keep To Yourself'.
'The Bus' is another stand-out story; very poignant.
I enjoyed all the stories, and poems. There is a realism, sometimes quite dark, that pervades the writing.
Having read this collection, I am looking forward to reading more from this talented author. If you're looking for a new writer to try, you must pick up a book by L.M. Stull. Her literary skills are exemplary. Definitely an author to look out for.
March 29, 2016
Great book
June 22, 2012
Contemplations
When I got Contemplations I didn’t have any before hand presumption – yes I knew it was a collection of poetry and short fiction but I didn’t know anything beyond that and well I’m not going to reveal any spoilers to all those reading this review because reading without knowing is really a great experience!
L.M. Stull doesn’t shy way from emotion and isn’t afraid to show the darkness that exists in everyday life. Don’t get the impression that this is a pessimistic book because it isn’t – it just reflects those daily struggles that nobody talks about. Stull does talk about those struggles– and this is a truly great thing to see because let’s face it even if those things aren’t talked about those it doesn’t make them any less true or less of a reality and it definitely doesn’t make them any better. Rather we face the reality than ignore it and be aware of it.
There were moments when I wanted to cry and moments when I was on the edge of my seat. In ‘A Second Chance’ the tense situation really was on an edge of a knife, things could have gone either away, but it was like walking on a rope to discovere whether things turn for the best or crash in pieces. It’s about that the significance of time and the discovery of ones emotions but what to do with those emotions as well as how to express them. This isn’t simply a story about a situations and it’s resolution – its much more complex than that its about the people involved, the discovery of what one wants and the journey. The characters made a lasting impression on me and I thought about them after I had finished reading. Another thing is that that there is a moral to the story – not the kind of moral of what is right or wrong but the moral of teaching the reader and making them aware.
I absolutely loved ‘The Bus’ I thought that the contrast of characters was fantastic – I really was attached to the characters and I emphasised with them as well as the situations they were in. There wasn’t a trace of something that I would call hyper-reality. Characterization was just amazing and the characters have real heart. There was such raw intense emotion here my tears where on the brink. There was no cliché ending here and this was also the case with the rest of the short fiction.
The poems are like a small breath of an emotion and we connect it. There is no soppy emotion here and that’s a great thing to see. There is a real essence of emotion/feeling and also realness – it doesn’t present false situations/scenarios but things that we have all experienced at one point in our lives. Stull presents these in a simple way even though they are very complex emotions and by saying simple I don’t mean that they aren’t emotional or powerful just expressed in a very linear straight away. I would love to see some of themes of the short fiction in a poem – it would be interesting to see Stull would present such themes in a poem form.
Stull doesn’t judge – she just shows us reality and although there is grimness in the reality she doesn’t make us loose hope in humanity or in life. Even though there may not be happy endings always that’s life and that’s what Stull wants to present us – life isn’t one of those TV comedies. She still manages to present hope and tenderness at the same time. Stull makes us treasure plus value what we have because some people have never known happiness and simply aren’t destined too either.
You potential readers out there I highly recommend Stull work, she isn’t a writer to be overlooked and you are really missing out if you don’t read this collection – the stories will leave you wanting more and wondering about the characters lives. Get the book for yourself and also discover yourself along the way. You wouldn’t be disappointed at all! The price is a mere nothing compared to what an enjoyable experience it is reading this collection.
I’m now a fan of Stull and will want to get more of her work.
When I got Contemplations I didn’t have any before hand presumption – yes I knew it was a collection of poetry and short fiction but I didn’t know anything beyond that and well I’m not going to reveal any spoilers to all those reading this review because reading without knowing is really a great experience!
L.M. Stull doesn’t shy way from emotion and isn’t afraid to show the darkness that exists in everyday life. Don’t get the impression that this is a pessimistic book because it isn’t – it just reflects those daily struggles that nobody talks about. Stull does talk about those struggles– and this is a truly great thing to see because let’s face it even if those things aren’t talked about those it doesn’t make them any less true or less of a reality and it definitely doesn’t make them any better. Rather we face the reality than ignore it and be aware of it.
There were moments when I wanted to cry and moments when I was on the edge of my seat. In ‘A Second Chance’ the tense situation really was on an edge of a knife, things could have gone either away, but it was like walking on a rope to discovere whether things turn for the best or crash in pieces. It’s about that the significance of time and the discovery of ones emotions but what to do with those emotions as well as how to express them. This isn’t simply a story about a situations and it’s resolution – its much more complex than that its about the people involved, the discovery of what one wants and the journey. The characters made a lasting impression on me and I thought about them after I had finished reading. Another thing is that that there is a moral to the story – not the kind of moral of what is right or wrong but the moral of teaching the reader and making them aware.
