T. E. Talbott, an anti-nmdar with encephalitis survivor, was born in sunny San Diego, California, but a not-so-sunny life inspired a deep passion and early connection to writing.
The written word is not only therapeutic, but a weapon and she hopes to not only save herself, but to also remind others that they're never alone in how they think or feel. Despite her mental health hardships, she finds solace in the various beautiful layers that comprise her life which include loved ones, pets, literature and the occasional rainy day.
She commonly writes under the pseudonym "melancholy galaxies" and 𝘮𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘢 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘬𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺 is her first published collection. You can find more of her work at melancholy.galaxies on Instagram and on her Facebook page, melancholy galaxies
The characters in Strangers felt so sincere—they are people you feel as though you could find and care about in the real world. There are no perfect people in this story and that makes it feel so beautifully human. The challenge of grief is explored through multiple perspectives and is profoundly well-written.
To those who have lost loved ones, you will feel the pang of being able to grasp the very authentic ache characters like Finn, Blair and Eve feel. I also greatly appreciate additional themes in Strangers, like the importance of connections that can be found and forged beyond romantic relationships. It is a treasure trove of acts of love. There are examples in both platonic and romantic dynamics, and something I adore is that neither one is valued more than the other.
Rather, the most important aspect in Strangers may be the concept that support in all forms, from all people is critical in how we handle the hardships that life throws our way. The simple act of showing kindness to a loved one, to a friend, to a stranger even, can alter the course of their lives for better. Alternatively, the same can be said for a lack of kindness, and how it can change things for the worse.
I have been sitting on these opinions for a while now and I'm happy to have finally put into words how enjoyable and endearing this book was. I've read it 3 times since I got it and each time I felt as though someone out there understands what it's like to lose something important, to feel alone, and what it's like to fall apart and then reconstruct the pieces (with much needed help) into something different.
It was a privilege to step into the lives of Eve, Finn and Blair—perhaps we'll get the opportunity to revisit their world in the future? 😉
i bought this book the day t. announced its release and i am soo happy i did. it was such an emotional creative rollercoaster that i couldn't put down! i fell in love with her poetry first and now i am looking forward to her stories!! also fingers crossed for a sequel to Strangers 👀 the ending left me wanting more Eve and Finn! their friendship is adorable<333
To say I loved this book feels like a MASSIVE understatement. My mind is continuously blown by this author! If it's not her poetry, it's her fiction, now.
Strangers is an incredibly heartwrenching story with characters you just want to squeeze. One of the things I love most about this book is the emphasis of how important it is to never judge a book by its cover and to move with kindness.
I couldn't adore the friendship between Eve and Finn any more, and as much as I'm a sucker for romance and a messy love triangle, it's SO refreshing to read a book where friendship is the reigning champ and the characters showcase empathy for each other.
My only complaint is that I wish it was longer! I picked it up and could not put it down and I finished it in an afternoon. I hope to see more of Finn and Eve in the future.
For any of you who are hesitant to give indie authors a shot, you will not regret reading ANYTHING by T.E. Talbott, I PROMISE you. The emotions she's able to convey with her words will stick with you in the best way possible.
I find these characters STILL cropping up in my head a week later. 👏👏👏