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Everything Beautiful: And Other Stories
"Great writing knows the intimate language of the soul, occupies your thoughts, and draws you back to its words over and over again. Jeremy Lane's style has a Raymond Carver quality that impresses with every word." - Jamie Guiney, Author of Pushcart Prize Nominated A Quarter Yellow Sun "He sensitively investigates the human condition, uncovering the most intimate moments, allowing the reader to share the emotional rollercoaster his characters experience." - Annie Evett, Author of Lonely in Paradise "Resignation and a sense of hope often go hand in hand in this powerful collection. Dealing with big themes, Jeremy's characters remain unfailingly warm and doggedly inspirational." - Lynsey May, Author of It Starts So Sweetly www.jeremymarklane.com
- GenresShort StoriesFiction
172 pages, Paperback
First published August 30, 2015
3 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Mark Lane
20 books50 followersJeremy Lane is a writer living in North Texas with his wife and three children.
His work has been featured in many literary sites and journals, including MUSCADINE LINES: A SOUTHERN JOURNAL.
Jeremy's first collection of fiction, entitled "While I'm Still Myself", was published in paperback by Tate Publishing early in 2012. A second collection, entitled "Everything Beautiful: And Other Stories", is being released in 2015.
His work has been featured in many literary sites and journals, including MUSCADINE LINES: A SOUTHERN JOURNAL.
Jeremy's first collection of fiction, entitled "While I'm Still Myself", was published in paperback by Tate Publishing early in 2012. A second collection, entitled "Everything Beautiful: And Other Stories", is being released in 2015.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
January 2, 2017
I won this book through Goodreads. A great collection of short stories. One was better than the next. Loved it.
May 1, 2018
Some of the stories were good, but for the most part, the stories weren't really long enough to even make a good story. I usually enjoy short story collections, but this one was just not for me.
February 6, 2017
This is a collection of nine short stories. I got this ebook copy from Library Thing. Thank you again, Jeremy Mark Lane and Library Thing for the copy.
At first, I can't find or understand what's common about all the stories. Yes, the title says everything beautiful but I can't seem to see it as a common denominator in all the stories. Some seemed to be just stories. Some I didn't even get what it was trying to convey. Maybe, it was too short to understand or maybe it was written in a way that is not to be taken literally. There are some stories that I ended up asking what it wanted to prove or say. Some sounded like ramblings. They sounded incoherent at all to me. But the last three stories of the collection were the best ones. Finally, something that would at least allude to the title so it would not be in vain.
My favorite stories in the collection were --Souls in the Wind, Shape and The Pebblestone Five. These three were really touching stories. They were indeed beautiful. These three made up for the feeling of the let down I felt after reading the first two stories which never made sense to me. These three stories were about family, relationships, and abuse in all different forms. They have strong and brave characters in them that transcended their weaknesses and ended whatever suffering or injustice that was witnessed or endured. Each story embodied a character that you can't help but admire and be inspired.
I give the book 2/5 stars. It was OK. I would have written off this book as non-sensical because they did not spark any interest or reaction except confusion or indifference. If not for the last three amazing stories it would have been a futile effort on my end. It would seem the author have not made any connection to me. Thankfully, the three made it worth my time.
Some quotes from the book:
Back then, it was an eye for an eye. Then Jesus comin' round, you say all that changed, and now it's all about forgiveness. Sounds real convenient if ya ask me.
- The Peeblestone Five -
It's a terrible thing to live a lifetime regretting something that happened one minute. It's a terrible thing.
- Shape -
At first, I can't find or understand what's common about all the stories. Yes, the title says everything beautiful but I can't seem to see it as a common denominator in all the stories. Some seemed to be just stories. Some I didn't even get what it was trying to convey. Maybe, it was too short to understand or maybe it was written in a way that is not to be taken literally. There are some stories that I ended up asking what it wanted to prove or say. Some sounded like ramblings. They sounded incoherent at all to me. But the last three stories of the collection were the best ones. Finally, something that would at least allude to the title so it would not be in vain.
My favorite stories in the collection were --Souls in the Wind, Shape and The Pebblestone Five. These three were really touching stories. They were indeed beautiful. These three made up for the feeling of the let down I felt after reading the first two stories which never made sense to me. These three stories were about family, relationships, and abuse in all different forms. They have strong and brave characters in them that transcended their weaknesses and ended whatever suffering or injustice that was witnessed or endured. Each story embodied a character that you can't help but admire and be inspired.
I give the book 2/5 stars. It was OK. I would have written off this book as non-sensical because they did not spark any interest or reaction except confusion or indifference. If not for the last three amazing stories it would have been a futile effort on my end. It would seem the author have not made any connection to me. Thankfully, the three made it worth my time.
Some quotes from the book:
Back then, it was an eye for an eye. Then Jesus comin' round, you say all that changed, and now it's all about forgiveness. Sounds real convenient if ya ask me.
- The Peeblestone Five -
It's a terrible thing to live a lifetime regretting something that happened one minute. It's a terrible thing.
- Shape -
December 9, 2015
I received Everything Beauiful: And Other Stories from Jeremy Mark Lane through the Librarything giveaway. It is a superb collection of extremely well written short stories that touch your soul and make you think. Mr. Lane draws you with his first words, tugs at your emotions and and leaves you wanting more. Among my favorites in this collection are "The Reflection, Only Hers", "The Guest" and the "Pebblestone 5". You will not be disappointed!
December 27, 2015
Everything Beautiful by Jeremy Mark Lane is a collection of short stories that I believe all readers can relate to. These stories, whether sad, happy, mad or glad seemed to pull at my heart strings. Either I had been in a similar situation or knew someone that had. This book is a must read!!!
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews