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Pocket Forest
Since childhood, Harriet has dreamed of exploring forests with Stig Hemming, the boy lost to her in the frayed bonds of an old family friendship. Years later, in the wake of losing her mother, Harriet finally meets Stig only to discover a frightened young man clawing to regain a life no longer his.
The darker parts of the forest beckon, where ghost-dogs patrol a crumbling boarding school and treasure, once lost, must be snatched back with bravery.
This contemporary original fairy tale, complete with all the attendant comforts and threats, will pull you into the woodlands of the heart.
Each chapbook is roughly 4.25" x 5.5", handmade in a limited edition of 30. Stapled with handmade endpapers. Published by Deathless Press, August 2013. http://tinyurl.com/mlkmgla
[Print Edition is Sold Out!]
The darker parts of the forest beckon, where ghost-dogs patrol a crumbling boarding school and treasure, once lost, must be snatched back with bravery.
This contemporary original fairy tale, complete with all the attendant comforts and threats, will pull you into the woodlands of the heart.
Each chapbook is roughly 4.25" x 5.5", handmade in a limited edition of 30. Stapled with handmade endpapers. Published by Deathless Press, August 2013. http://tinyurl.com/mlkmgla
[Print Edition is Sold Out!]
55 pages, Unknown Binding
First published August 15, 2013
1 person is currently reading
610 people want to read
About the author
Kimberly Karalius
7 books231 followersKimberly Karalius is the author of LOVE FORTUNES AND OTHER DISASTERS and its sequel LOVE CHARMS AND OTHER CATASTROPHES. If you gave her a wish bone, she would wish fervently for snow in Florida. Living in Florida certainly has one big perk: going to Disney World. Which she does. Frequently.
Kimberly holds an MFA in fiction from the University of South Florida. Her fiction has appeared in literary journals such as Luna Station Quarterly, The Medulla Review, and Hogglepot. Her chapbook, POCKET FOREST, was published by Deathless Press in August 2013.
Kimberly holds an MFA in fiction from the University of South Florida. Her fiction has appeared in literary journals such as Luna Station Quarterly, The Medulla Review, and Hogglepot. Her chapbook, POCKET FOREST, was published by Deathless Press in August 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 20, 2013
I am utterly delighted I got to read one of Kim's tales in tangible form! She never ceases to enchant me with her exquisite details and characterizations that create worlds which are both familiar and brand new. This girl is seriously amazing. As is Pocket Forest.
Pay attention ladies and gentlemen: Kim's stories are the future! (Or they better be because I don't want to be a part of a future that doesn't have her charming stories stocked in every bookstore.)
Pay attention ladies and gentlemen: Kim's stories are the future! (Or they better be because I don't want to be a part of a future that doesn't have her charming stories stocked in every bookstore.)
August 23, 2013
Pocket Forest is an amazing fairy tale. Kimberly Karalius draws you into a world that delights and amazes. Her style is smooth, passing through time effortlessly in such a short work of art. Her vivid descriptions light up the story and it's like you are right there with Harriet and Stig as they discover themselves, their past, so cleverly intertwined and look forward to their futures.
Truly, this author has a lovely style. Her work, for those who don't know this, has been featured on Figment.com for quite a while now. Following her there has been fantastic. Seeing her work being published is what We Figgies have been waiting for. Deathless Press did a beautiful job printing up this little gem of a book.
The intricate descriptions and wording were exceptional. The continued references to the "forest" brought cohesion to the story. The "mori" girl reference was awesome; those natural, vivacious young girls in Japan whose clothes place them right in the middle of a forest are such a strong image. Not only are the clothing references so interesting and parallel to all that becomes the forest, but also the references to humidity - with the times Harriet's hair becomes frizzed once outdoors ... well, who among us has not had that happen? Wintergreen and mint, it pulls us back to the forest again and again through our senses as well as description. It's the very personal element that makes me believe I could be Harriet, trying so hard to find Stig. The charm of the trains, the train yard, and finally their train journey together, is something we relate to. The thing I like most is when a writer can bring in the familiar -- the reader can become any of the characters. So personal in detail, Kimberly Karalius is a talented writer and everyone should sit up and take notice of her talent and spark as a wonderful creative writer.
Someone better be looking at her other projects! This is one writer I want to buy more books from - and soon!!!!!!!
Truly, this author has a lovely style. Her work, for those who don't know this, has been featured on Figment.com for quite a while now. Following her there has been fantastic. Seeing her work being published is what We Figgies have been waiting for. Deathless Press did a beautiful job printing up this little gem of a book.
The intricate descriptions and wording were exceptional. The continued references to the "forest" brought cohesion to the story. The "mori" girl reference was awesome; those natural, vivacious young girls in Japan whose clothes place them right in the middle of a forest are such a strong image. Not only are the clothing references so interesting and parallel to all that becomes the forest, but also the references to humidity - with the times Harriet's hair becomes frizzed once outdoors ... well, who among us has not had that happen? Wintergreen and mint, it pulls us back to the forest again and again through our senses as well as description. It's the very personal element that makes me believe I could be Harriet, trying so hard to find Stig. The charm of the trains, the train yard, and finally their train journey together, is something we relate to. The thing I like most is when a writer can bring in the familiar -- the reader can become any of the characters. So personal in detail, Kimberly Karalius is a talented writer and everyone should sit up and take notice of her talent and spark as a wonderful creative writer.
Someone better be looking at her other projects! This is one writer I want to buy more books from - and soon!!!!!!!
October 21, 2013
This book is downright lovely.
Only 50-something pages in length, POCKET FOREST packs a powerful punch. Between ghost hound dogs, a ramshackle boarding school tucked deep into the forest, and young Harriet's determination to uncover the secret of the mysterious boy named Stig, exercising restraint proved futile. My need to know what happened next was only matched by my greed to drink in the beautiful language. Lush prose that lends itself so perfectly to the world of magical realism (and title), this book reads like the sweetest of fairy-tales. But of course it does.
With a distinct talent for skillfully melding the mundane with the whimsical, this book serves as the perfect introduction for those not already familiar with Kimberly Karalius through Figment.com. Be prepared for the unquenchable need for more, and the yearning to nestle between pages and wholly inhabit the world of Harriet and Stig.
And to fellow Karalius fans: POCKET FOREST hits the spot like only a Kimberly Karalius book can. I might even go so far as to say it's Karalius' best work, to date. If only because it's the first accessible in physical format (previous limited editions with DeathPress have since sold out, but is now available in Ebook format).
Short enough to be read in one sitting, I caution readers to sip and savor like you always wished you had when reaching the end of an excellent book.
Only 50-something pages in length, POCKET FOREST packs a powerful punch. Between ghost hound dogs, a ramshackle boarding school tucked deep into the forest, and young Harriet's determination to uncover the secret of the mysterious boy named Stig, exercising restraint proved futile. My need to know what happened next was only matched by my greed to drink in the beautiful language. Lush prose that lends itself so perfectly to the world of magical realism (and title), this book reads like the sweetest of fairy-tales. But of course it does.
With a distinct talent for skillfully melding the mundane with the whimsical, this book serves as the perfect introduction for those not already familiar with Kimberly Karalius through Figment.com. Be prepared for the unquenchable need for more, and the yearning to nestle between pages and wholly inhabit the world of Harriet and Stig.
And to fellow Karalius fans: POCKET FOREST hits the spot like only a Kimberly Karalius book can. I might even go so far as to say it's Karalius' best work, to date. If only because it's the first accessible in physical format (previous limited editions with DeathPress have since sold out, but is now available in Ebook format).
Short enough to be read in one sitting, I caution readers to sip and savor like you always wished you had when reaching the end of an excellent book.
January 5, 2021
My second real exposure to magical realism--not a bad read. Lyrical, engrossing, and fun. I'd like to see a longer piece by her. I feel like this might've been better as a series of poems.
October 28, 2013
Pocket Forest by Kimberly Karalius
50%(terrific character's) + 50%(A unique flair of writing) = A astonishing read.
At 52 pages this book pulls you in immediately. Karalius's writing is beautiful, imaginative ,precise and distinctive. The main character's Stig and Harriet were very unique and were not generic at all which I really liked, because Stig and Harriet's story has left a footprint in my mind now.
At only 52 pages, this book is a prime example of how books do not need to be ridiculously lengthy to be brilliant and spectacular. However, if they are short stories like this one, it needs a very talented writer to pull that off, and in this case Karalius has created a very impactful piece of writing, which feels like a 325 page novel, with a beautiful crafted story - at only 52 pages. Which is Amazing.
I rated this 5 stars simply, because it was a great read which took my breath away. I have never encountered such a piece of writing before. Its very hard to explain how I feel about this book, in so many levels this book is wonderful - I cannot put it into words. This is a lovely read, which I am sure I will be re-reading a couple of times to re-capture the reading experience of this book.
Lastly, I would like to say I was honoured to win this book in the GR give-away, and would like to thank the author for writing this book - It made my day when it came through the post :)(The handmade edition is beautiful, it had also enhanced my reading experience - if only more books looked like this :)
Pocket Forest is a book to recommend.
I will definitely be looking out for more of her work.
50%(terrific character's) + 50%(A unique flair of writing) = A astonishing read.
At 52 pages this book pulls you in immediately. Karalius's writing is beautiful, imaginative ,precise and distinctive. The main character's Stig and Harriet were very unique and were not generic at all which I really liked, because Stig and Harriet's story has left a footprint in my mind now.
At only 52 pages, this book is a prime example of how books do not need to be ridiculously lengthy to be brilliant and spectacular. However, if they are short stories like this one, it needs a very talented writer to pull that off, and in this case Karalius has created a very impactful piece of writing, which feels like a 325 page novel, with a beautiful crafted story - at only 52 pages. Which is Amazing.
I rated this 5 stars simply, because it was a great read which took my breath away. I have never encountered such a piece of writing before. Its very hard to explain how I feel about this book, in so many levels this book is wonderful - I cannot put it into words. This is a lovely read, which I am sure I will be re-reading a couple of times to re-capture the reading experience of this book.
Lastly, I would like to say I was honoured to win this book in the GR give-away, and would like to thank the author for writing this book - It made my day when it came through the post :)(The handmade edition is beautiful, it had also enhanced my reading experience - if only more books looked like this :)
Pocket Forest is a book to recommend.
I will definitely be looking out for more of her work.
September 27, 2013
Pocket Forest - small enough to fit in your back pocket, yes, but don't let its diminutive size fool you. This story and its characters are large with life and creativity, and brimming with all the good stuff that makes a story charming and whimsical.
I've been an admirer of Karalius' work for some time, and was fortunate to discover her on Figment, where she shares her dazzling gift with us through prose unlike any I have ever read. I first fell hard for her Flour House, and was chomping at the bit to be one of the lucky few to receive Pocket Forest in hard-copy form. Such a lovely little book it is. I run the risk of repeating myself, but it simply must be said that no one writes the way Karalius does. Hers is a mind I imagine is constantly sparking and sparkling with potential and passion. I envy her ability to turn every little detail into something enchanting; and also how she manages to invite you into her stories, making you feel quite at home in her beautifully odd settings. Her writing is quirky and magical, and Pocket Forest is no exception.
***Spoiler:
Harriet and Stig delighted me. I was rooting for them the entire time, and found myself invested in their respective journeys, and euphoric at their imminent collision. Harriet felt so very real to me, and I especially found a kinship in her fondness for Autumn. Stig made me want to get up and cheer for him.
I eagerly await more from this author!
I've been an admirer of Karalius' work for some time, and was fortunate to discover her on Figment, where she shares her dazzling gift with us through prose unlike any I have ever read. I first fell hard for her Flour House, and was chomping at the bit to be one of the lucky few to receive Pocket Forest in hard-copy form. Such a lovely little book it is. I run the risk of repeating myself, but it simply must be said that no one writes the way Karalius does. Hers is a mind I imagine is constantly sparking and sparkling with potential and passion. I envy her ability to turn every little detail into something enchanting; and also how she manages to invite you into her stories, making you feel quite at home in her beautifully odd settings. Her writing is quirky and magical, and Pocket Forest is no exception.
***Spoiler:
Harriet and Stig delighted me. I was rooting for them the entire time, and found myself invested in their respective journeys, and euphoric at their imminent collision. Harriet felt so very real to me, and I especially found a kinship in her fondness for Autumn. Stig made me want to get up and cheer for him.
I eagerly await more from this author!
August 24, 2013
Kimberly Karalius is one author who never disappoints. For those of us who are familiar with her work this piece is nothing short of the masterpiece we're much accustomed to reading. It proudly joins the rest of her gems and quietly beckons people to pick it up and read it.
It is easy to disregard the length of this story because of how engrossing the writing is. One thing that I personally love about her style is how beautiful it is, all the description and comparison and little details that add more vivdness and lushness to the piece. The characters are so easy to fall in love with and root for and by the end of the story all you want to do is go back to the very beginning and experience the magic over. And over. And over.
To anyone who considers buying this book but is perhaps hesitating I highly suggest you do buy it because I assure you, once you pick this one up, you'll be so glad you did. From my own personal reading experience I also recommend reading this one right before bed. Do so and you'll be dreaming of forests and porcelain deers the whole night, I assure you.
Kimberly is one author to look out for. With a mastery for words and the spell she is able to cast over readers with her unique and beautiful worlds and characters it is simply impossible for her to go unnoticed. I eagerly await the day when I'll be able to go to the bookstore and buy one of her novels.
It is easy to disregard the length of this story because of how engrossing the writing is. One thing that I personally love about her style is how beautiful it is, all the description and comparison and little details that add more vivdness and lushness to the piece. The characters are so easy to fall in love with and root for and by the end of the story all you want to do is go back to the very beginning and experience the magic over. And over. And over.
To anyone who considers buying this book but is perhaps hesitating I highly suggest you do buy it because I assure you, once you pick this one up, you'll be so glad you did. From my own personal reading experience I also recommend reading this one right before bed. Do so and you'll be dreaming of forests and porcelain deers the whole night, I assure you.
Kimberly is one author to look out for. With a mastery for words and the spell she is able to cast over readers with her unique and beautiful worlds and characters it is simply impossible for her to go unnoticed. I eagerly await the day when I'll be able to go to the bookstore and buy one of her novels.
March 19, 2021
I've been a fan of Kimberly's since the days of figment.com (god, I miss that website). She is the whole reason that I ever learned that magical realism was a genre and learned to love it. If she ever publishes Birdcage Girl as a book, I'm gonna flip. I will preorder that so fast...
Anyway. In Pocket Forest, Kimberly once again delivers a lovely and whimsical tale. Featuring ghost hounds, a sinister boarding school nestled deep in the forest, a kleptomaniac, and a mysterious boy, this novella is a treat to devour in one sitting or even savor slowly, if you're able to restrain yourself.
Anyway. In Pocket Forest, Kimberly once again delivers a lovely and whimsical tale. Featuring ghost hounds, a sinister boarding school nestled deep in the forest, a kleptomaniac, and a mysterious boy, this novella is a treat to devour in one sitting or even savor slowly, if you're able to restrain yourself.
August 6, 2016
"Get to the forest. This is the way."
Kim Karalius has woven a beautifully strange, fairytale world rich in imagery and characters that take you on a journey so fantastic you forget that the book is only 50-some pages long. I felt immediately familiar with main characters Harriet and Stig, like I was being reacquainted with old friends. From train stations to boarding schools, dioramas and tiny treasures, their adventure had me wishing it would never end.
More generally speaking, one of my favorite parts about POCKET FOREST was the masterful way in which Kim handles the timeline. I was swept along through the years without feeling rushed or left behind, despite there being only 50 pages in which to craft such a full story. At the end, I was left with the distinct feeling that Harriet and Stig would live on behind my back, like they had leapt off the page in secret and run away together to discover more new and wonderful worlds.
POCKET FOREST is an absolute delight to read (not to mention a delight to hold in my hand. What a beautiful little book!). Highly recommend.
Kim Karalius has woven a beautifully strange, fairytale world rich in imagery and characters that take you on a journey so fantastic you forget that the book is only 50-some pages long. I felt immediately familiar with main characters Harriet and Stig, like I was being reacquainted with old friends. From train stations to boarding schools, dioramas and tiny treasures, their adventure had me wishing it would never end.
More generally speaking, one of my favorite parts about POCKET FOREST was the masterful way in which Kim handles the timeline. I was swept along through the years without feeling rushed or left behind, despite there being only 50 pages in which to craft such a full story. At the end, I was left with the distinct feeling that Harriet and Stig would live on behind my back, like they had leapt off the page in secret and run away together to discover more new and wonderful worlds.
POCKET FOREST is an absolute delight to read (not to mention a delight to hold in my hand. What a beautiful little book!). Highly recommend.
September 8, 2013
WOW!!!
If you're looking for a neat little tale to tickle your senses and give you something to thoroughly enjoy, I would absolutely recommend picking up a copy of Pocket Forest! I've lost track of everything around me since I was so entranced by the pure wonder and imagination in this book. Easily one of my new favorites.
I've been a huge fan of this author's work since seeing her stories on websites like Figment.com. Kim Karalius is one of those elusive authors who keep you drawn in by her unique writing style and imagery, creating memorable art in storytelling.
However, it's near impossible to find copies of her work unless you go digging around. I couldn't even get a copy of Pocket Forest when they were first released because they sold out in the first day. I guess I'm not the only Karalius fan. When I was lucky enough to finally get my grubby little paws on this gem during the second release, I was overwhelmed with joy!