I absolutely loved ‘The Bus’ I thought that the contrast of characters was fantastic – I really was attached to the characters and I emphasised with them as well as the situations they were in. There wasn’t a trace of something that I would call hyper-reality. Characterization was just amazing and the characters have real heart. There was such raw intense emotion here my tears where on the brink. There was no cliché ending here and this was also the case with the rest of the short fiction.
The poems are like a small breath of an emotion and we connect it. There is no soppy emotion here and that’s a great thing to see. There is a real essence of emotion/feeling and also realness – it doesn’t present false situations/scenarios but things that we have all experienced at one point in our lives. Stull presents these in a simple way even though they are very complex emotions and by saying simple I don’t mean that they aren’t emotional or powerful just expressed in a very linear straight away. I would love to see some of themes of the short fiction in a poem – it would be interesting to see Stull would present such themes in a poem form.
Stull doesn’t judge – she just shows us reality and although there is grimness in the reality she doesn’t make us loose hope in humanity or in life. Even though there may not be happy endings always that’s life and that’s what Stull wants to present us – life isn’t one of those TV comedies. She still manages to present hope and tenderness at the same time. Stull makes us treasure plus value what we have because some people have never known happiness and simply aren’t destined too either.
You potential readers out there I highly recommend Stull work, she isn’t a writer to be overlooked and you are really missing out if you don’t read this collection – the stories will leave you wanting more and wondering about the characters lives. Get the book for yourself and also discover yourself along the way. You wouldn’t be disappointed at all! The price is a mere nothing compared to what an enjoyable experience it is reading this collection.
I’m now a fan of Stull and will want to get more of her work.
November 20, 2014
This was a highly enjoyable collection of stories and poems. What really impressed me about them was the breadth of characters and emotion. There are happy stories, sad stories, disturbing stories, and stories that fall somewhere in between. I enjoy that sort of diversity in collections. The most memorable stories were "The Things You Keep to Yourself" (wow), "I Must Go", "A Lifetime of One Night Stands," and "My Vintage Rose". The last one, the longest in the collection was the most beautiful and romantic.
The prose is elegant and poetic, and I had no trouble visualizing the world that L.M. Stull painted. I also liked the variation of POV techniques that she used. Every story felt uniquely different.
I also listened to the Audible audiobook narrated by Hollie Jackson as I read this. I loved Jackson's voice. Her cadence and reading style really brought these stories to life, and I would recommend the audiobook as a companion when you read, as Jackson did an excellent job of bringing out little nuances in the characters.
This is a high quality collection, and highly recommended!
The prose is elegant and poetic, and I had no trouble visualizing the world that L.M. Stull painted. I also liked the variation of POV techniques that she used. Every story felt uniquely different.
I also listened to the Audible audiobook narrated by Hollie Jackson as I read this. I loved Jackson's voice. Her cadence and reading style really brought these stories to life, and I would recommend the audiobook as a companion when you read, as Jackson did an excellent job of bringing out little nuances in the characters.
This is a high quality collection, and highly recommended!
September 8, 2012
A wonderful collection of short stories and poems. Each one filled with emotion, from thought-provoking to heart breaking, happy and sad, author LM Stull captures the full breadth of human emotion and expresses it perfectly throughout.
It is a testament to the writing that the short page or two stories and short poems carry the same weight and emotion as the longest, multi chapter story that comes at the end of the collection.
Having read A Thirty something Girl by the same author, I knew that I was in for an experience when I picked up this collection, and I was not disappointed.
A great literary work does more than entertain, it makes readers think, to challenge their views, to make them feel. Reading Contemplations, you are, as a reader, forced into your past. We can all relate to stories or lost love, love that was never meant to be, loss, sorrow and sadness, but also joy, the feeling of something new, and this collection will take you to those places, and will leave you with a tear in your eye, a gentle smile on your face, and a song in your soul.
It is a testament to the writing that the short page or two stories and short poems carry the same weight and emotion as the longest, multi chapter story that comes at the end of the collection.
Having read A Thirty something Girl by the same author, I knew that I was in for an experience when I picked up this collection, and I was not disappointed.
A great literary work does more than entertain, it makes readers think, to challenge their views, to make them feel. Reading Contemplations, you are, as a reader, forced into your past. We can all relate to stories or lost love, love that was never meant to be, loss, sorrow and sadness, but also joy, the feeling of something new, and this collection will take you to those places, and will leave you with a tear in your eye, a gentle smile on your face, and a song in your soul.
August 7, 2014
Contemplations is a charming mix of expressive poetry and character portraits. L.M. Stull's collection reads from beginning to end like a journey from the darkness into the light. The poetry presented within lovingly expresses relatable feelings of loss, longing, and alienation. The prose portions of this compilation provide mostly first-person narratives involving men and women, young and old, rich and poor, from all walks of life. This is where Stull shows her strengths most.
While slipping into the skins of these fictional individuals, the author is able to provide miniature tales of heartbreak, fear, hope, romance, and even the supernatural. The book ping-pongs between poetry and short fiction, climaxing with a slightly longer story of a chance encounter between individuals destined to be together. In this final piece, Stull again wisely employs first-person narrations for both star crossed lovers in order to engage the reader. This was an impressive, enjoyable, and thoughtful read. My only complaint my be that it was over too soon.
While slipping into the skins of these fictional individuals, the author is able to provide miniature tales of heartbreak, fear, hope, romance, and even the supernatural. The book ping-pongs between poetry and short fiction, climaxing with a slightly longer story of a chance encounter between individuals destined to be together. In this final piece, Stull again wisely employs first-person narrations for both star crossed lovers in order to engage the reader. This was an impressive, enjoyable, and thoughtful read. My only complaint my be that it was over too soon.
March 21, 2016
Thanks to NetGalley for the copy.
First: I really like Lisa's writing style, is simple and fresh. I appreciate the hard work on words, is difficult find a simple but meaningful prose that SPEAK right to the senses, and this is one.
However, I found the title, the subtitle and (in general) the treatment of the subjects of the book, very cheesy, a childlike attempt of "Contemplations and deep thoughts". The subjects (a broken heart, bad childhood, friendship, traumas, sexual violence, etc) are so big and current by themselves that the author let them be, in my opinion, without a deep reflexion, and I didn't learn anything new or see something illuminating. I was disappointed because the prose is beautiful.
There is a poem that I love: "A beautiful monster".
2 stars**
First: I really like Lisa's writing style, is simple and fresh. I appreciate the hard work on words, is difficult find a simple but meaningful prose that SPEAK right to the senses, and this is one.
However, I found the title, the subtitle and (in general) the treatment of the subjects of the book, very cheesy, a childlike attempt of "Contemplations and deep thoughts". The subjects (a broken heart, bad childhood, friendship, traumas, sexual violence, etc) are so big and current by themselves that the author let them be, in my opinion, without a deep reflexion, and I didn't learn anything new or see something illuminating. I was disappointed because the prose is beautiful.
There is a poem that I love: "A beautiful monster".
2 stars**
May 9, 2012
L.M. Stull has a knack for conveying raw emotions into elegant prose. This collection of short stories and poems will enlighten and frighten you to feel all the sensations life has to offer; pain, joy and everything in between. My favorite story in this collection is "Come to Terms". I appreciate the lessons of this piece;"to ponder and enjoy even the most mundane happenings of everyday life." It is something I feel we all need to consider and live by.
May 8, 2016
Deep reflective thoughts is an understatement of major proportions. Mainly of the poems or stories made me feel a range of emotions from acceptance to soul shattering heartbreak to happiness all over again. The last story was the only one I wasn't as thrilled with; however, I really enjoyed this collection.
April 22, 2016
Astonishing!
It was amazing how so many different emotions can be provoked through short tales, this book is one of the sweetest. A valuable treasure, I especially loved the story of the grieving widow. As saddening and wistful as some of the stories were, there were others that were equally hopeful. I can promise that you will find a valuable tale in this book.
It was amazing how so many different emotions can be provoked through short tales, this book is one of the sweetest. A valuable treasure, I especially loved the story of the grieving widow. As saddening and wistful as some of the stories were, there were others that were equally hopeful. I can promise that you will find a valuable tale in this book.
August 23, 2016
The content was not at all what I was expecting. The stories or poems were depressing and didn't insight deep thought. There were a few happy endings but they were so unrealistic I would not think of them past the page. The writing is easily read and understood but I would not recommend the collection.
July 10, 2012
I've been a fan of LM Stull's writing since reading her blog and A Thirty-Something Girl. This collection of flash and poetry is just another example of how beautifully she writes. I eagerly await her new book this fall.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews