“I finally got around to reading your Ebook. Your mastery of the use of words as an art form with which to explore the seething underbelly of the human psyche is simultaneously refreshing and undeniably insane. Your style is quite unique and inspired, with hints of Hunter S. Thompson, Jack Kerouac, even Stephen King. Delving fearlessly into areas of carnality, sin, desire, innocence, love, spirituality, and even evil flesh-eating gingerbread men, somehow you weave all of these complex and seemingly disparate aspects of the human condition that we all relate to on varying levels, into gripping first person prose with a distinct autobiographical feel.” ~ Carl “Eddie” Johnson.
More poetry and poetic prose from a man who clearly has blasphemed against all gods and god-mortals. And he uses swear words! Such writing will never make Jesus happy -- so read and keep reading this heavily disturbed writer. (A SWAT team of doctors is heading now to fit him for a jacket with very long arms. Let us pray to Amonhotep that he learns to tell good wholesome stories to make people complacent and obedient to their societal athority figures.)
If you don't read this, the Pope will wave his magic wand and send you to the nightmarish depths of Kansas! (A place even Dorothy couldn't escape from for long.)
“Try to burn me down to the ground, my enemies. I have found the way beyond all of this foolishness and heartache.” I screamed with intensity and furious conviction at my dumbfounded surrounding pack of foes. “Mark my words. Purity will prevail. And Love will once again become the ‘In’ thing.” [Curtains close.]
Accepting, rather than declining the ride, makes me believe I am alive, somehow part of all This! This life, this existence, this GIFT. I wish one day to form a band that will emotionally challenge every creature it confronts. Amsterdam is the place. I can feel 100% pure euphoria running through each of my throbbing veins. The only thing I can’t do is fly. I tried to, but fell flat on my f*cking face.) Sunny days I walk without a care, feeling like the hand of God is guiding my every step. I look over my shoulder and realize that life truly is a miracle, a gift, a sensational blessing that most of the time we take for granted. To be continued…
When I saw that man, I knew he was down. But I didn’t think he was so down to want to move on prematurely. You question the above, the participants of the world, and yourself. Was there something I could have done, something I could have said? you ask yourself with guilt. Maybe I should have taken the initiative and spoke my mind and asked the hurting soul. Are you ok? Is there something I can do to help? Pain can be such a dominant force at certain times of our lives, but the beauty we witness when the pain finally subsides is so glorious, so magnificent. We all know that there are times when things seem too complicated, too hard, too painful. Pain and sorrow seem like they will never go away. But for the love of God, and the gift we each possess. Never let hardship get the best of you! LIFE IS AN ASTOUNDING MIRACLE, MEANT TO ENDURE, MEANT TO LIVE, MEANT TO MOULD AND CRADLE, CARESS AND LOVE. Say a prayer, be thankful and never give up, no matter what adversity comes your way. Be blessed, let all anguish go as it comes, and live life’s love to the fullest. Sincerely yours, An extremely concerned human being.
In the evening, a figure of true beauty and I dance a wonderful dance, swaying and drinking fine wine. How Beauty’s movement is so clean, dripping with elegance, as silence resides amongst us outside in the brisk, subtle night. I tell the angel it is ok to feel, to sing, to be, to become the leaf in the meadow and let the ripples take you wherever they decide to take you. Refrain from holding on too tight or life may pass you by.
Found Ground by Layden Robinson is such a thought provoking and entirely interesting read. This is not my first read by Mr. Robinson, so I kind of knew what to expect going in- and he didn’t disappoint. This book had Mr. Robinson’s dynamic and entertaining style stamped all over it, written with the lyrical quality to his prose that I now associate with him, and which sets his writing apart from a lot of other authors. This is a collection of short stories, anecdotes, poetry, and many thoughts about varied topics- from faith and belief, to humanity, society and community, love, music, fear, identity, friendship, despair, living life to the fullest, seizing every moment, and staying true to yourself- just to name a few. There are so many topics covered here, with Mr. Robinson laying it all out on the table. The stories are quite short, but all were quite thought provoking and definitely held my attention. I really like how Mr. Robinson is able to infuse his writing with underlying meaning and messages to take away from his work. While I was reading, I kept thinking that if Nick Cave, Jim Morrison, Hunter S. Thompson, Joe Hill, and Johnny Depp had a baby- this would be the result. Undeniably good- in a ‘trippy’ kind of way. A lot packed into a short space- it definitely felt like a much longer novel, in a good way! I look forward to more from Mr. Robinson.
Robinson pens an intriguing collection of thoughts and stories in Found Ground. Robinson refers to Found Ground as "thoughts, stories, poems, scenes, comedy, philosophy, and memoirs from the past and present." I totally agree, and find it an epic journey into the mind, life, and imagination of Robinson. I've read work from this author before, and this may be one of my favorite reads thus far. One of the "thoughts" I found most interesting is "three examples of man," and I won't spoil it by quoting it, but it's one that makes you read it, repeatedly. This author is not just a writer but a great storyteller. Each thought should be read more than once. This was a magnificent collection, that kept this reader turning the pages. I look forward to reading many more stories by this author. This book is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
Updated Review: I have read this book again since it was updated, and am rewriting my entire original review, as I looked at it as an entirely new book of stories.
Full of memoirs, short stories, poems and prose, Found Ground is an intriguing look inside the author’s mind. Personal truths, heart ache, and passion fill this small volume.
I’m not really sure how to describe this book, all I know is - I want to read more.
“I finally got around to reading your Ebook. Your mastery of the use of words as an art form with which to explore the seething underbelly of the human psyche is simultaneously refreshing and undeniably insane. Your style is quite unique and inspired, with hints of Hunter S. Thompson, Jack Kerouac, even Stephen King. Delving fearlessly into areas of carnality, sin, desire, innocence, love, spirituality, and even evil flesh-eating gingerbread men, somehow you weave all of these complex and seemingly disparate aspects of the human condition that we all relate to on varying levels, into gripping first person prose with a distinct autobiographical feel.” ~ Carl “Eddie” Johnson.