Worth. The. Wait.
I absolutely LOVE this book, and I can't wait to pick it up again!
If you're looking for a neat little tale to tickle your senses and give you something to thoroughly enjoy, I would absolutely recommend picking up a copy of Pocket Forest! I've lost track of everything around me since I was so entranced by the pure wonder and imagination in this book. Easily one of my new favorites.
I've been a huge fan of this author's work since seeing her stories on websites like Figment.com. Kim Karalius is one of those elusive authors who keep you drawn in by her unique writing style and imagery, creating memorable art in storytelling.
However, it's near impossible to find copies of her work unless you go digging around. I couldn't even get a copy of Pocket Forest when they were first released because they sold out in the first day. I guess I'm not the only Karalius fan. When I was lucky enough to finally get my grubby little paws on this gem during the second release, I was overwhelmed with joy!
Worth. The. Wait.
I absolutely LOVE this book, and I can't wait to pick it up again!
November 27, 2014
2.75 stars out of 5 stars
Review to come
Note: while I enjoyed this story, I would have liked to see certain aspects more developed. The most magical part of the book, for me, is the fact that it's beautifully crafted and bound by hand - the physical book itself was put together with care, and love, and passion ... It's a piece of art itself. My one complaint, besides the occasional typo and missing word (hey, nobody's perfect ... And I've found worse in mass marketed, high profile novels), was the fact that it seems like I was missing an entire page - although the numbering said otherwise. One sentence ended at the end of the page, however on the next page was the ending of another sentence that had nothing to do with the one I had just read - I know I missed something, but at least it was still the same scene.
Review to come
Note: while I enjoyed this story, I would have liked to see certain aspects more developed. The most magical part of the book, for me, is the fact that it's beautifully crafted and bound by hand - the physical book itself was put together with care, and love, and passion ... It's a piece of art itself. My one complaint, besides the occasional typo and missing word (hey, nobody's perfect ... And I've found worse in mass marketed, high profile novels), was the fact that it seems like I was missing an entire page - although the numbering said otherwise. One sentence ended at the end of the page, however on the next page was the ending of another sentence that had nothing to do with the one I had just read - I know I missed something, but at least it was still the same scene.
February 19, 2014
Kim Karalius has many fans on figment.com, and it's easy to see why. Pocket Forest is a charming, fleet-footed fairy tale. There's so much to love in a very short book--romance, longing, a klepto principal, a one-eared porcelain deer, and a pack of ghost dogs roaming a mysterious forest, all written with such good-natured verve you'll find yourself adrift in the magic and finishing the book too soon. For those of you who didn't get in early enough to land a copy, I hope the publisher prints another run. For those lucky enough to have read Pocket Forest, I hope Kim will have another book out for all of us soon!
August 29, 2013
Just finished reading this book. Only one word to describe it, AMAZING!!
Last minute choice for my summer beach reading. I'm glad I read it and intend to recommend it to all my friends. A must read. The author's use of language transforms the reader into actually connecting with the characters of Stig and Harriet.
I have read some of this author's short stories but this is her best writing yet. I look forward to more of her writing to come.
Last minute choice for my summer beach reading. I'm glad I read it and intend to recommend it to all my friends. A must read. The author's use of language transforms the reader into actually connecting with the characters of Stig and Harriet.
I have read some of this author's short stories but this is her best writing yet. I look forward to more of her writing to come.
March 5, 2014
This short tale will either annoy or get you pondering. Get into a good meditative mood and get transported into the magical world of forests, re-found treasures, and the happy coincidence of six degrees of separation.
Check out my full review on my blog Guiltless Reading
Check out my full review on my blog Guiltless Reading
August 28, 2014
Finally, something that officially recognizes and accurately portrays Mori Girl. Karaluis does an excellent job at catching the yearning for nature in us all. The plot and characters were engaging, and she uses just the right amount of explanation, while still leaving just enough for the imagination.
Want to read
September 16, 2013I really want to read it but I can't find it anywhere ?! :s
November 1, 2014
Review to come
March 31, 2014
If you enjoy whimsy, Miss Karalius is the author for you. Pocket Forest is a quick and pleasant read. A beautifully written modern-day fairy tale.
December 19, 2015
An amazing quick read that pulled at the little corners of my heart. The story was charming and delightful. Loved this and hope to read more of Kimberly Karalius's writing.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews