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Pieces Like Pottery
AMAZON #1 BESTSELLER
The first collection of short fiction from Dan Buri, Pieces Like Pottery announces the arrival of a new American author. In this distinct selection of stories marked by struggle and compassion, Pieces Like Pottery is a powerful examination of the sorrows of life, the strength of character, the steadfast of courage, and the resiliency of love requisite to find redemption. Filled with graceful insight into the human condition, each linked story presents a tale of loss and love mirroring themes from each of the five Sorrowful Mysteries.
In Expect Dragons, James Hinri learns that his old high school teacher is dying. Wanting to tell Mr. Smith one last time how much his teaching impacted him, James drives across the country revisiting past encounters with his father's rejection and the pain of his youth. Disillusioned and losing hope, little did James know that Mr. Smith had one final lesson for him.
In The Gravesite, Lisa and Mike's marriage hangs in the balance after the disappearance of their only son while backpacking in Thailand. Mike thinks the authorities are right--that Chris fell to his death in a hiking accident--but Lisa has her doubts. Her son was too strong to die this young, and no one can explain to her why new posts continue to appear on her son's blog.
Twenty-Two looks in on the lives of a dock worker suffering from the guilt of a life not lived and a bartender making the best of each day, even though he can see clearly how his life should have been different. The two find their worlds collide when a past tragedy shockingly connects them.
A collection of nine stories, each exquisitely written and charged with merciful insight into the trials of life, Pieces Like Pottery reminds us of the sorrows we all encounter in life and the kindness we receive, oftentimes from the unlikeliest of places.
The first collection of short fiction from Dan Buri, Pieces Like Pottery announces the arrival of a new American author. In this distinct selection of stories marked by struggle and compassion, Pieces Like Pottery is a powerful examination of the sorrows of life, the strength of character, the steadfast of courage, and the resiliency of love requisite to find redemption. Filled with graceful insight into the human condition, each linked story presents a tale of loss and love mirroring themes from each of the five Sorrowful Mysteries.
In Expect Dragons, James Hinri learns that his old high school teacher is dying. Wanting to tell Mr. Smith one last time how much his teaching impacted him, James drives across the country revisiting past encounters with his father's rejection and the pain of his youth. Disillusioned and losing hope, little did James know that Mr. Smith had one final lesson for him.
In The Gravesite, Lisa and Mike's marriage hangs in the balance after the disappearance of their only son while backpacking in Thailand. Mike thinks the authorities are right--that Chris fell to his death in a hiking accident--but Lisa has her doubts. Her son was too strong to die this young, and no one can explain to her why new posts continue to appear on her son's blog.
Twenty-Two looks in on the lives of a dock worker suffering from the guilt of a life not lived and a bartender making the best of each day, even though he can see clearly how his life should have been different. The two find their worlds collide when a past tragedy shockingly connects them.
A collection of nine stories, each exquisitely written and charged with merciful insight into the trials of life, Pieces Like Pottery reminds us of the sorrows we all encounter in life and the kindness we receive, oftentimes from the unlikeliest of places.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 2, 2015
6 people are currently reading
1281 people want to read
About the author
Dan Buri
2 books65 followersDan Buri's first collection of short fiction, Pieces Like Pottery, is an exploration of heartbreak and has spent time at #1 on multiple bestseller lists, including for inspirational short stories and inspirational fiction. The writing is uniquely heartfelt and explores the depths of the human struggle and the human search for meaning in life. Dan’s second book, 40 Tips on Creative Writing, provides a fresh look at how to become published and find readers
Dan’s non-fiction works have been distributed online and in print for nearly two decades, including publications in Pundit Press, Tree, Summit Avenue Review, American Discovery, and TC Huddle. The defunct and very well regarded Buris On The Couch was a He-Says/She-Says blog musing on the ups and downs of marriage with his wife.
Dan is an active attorney in the Pacific Northwest. He has been recognized by Intellectual Asset Magazine as one of the World’s Top 300 Intellectual Property Strategists every year from 2010-2018. He lives in Oregon with his wife and two young children.
Dan’s non-fiction works have been distributed online and in print for nearly two decades, including publications in Pundit Press, Tree, Summit Avenue Review, American Discovery, and TC Huddle. The defunct and very well regarded Buris On The Couch was a He-Says/She-Says blog musing on the ups and downs of marriage with his wife.
Dan is an active attorney in the Pacific Northwest. He has been recognized by Intellectual Asset Magazine as one of the World’s Top 300 Intellectual Property Strategists every year from 2010-2018. He lives in Oregon with his wife and two young children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
December 9, 2016
Favorite Quotes:
Her tears never seemed to fade in the last year. There was a permanent quality to her sorrow that failed to grow weary.
Religion and faith are full of abnormalities and paradoxes. Faith is to be respected, maybe the most respected. It’s the idea, though, that I need to conform to see the world the way he sees it in order to really live life. I can’t wrap my head around how small-minded this is… I prefer to believe in a world that is much bigger than one size fits all. I simply can’t see how violence and death in an effort to push the agenda of any particular religion, is the answer.
Better educated people were paid a lot of money for the services he performed daily, but without a Ph.D. he was simply a bartender.
Find meaning each day, James. Without meaning, we’re lost. Without meaning, we become bored, or complacent, or depressed, or lonely. Meaning is the key to happiness.
My Review:
I rarely read anthologies or short stories, much less a collection of short stories, so I struggled some with the practice and at times with some of the stories, but I will freely admit that I also sobbed during others. Each thought-provoking tale featured a heartbreaking history and/or current sorrow, with the message to each being it was how the individuals handled their own situations. The writing was ever observant, insightful, and melancholy. Some of the stories were interconnected, and that was like finding an Easter egg. I initially thought my favorite was going to be Twenty-Two, a tale about a bartender and patron; it had put a lump in my throat. However, it was later bested, by far, by the story titled Expect Dragons, a tale of a man called back to visit his elderly and dying teacher. This one stung my eyes and constricted my throat several times before I finally broke into a sob. Mr. Smith’s 40 tips for College and Life was pure genius. In addition to all that, Mr. Smith taught me how to make a perfect Arnold Palmer, for which I will remain eternally grateful.
Her tears never seemed to fade in the last year. There was a permanent quality to her sorrow that failed to grow weary.
Religion and faith are full of abnormalities and paradoxes. Faith is to be respected, maybe the most respected. It’s the idea, though, that I need to conform to see the world the way he sees it in order to really live life. I can’t wrap my head around how small-minded this is… I prefer to believe in a world that is much bigger than one size fits all. I simply can’t see how violence and death in an effort to push the agenda of any particular religion, is the answer.
Better educated people were paid a lot of money for the services he performed daily, but without a Ph.D. he was simply a bartender.
Find meaning each day, James. Without meaning, we’re lost. Without meaning, we become bored, or complacent, or depressed, or lonely. Meaning is the key to happiness.
My Review:
I rarely read anthologies or short stories, much less a collection of short stories, so I struggled some with the practice and at times with some of the stories, but I will freely admit that I also sobbed during others. Each thought-provoking tale featured a heartbreaking history and/or current sorrow, with the message to each being it was how the individuals handled their own situations. The writing was ever observant, insightful, and melancholy. Some of the stories were interconnected, and that was like finding an Easter egg. I initially thought my favorite was going to be Twenty-Two, a tale about a bartender and patron; it had put a lump in my throat. However, it was later bested, by far, by the story titled Expect Dragons, a tale of a man called back to visit his elderly and dying teacher. This one stung my eyes and constricted my throat several times before I finally broke into a sob. Mr. Smith’s 40 tips for College and Life was pure genius. In addition to all that, Mr. Smith taught me how to make a perfect Arnold Palmer, for which I will remain eternally grateful.
December 12, 2017
I truly loved this literary fiction, and I believe it's on its way to becoming a timeless masterpiece.
What to expect:
A few short stories and two short poems. All are n a contemporary setting, with some vague interconnectedness. The theme that runs throughout is about regular people dealing with everyday issues of loss as life around them happens.
What I liked:
The prose is unpretentious, clearly and strongly written. Mr Buri has a great, deceptively simple, style that manages to bridge the gap from page into emotions. Those stories touch us on a basic human level, and evoke strong emotions by echoing our own lives. It has been a while since I came across literary fiction that was written gently yet so emotionally and thought provoking. I am eagerly awaiting more works by Mr Buri.
What you should be wary of:
As mentioned, these stories do touch a basic cord in our human lives. Perhaps not all, but some stories will undoubtedly echo something strongly emotional. This is not light airport reading, but a book to be savoured.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
What to expect:
A few short stories and two short poems. All are n a contemporary setting, with some vague interconnectedness. The theme that runs throughout is about regular people dealing with everyday issues of loss as life around them happens.
What I liked:
The prose is unpretentious, clearly and strongly written. Mr Buri has a great, deceptively simple, style that manages to bridge the gap from page into emotions. Those stories touch us on a basic human level, and evoke strong emotions by echoing our own lives. It has been a while since I came across literary fiction that was written gently yet so emotionally and thought provoking. I am eagerly awaiting more works by Mr Buri.
What you should be wary of:
As mentioned, these stories do touch a basic cord in our human lives. Perhaps not all, but some stories will undoubtedly echo something strongly emotional. This is not light airport reading, but a book to be savoured.
--
Assaph Mehr, author of Murder In Absentia: A story of Togas, Daggers, and Magic - for lovers of Ancient Rome, Murder Mysteries, and Urban Fantasy.
June 16, 2017
"Pieces like pottery" is a literary anthology with themes that cause the reader to reflect upon their own lives. Isn't that what fiction/literature should do?
"In the annals of time, age remains undefeated, no losses to date."
The last story in this book links the previous stories, tying the book into a cohesive whole. One of the titles contained within its pages was in fact a poem. Interestingly, the poem was one of my favorite sections of the book.
"Things turn out best for those who
make the best out of the way things turn out"
Didactic in nature, and sometimes in tone, the book provides a lot of life lessons that can be beneficial to all who read it. The stories expound on the vagaries of fate and how everyday people react to the hand that life deals to them. It expounds on human insecurities and the universal wish to 'belong' and to be loved and appreciated. Written in a raw and deceptively simple style, the author cuts to the heart of the matter with articulate, thought provoking, elegant, and insightful prose.
"Life's simple moments are not wasted and unimportant. They are the foundations that shape our lives. They are the formational moments, one added upon another."
Some of the themes touched on were: loss, parenting, homophobia, mindfulness, hope, nature vs. nurture, and how powerful words can be - both to inflict hurt and to inflict joy.
My interpretation of the title (which in my opinion is genius - the title - not my interpretation LOL):
When pottery is broken the shards scatter and sometimes it is mended. A truly devastating break will ensure that the mending is slow, if not impossible. Sometimes the cracks are obvious, sometimes the healing is visible to only the most discerning. Sometimes the mending is almost perfect, but a piece is missing...
Often, when the break is catastrophic, mending is impossible, but it IS possible to reassemble the pieces into something vastly different from the original, yet beautiful.
Substitute the word 'people' for the word 'pottery' and you get it...
This book has been lingering in my TBR for far longer than it should have been, and for that I apologize to the author.
"In the annals of time, age remains undefeated, no losses to date."
The last story in this book links the previous stories, tying the book into a cohesive whole. One of the titles contained within its pages was in fact a poem. Interestingly, the poem was one of my favorite sections of the book.
"Things turn out best for those who
make the best out of the way things turn out"
Didactic in nature, and sometimes in tone, the book provides a lot of life lessons that can be beneficial to all who read it. The stories expound on the vagaries of fate and how everyday people react to the hand that life deals to them. It expounds on human insecurities and the universal wish to 'belong' and to be loved and appreciated. Written in a raw and deceptively simple style, the author cuts to the heart of the matter with articulate, thought provoking, elegant, and insightful prose.
"Life's simple moments are not wasted and unimportant. They are the foundations that shape our lives. They are the formational moments, one added upon another."
Some of the themes touched on were: loss, parenting, homophobia, mindfulness, hope, nature vs. nurture, and how powerful words can be - both to inflict hurt and to inflict joy.
My interpretation of the title (which in my opinion is genius - the title - not my interpretation LOL):
When pottery is broken the shards scatter and sometimes it is mended. A truly devastating break will ensure that the mending is slow, if not impossible. Sometimes the cracks are obvious, sometimes the healing is visible to only the most discerning. Sometimes the mending is almost perfect, but a piece is missing...
Often, when the break is catastrophic, mending is impossible, but it IS possible to reassemble the pieces into something vastly different from the original, yet beautiful.
Substitute the word 'people' for the word 'pottery' and you get it...
This book has been lingering in my TBR for far longer than it should have been, and for that I apologize to the author.
February 5, 2016
**I was given a free copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review**
Buri makes full use of literary devices and expertly creates depth and dimension to his characters which can sometimes be missing from the short story format.
The writing style is consistent and evenly paced. Each piece shares common themes of sadness and despair with ultimate acceptance and redemption but the stories are in no way repetitious.
He has tackled hugely emotive areas with skill, sensitivity and insight, creating stories which are multi-layered and thought-provoking. As well as raw emotion, there are subtle nuances and undertones which I only appreciated on the second time of reading.
This anthology is immensely powerful, challenging and emotionally-charged and will tug at the heartstrings of the most seasoned reader.
If you are looking for a light bedtime read this may not be it. However if you are prepared to be pulled out of your comfort zone, I would thoroughly recommend ‘Pieces Like Pottery’.
I love having my vocabulary extended and Dan Buri has given me ‘pulchritudinous’ which I’ve stored away for future use. These stories have a resonance which cannot be easily dismissed as the book ends. This is an outstanding collection and I have no hesitation in awarding a well-deserved five stars.
Reviewed by Julie at www.whisperingstories.com
Buri makes full use of literary devices and expertly creates depth and dimension to his characters which can sometimes be missing from the short story format.
The writing style is consistent and evenly paced. Each piece shares common themes of sadness and despair with ultimate acceptance and redemption but the stories are in no way repetitious.
He has tackled hugely emotive areas with skill, sensitivity and insight, creating stories which are multi-layered and thought-provoking. As well as raw emotion, there are subtle nuances and undertones which I only appreciated on the second time of reading.
This anthology is immensely powerful, challenging and emotionally-charged and will tug at the heartstrings of the most seasoned reader.
If you are looking for a light bedtime read this may not be it. However if you are prepared to be pulled out of your comfort zone, I would thoroughly recommend ‘Pieces Like Pottery’.
I love having my vocabulary extended and Dan Buri has given me ‘pulchritudinous’ which I’ve stored away for future use. These stories have a resonance which cannot be easily dismissed as the book ends. This is an outstanding collection and I have no hesitation in awarding a well-deserved five stars.
Reviewed by Julie at www.whisperingstories.com
March 6, 2016
Short stories are not my typical read, especially dark tear-jerker ones. But there was something about the cover that drew me in...once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. My favorites in the collection were "The Gravesite", "Twenty-Two", and "The Ballad of Love and Hate".
In the "Gravesite", it was hard not to relate to the despair and hope of a grieving parent. It truly broke my heart at times. The story shows the complexity of the human mind, and that no matter how hard the rock bottom is, we will always cling to a sliver of hope.
The story of "Twenty-Two" is the one that stayed with me the longest, as it reflects on how everyone deals with tragedy in their own unique way.
"The Ballard of Love and Hate" hit me the hardest emotionally...read it and you'll see why. It ties in a character from a previous story, adding a twist that will leave you feeling stunned.
All of the stories were well written, leaving the reader with something to think about after reading. The characters were relatable and the stories engaging. They make you really think and evaluate personal aspects about your own life, and all of the gray areas within it. And while the stories are sad at times, everything comes together in the end. The title "Pieces Like Pottery" was very fitting for the book. I experienced the "book-hangover", meaning that I couldn't stop thinking about the stories for days to come.
I was pleasantly surprised by Buri. I hope to see more from him in the future.
In the "Gravesite", it was hard not to relate to the despair and hope of a grieving parent. It truly broke my heart at times. The story shows the complexity of the human mind, and that no matter how hard the rock bottom is, we will always cling to a sliver of hope.
The story of "Twenty-Two" is the one that stayed with me the longest, as it reflects on how everyone deals with tragedy in their own unique way.
"The Ballard of Love and Hate" hit me the hardest emotionally...read it and you'll see why. It ties in a character from a previous story, adding a twist that will leave you feeling stunned.
All of the stories were well written, leaving the reader with something to think about after reading. The characters were relatable and the stories engaging. They make you really think and evaluate personal aspects about your own life, and all of the gray areas within it. And while the stories are sad at times, everything comes together in the end. The title "Pieces Like Pottery" was very fitting for the book. I experienced the "book-hangover", meaning that I couldn't stop thinking about the stories for days to come.
I was pleasantly surprised by Buri. I hope to see more from him in the future.
October 19, 2015
Source: Views She Writes - WordPress Reviews
Pottery is a beautiful art - the art of molding clay into various shapes. The art is truly for the beholder as something which can seem random to someone can mean something incredible for someone else. Dan Buri's "Pieces like Pottery" is very much like the art of Pottery, and therefore apt with the name. The stories are all molded like clay into some incredible pieces of stories which force the reader to ponder on their meanings and relate it to their lives in some or the other way.
The book is an anthology of 9 stories, each very different from the other. Each stories bring out different layers of human emotions in a slightly grey light but still shining bright. There is something in each of the stories which gives you goosebumps and leaves a lasting impression in your mind about the characters and the setting of the story.
The Grave Site is tragic way in which relationship affects in face of hardships and tough times
Twenty Two is a brilliant tale on misery, guilt and how life changes depending upon how you handle these emotions. The characters in this story will never leave your mind. The twist in the story will be like a punch in your gut.
Expect Dragons talk about the wonderful relationships you foster with some particular people in the growing years of your life. There are always someone who inspires you to go beyond your capability and face life with all its darkness and come out strong.
Father talks about the strength of the character versus the power and hold society has over you.
Dies Cum Anxieta is yet another beautiful story acknowledging your insecurities but still overcoming it to excel in the task at hand
Two Friends talk about the inseparable friendship between Joy and Sorry. Where one is, the other is bound to be.
The Ballard of Love and Hate really makes you introspect on your relationship and see it in the light of the events that are mentioned in the story. You cannot have a dry eye after reading this story.
The book is something to be cherished and re-lived for many more times.
October 19, 2015
I wish I could give this collection 10 stars instead of 5. Its an awesome read from the start to finish.
I cannot specify which amongst the stories are my personal favourites because they all are. Each of the story in this collection has the power to pull the strings of your heart. The stories will make you grieve, cry, smile through your tears, empathize, introspect, in fact, they will make you feel every emotion that exists under the sun. The title for this collection is perfectly apt. The collection is like pottery and each story, each poetry, each quote, like its creation; they are independent but very much connected. The collection has an earthy flavour to it, whereby, every story is like some thing happening in reality. The stories are the real protagonists in this collection.
Dan is a wonderful storyteller. His narrative style and choice of words make the stories feel so real, its like seeing real life in print. The stories get you so involved that you can't stop until you finish reading. And yes, they will entice you to come back to them again, and again, and again. There are no exaggerations, no unnecessary additions, just plain yet emphatic story.
I say this without shame that by the time I finished reading the last page I was busy wiping away my tears with a towel (My handkerchief was nowhere to be seen!!!). This book is unputdownable.
To sum up, if you really wish to read stories which will make you 'feel', this collection is a must-read.
P.S- I am going to buy a print copy of this book and add to my collection of evergreen books!!!
I cannot specify which amongst the stories are my personal favourites because they all are. Each of the story in this collection has the power to pull the strings of your heart. The stories will make you grieve, cry, smile through your tears, empathize, introspect, in fact, they will make you feel every emotion that exists under the sun. The title for this collection is perfectly apt. The collection is like pottery and each story, each poetry, each quote, like its creation; they are independent but very much connected. The collection has an earthy flavour to it, whereby, every story is like some thing happening in reality. The stories are the real protagonists in this collection.
Dan is a wonderful storyteller. His narrative style and choice of words make the stories feel so real, its like seeing real life in print. The stories get you so involved that you can't stop until you finish reading. And yes, they will entice you to come back to them again, and again, and again. There are no exaggerations, no unnecessary additions, just plain yet emphatic story.
I say this without shame that by the time I finished reading the last page I was busy wiping away my tears with a towel (My handkerchief was nowhere to be seen!!!). This book is unputdownable.
To sum up, if you really wish to read stories which will make you 'feel', this collection is a must-read.
P.S- I am going to buy a print copy of this book and add to my collection of evergreen books!!!
June 30, 2016
I read about three stories and couldn't read on. I found the first one very moving at first, but soon it felt too doom and gloom. I thought 'this is just the first, the others will be different.' But they are all doom and gloom! I don't like doom and gloom. There is so much of it in the real world already. I suppose that if you have been, or know somebody who has been, in a situation portrayed in the book it could give you solace as it tells you to keep going, to move on, etc. But, even though I like the way it was written, very beautifully written even, I couldn't make myself read more. I'd give it four out of five stars, because it is a beautiful piece of work, just not my style.
July 26, 2018
When I began reading this novella (I have no idea what the classifications for these sorts of words are, but it was definitely longer than a short story and shorter than a book), I was expecting something like a collection or anthology. Instead, what I got were several small but possibly independent chapters that build up to a powerful conclusion.
What I liked about Pieces Like Pottery is that it conveys an understandable emotion. From the mom's and dad's attempts to understand their son's writings (but kinda not), I felt like this was something I could understand easily from both sides of the aisle. In addition, the story doesn't linger too much on details, and I believe that to be one of its strong suits. It more describes the aftermath of the situation and lets the reader piece together what they can.
What I didn't like is that early on there were a few paragraphs that felt like they repeated words a lot. I couldn't tell if it was intentional or not, but it felt a little awkward.
Overall, I enjoyed Pieces Like Pottery, and I hope anyone who reads it has a good time with it as well.
What I liked about Pieces Like Pottery is that it conveys an understandable emotion. From the mom's and dad's attempts to understand their son's writings (but kinda not), I felt like this was something I could understand easily from both sides of the aisle. In addition, the story doesn't linger too much on details, and I believe that to be one of its strong suits. It more describes the aftermath of the situation and lets the reader piece together what they can.
What I didn't like is that early on there were a few paragraphs that felt like they repeated words a lot. I couldn't tell if it was intentional or not, but it felt a little awkward.
Overall, I enjoyed Pieces Like Pottery, and I hope anyone who reads it has a good time with it as well.
December 22, 2017
The longing to look away from Pieces Like Pottery is disturbing. This is because many of us would rather avoid the uncomfortable feelings evoked by the short stories of Dan Buri. Don’t misunderstand me, this review really is a positive appraisal of these grippingly enticing short stories of misery and regret.
Here are three examples:
Imagine trying to deal with your incapacitating grief when your dead child keeps showing signs that they might be alive.
What really drives a man to continue for years with his hum-drum job and routines regardless of mental and physical anguish?
Or how would you feel if everything wrong with your child (genetically and nurture-wise) has been deemed by society to totally be your fault as a parent?
Through many other unnerving themes, Pieces Like Pottery draws the reader in and makes it difficult to put the book down. Buri fills his collection of short stories with realistic characters and startlingly thought-provoking situations. A five out of five stars rating is well-deserved for excellent story writing at its best.
Here are three examples:
Imagine trying to deal with your incapacitating grief when your dead child keeps showing signs that they might be alive.
What really drives a man to continue for years with his hum-drum job and routines regardless of mental and physical anguish?
Or how would you feel if everything wrong with your child (genetically and nurture-wise) has been deemed by society to totally be your fault as a parent?
Through many other unnerving themes, Pieces Like Pottery draws the reader in and makes it difficult to put the book down. Buri fills his collection of short stories with realistic characters and startlingly thought-provoking situations. A five out of five stars rating is well-deserved for excellent story writing at its best.
November 28, 2015
This is a collection of short stories, a very nice and delicate book that speaks to your heart and plays on your emotion as a reader. It’s original and reminds me of those Chicken Soup stories I used to read when I was younger, not because it’s a collection of short stories but because it has that realism and ‘life lessons’ type of theme.
The first thing I want to say about this book is that the cover is very nice. It definitely speaks to what kind of book this is, very calming and very meaningful. Before you open a book its important to grasp what may be inside. People really do judge a book by its cover so having such a beautiful picture for the cover is especially inviting, it only adds to the enjoyment that waits inside.
The title, ‘Pieces like Pottery’ fits this book very well. You can look at this book in two ways; everything coming together, or everything falling apart. Both ways have meaning to them and they will have an impact on you as a reader. I think the title is very clever; it definitely engaged me as a reader and brought in another layer of understanding beyond the book itself.
The stories in this book aren’t heart-wrenching but they make you think, they make you appreciate your family, and even love yourself. Themes such as love, marriage, self-esteem, and more are addressed in this piece. It is something that readers of all ages can pick up and enjoy but I think younger audiences will probably appreciate it the most. Some themes are ALRIGHT, at times I don't feel like I know where the author stands which makes it difficult for me to say whether or not I actually enjoyed some of the stories included in the book. I felt like Buri wanted to saddle the fence when it came to religion and homosexuality but for me, those aren't categories that allow much room for grey areas. So I had a difficult time deciding where to go with my review.
Aside from that, the stories were good but I think the narration lacked a little for me. It was omniscient but it felt VERY distant, almost to the point where the story felt bland when there was supposed to be more emotion. That may have been due to a lack in detail/description but you can only expect so much from stories that aren’t more than thirty pages long. I did enjoy the stories but I didn’t feel part of them. I did not connect with the characters in a way I could have if the narration had been first person or if there had just been a bit more detail in some of the scenes. I would have liked to see more facial expressions and feel the emotion.
Despite my complaint, I did enjoy different parts of this book. Buri is a good writer who has a knack for telling stories. I hope to see more from him in the future.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
The first thing I want to say about this book is that the cover is very nice. It definitely speaks to what kind of book this is, very calming and very meaningful. Before you open a book its important to grasp what may be inside. People really do judge a book by its cover so having such a beautiful picture for the cover is especially inviting, it only adds to the enjoyment that waits inside.
The title, ‘Pieces like Pottery’ fits this book very well. You can look at this book in two ways; everything coming together, or everything falling apart. Both ways have meaning to them and they will have an impact on you as a reader. I think the title is very clever; it definitely engaged me as a reader and brought in another layer of understanding beyond the book itself.
The stories in this book aren’t heart-wrenching but they make you think, they make you appreciate your family, and even love yourself. Themes such as love, marriage, self-esteem, and more are addressed in this piece. It is something that readers of all ages can pick up and enjoy but I think younger audiences will probably appreciate it the most. Some themes are ALRIGHT, at times I don't feel like I know where the author stands which makes it difficult for me to say whether or not I actually enjoyed some of the stories included in the book. I felt like Buri wanted to saddle the fence when it came to religion and homosexuality but for me, those aren't categories that allow much room for grey areas. So I had a difficult time deciding where to go with my review.
Aside from that, the stories were good but I think the narration lacked a little for me. It was omniscient but it felt VERY distant, almost to the point where the story felt bland when there was supposed to be more emotion. That may have been due to a lack in detail/description but you can only expect so much from stories that aren’t more than thirty pages long. I did enjoy the stories but I didn’t feel part of them. I did not connect with the characters in a way I could have if the narration had been first person or if there had just been a bit more detail in some of the scenes. I would have liked to see more facial expressions and feel the emotion.
Despite my complaint, I did enjoy different parts of this book. Buri is a good writer who has a knack for telling stories. I hope to see more from him in the future.
*I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
November 11, 2015
I am so pleased to see so many positive reviews of this first publication by new author Dan Buri. I have always gravitated toward short stories, and this collection is so unique it beckons a new kind of reader. The stories are intimately yet subtly connected, giving both a feeling of cohesion, and that slightly thrilling feeling of spying a little clue that reveals how two characters from two separate stories are connected. In that way the author has structured it almost as a mystery novel, challenging the reader to pick up the individual pieces of the story and piece them together into a grander whole. Where it differs from a novel is of course, each story is self-contained and standalone, with a consistent, separate plot and point. But just as importantly, it differs from a typical short story collection in the following way: Each story follows the overarching theme, each story fits together into a larger story the reader is challenged to uncover, and most importantly of all, there really is no "strong" or "weak" story in the collection. In most collections, the reader will typically find at least one story they "liked best" and one they "didn't get" at all. Not here. I can honestly say there isn't a single bad or lacking story in the collection, and likewise, no single story dominates the collection or stands head and shoulders above the rest.
I welcome Mr. Buri to the community of creative writers, slightly surprised by the depth and originality of this first work. I am happy to have discovered this new voice and I hope to see more out of him in the future, hopefully something completely different, exploring a completely new avenue, and equally challenging and original. Mr. Buri reveals within himself a commendably deep emotional intelligence, the ability to convey grief, heartache, troubled love, healing, empathy, and a host of other equally difficult emotional wells to draw from. He deals with themes ranging from a parent losing a child, to a husband and wife taking a break, to a false criminal accusation, to visiting an ailing childhood mentor, without ever breaking pace or compromising that steady drumbeat of a moody atmosphere he's created and maintained in this work. This is an author with lots of potential, and bravo for his first work.
* I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
I welcome Mr. Buri to the community of creative writers, slightly surprised by the depth and originality of this first work. I am happy to have discovered this new voice and I hope to see more out of him in the future, hopefully something completely different, exploring a completely new avenue, and equally challenging and original. Mr. Buri reveals within himself a commendably deep emotional intelligence, the ability to convey grief, heartache, troubled love, healing, empathy, and a host of other equally difficult emotional wells to draw from. He deals with themes ranging from a parent losing a child, to a husband and wife taking a break, to a false criminal accusation, to visiting an ailing childhood mentor, without ever breaking pace or compromising that steady drumbeat of a moody atmosphere he's created and maintained in this work. This is an author with lots of potential, and bravo for his first work.
* I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
November 2, 2015
At first, I was skeptical of the dramatic writing, descending to the depths of profound despair, but over the span of this book, it grew on me.
My favourite stories were the one concerning a perky adult son who has arranged to have his keen observations on love and wonder continually posted in the event of his accidental death, and the one where a lonely young man visits his former high school teacher, just as the later is dying of old age, but still full of wisdom earned over a long and happy life.
The prose soars at time. Although I usually avoid tear-jerkers, this one was so full of wisdom that it's hard to resist.
One recommendation I have is to better organize the table of contents at both the front and the back of the Kindle edition. There are nine stories, but five are selected non-consecutively to bear the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, leading me to think that the other stories were allocated to those five main stories, but they're not; they stand on their own. I would recommend getting rid of the numbering 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 as it leads to too much confusion. And the back matter of the book is a jumbled mess as an index. must be a flawed job. But this is only the organization; I really enjoyed the life lessons in there and the keen observations of mood, scenery, feelings, and relationships.
My favourite stories were the one concerning a perky adult son who has arranged to have his keen observations on love and wonder continually posted in the event of his accidental death, and the one where a lonely young man visits his former high school teacher, just as the later is dying of old age, but still full of wisdom earned over a long and happy life.
The prose soars at time. Although I usually avoid tear-jerkers, this one was so full of wisdom that it's hard to resist.
One recommendation I have is to better organize the table of contents at both the front and the back of the Kindle edition. There are nine stories, but five are selected non-consecutively to bear the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, leading me to think that the other stories were allocated to those five main stories, but they're not; they stand on their own. I would recommend getting rid of the numbering 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 as it leads to too much confusion. And the back matter of the book is a jumbled mess as an index. must be a flawed job. But this is only the organization; I really enjoyed the life lessons in there and the keen observations of mood, scenery, feelings, and relationships.
October 24, 2015
I was not emotionally prepared for what this book did to me. It is a collection of short stories about love and loss and the toll they take of the people involved. I was brought to tears several times and not because I could relate to what the characters were going through but I felt for their pain. I think however many people can more directly relate to what these characters go through as many have experienced that type of loss themselves.
The book kept me interested by keeping the stories compact. Writers can be temped to elongate a story for length sake but Dan kept things moving and I didn't lose interest. I did at times get a sense of "My life ain't so bad" when reading the tales of pain that these people had gone through. I really liked how Dan emphasized regularly the light at the end of the tunnel. Coming to terms with loss can be a burden that many people struggle with. Finding that light and getting there for these characters can uplift the reader to find their own light at the end of a loss.
All in all a great read that brought me to tears several times. If you are looking for a tear jerker with an uplifting message this is your book!
The book kept me interested by keeping the stories compact. Writers can be temped to elongate a story for length sake but Dan kept things moving and I didn't lose interest. I did at times get a sense of "My life ain't so bad" when reading the tales of pain that these people had gone through. I really liked how Dan emphasized regularly the light at the end of the tunnel. Coming to terms with loss can be a burden that many people struggle with. Finding that light and getting there for these characters can uplift the reader to find their own light at the end of a loss.
All in all a great read that brought me to tears several times. If you are looking for a tear jerker with an uplifting message this is your book!
October 24, 2015
A great collections of short stories. These stories were very well written and I enjoyed the whole book. I felt different emotions with every story. This was a beautiful book. This was a compelling collections and you should see what you think. * I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
July 3, 2019
Dan Buri’s, Pieces Like Pottery, is a collection of philosophical short stories and poems that all contribute to an underlying theme—the unique ways in which we respond to the more difficult lessons that life throws at us. Personal growth and development take a central role as the reader explores such topics as:
• The search for love
• The marriage relationship
• Parenting
• Family ties, obligations, and responsibilities
• Personal responsibility, confidence, self-esteem
• Death and other forms of loss
• Grief
• Guilt
• Forgiveness
• Gender confusion
• Mentoring
• Self-determination
• Abuse
• Fear
• Paranoia
• Slander
• Suspicion
• Prejudice
• Joy and sorrow
Dan Buri’s characters struggle with all of these concepts and more as they sort out their lives in a sometimes desperate attempt to find their own, individual sense of meaning and purpose.
The author explores these concepts in depth and with great respect for human diversity—diversity of culture, age, gender, mental health, profession, religion and more. His flowing, lyrical prose draws you into this world of anguish, not kicking and screaming, but gracefully, with soothing, comforting strokes of the pen—gently guiding you through these characters’ joys and sorrows. At times his words hit home with surgical precision. Then there are the soul-searching moments in which the reader struggles to imagine the choices she would make in the same circumstances—the personal beliefs that would be challenged.
Dan Buri’s collection, Pieces Like Pottery, couldn’t be more aptly titled as he masterfully reminds us of the chaos and confusion that can strike at any moment, transforming what was once a full and purposeful life—whole and meaningful—into a heap of brittle, broken shards, lying in wait to pierce and cut not only the individual upon whom the chaos has descended, but everyone who comes in contact with him.
Tread slowly and softly into the world that Mr. Buri’s tapestry weaves because you won’t want to miss any of the gems that you will find for having taken the time to explore here.
Interview with the author here: https://heathermurata.com/dan-buri-2
• The search for love
• The marriage relationship
• Parenting
• Family ties, obligations, and responsibilities
• Personal responsibility, confidence, self-esteem
• Death and other forms of loss
• Grief
• Guilt
• Forgiveness
• Gender confusion
• Mentoring
• Self-determination
• Abuse
• Fear
• Paranoia
• Slander
• Suspicion
• Prejudice
• Joy and sorrow
Dan Buri’s characters struggle with all of these concepts and more as they sort out their lives in a sometimes desperate attempt to find their own, individual sense of meaning and purpose.
The author explores these concepts in depth and with great respect for human diversity—diversity of culture, age, gender, mental health, profession, religion and more. His flowing, lyrical prose draws you into this world of anguish, not kicking and screaming, but gracefully, with soothing, comforting strokes of the pen—gently guiding you through these characters’ joys and sorrows. At times his words hit home with surgical precision. Then there are the soul-searching moments in which the reader struggles to imagine the choices she would make in the same circumstances—the personal beliefs that would be challenged.
Dan Buri’s collection, Pieces Like Pottery, couldn’t be more aptly titled as he masterfully reminds us of the chaos and confusion that can strike at any moment, transforming what was once a full and purposeful life—whole and meaningful—into a heap of brittle, broken shards, lying in wait to pierce and cut not only the individual upon whom the chaos has descended, but everyone who comes in contact with him.
Tread slowly and softly into the world that Mr. Buri’s tapestry weaves because you won’t want to miss any of the gems that you will find for having taken the time to explore here.
Interview with the author here: https://heathermurata.com/dan-buri-2
July 30, 2018
4/5 stars for lyrical writing and a heartfelt analysis of humanity
I met Dan on Twitter around this time last year, and it was a true joy to experience his book. In the midst of its mystery and tragedy, there is something overwhelmingly peaceful about this collection of short stories and poems. Each piece is a powerful combination of lyrical writing, a heartfelt analysis of humanity and a quiet message that leaves you to draw your own conclusions.
Perhaps my favorite short story in the book is “Expect Dragons”, which amplifies Buri’s empathy for humankind in seemingly inconsequential words such as:
Each sorrowful mystery is packed with tear-jerking lines like these, giving readers the impression that they are part of a conversation in which they can be truly heard and understood. I felt deeply for Buri’s characters and appreciated their individual struggles. It’s refreshing to find this level of honesty in any book. To find it in a collection of stories is extra special.
In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the themes of hope, identity and love that Pieces Like Pottery presents. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys short stories that pack a punch.
I met Dan on Twitter around this time last year, and it was a true joy to experience his book. In the midst of its mystery and tragedy, there is something overwhelmingly peaceful about this collection of short stories and poems. Each piece is a powerful combination of lyrical writing, a heartfelt analysis of humanity and a quiet message that leaves you to draw your own conclusions.
Perhaps my favorite short story in the book is “Expect Dragons”, which amplifies Buri’s empathy for humankind in seemingly inconsequential words such as:
“You’ll learn that in this life, in this world, people think they need to label everything. They need everyone to fit into a nice little box, no matter how restrictive or damaging that box is. For them, everything is right or wrong, black or white. People are married or single, kings or poor, Republicans or Democrats. People will try to label you as a king, or dumb, or athletic, or any number of things. But I want you to remember this—you are not a label. You are not something that people can put into a box so they can better fit you into their worldview. Never forget that….”
Each sorrowful mystery is packed with tear-jerking lines like these, giving readers the impression that they are part of a conversation in which they can be truly heard and understood. I felt deeply for Buri’s characters and appreciated their individual struggles. It’s refreshing to find this level of honesty in any book. To find it in a collection of stories is extra special.
In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the themes of hope, identity and love that Pieces Like Pottery presents. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys short stories that pack a punch.
June 28, 2017
This is a truly inspirational set of short stories, the common themes being loss, guilt, love, redemption and coping. I found that I was totally drawn to the characters in the stories and really felt and empathised with everything they were going through - not an easy thing for an author to achieve consistently with short fiction. The writing was stimulating and expressive, the stories were thought-provoking and moving and I just never wanted the book to end - however, I was so engrossed that I read the entire book in virtually one sitting. Thankfully, I will always be able to return and read it again (not something I often do but at present I find it almost irresistible, despite my growing TBR pile). Many congratulations to the author for a stunning collection of stories - 10/10.
November 24, 2017
Reading these fictional stories felt as if I were taking a journey through the emotions of each character... so expertly vivid were the author's sketches of their lives, thoughts, feelings and their emotional walk through life's often tumultuous path.
The characters were very real with real problems and situations that are commonly faced by persons today. And so, it is easy for readers to involve themselves in the character's lives and relate to their disenchantment. And as sorrowful and tragic as some of the events in the stories are, the author leaves us with a feeling of hope.
I sat for a long while after that final page as I reflected on the clear and profound wisdom and truths expressed in each story.
I am left in awe!
The characters were very real with real problems and situations that are commonly faced by persons today. And so, it is easy for readers to involve themselves in the character's lives and relate to their disenchantment. And as sorrowful and tragic as some of the events in the stories are, the author leaves us with a feeling of hope.
I sat for a long while after that final page as I reflected on the clear and profound wisdom and truths expressed in each story.
I am left in awe!
October 8, 2017
I love books that help me encounter people I may or may not meet on my own. I also love short story collections, and Dan Buri delivers on both counts.
I found the first story ("The Graveyard") difficult to follow. There are many complete excerpts of a lost son's blog posts that break up the plot and a peppering of words I had to look up. After the first few stories, the rest of the book came alive and drew me in. I found "Twenty-Two," "Expect Dragons," and "Father" the most compelling pieces. "The Ballad of Love and Hate" artfully brings the collection to a close by weaving some of the collection's pieces together and ending on a satisfying note of reunion, love, and forgiveness.
I found the first story ("The Graveyard") difficult to follow. There are many complete excerpts of a lost son's blog posts that break up the plot and a peppering of words I had to look up. After the first few stories, the rest of the book came alive and drew me in. I found "Twenty-Two," "Expect Dragons," and "Father" the most compelling pieces. "The Ballad of Love and Hate" artfully brings the collection to a close by weaving some of the collection's pieces together and ending on a satisfying note of reunion, love, and forgiveness.
February 4, 2017
One of the best collections that I have read in a long time. Simply beautiful book and enjoyable read.
May 12, 2017
Abandoned.
May 28, 2017
Even when the stories turned bleak, Buri wove a realistic line of hope through them. I'll be considering the messages in his stories for quite some time.
July 30, 2017
Heartfelt, deep, and sincere.
January 21, 2016
Original Review at Codices
“Pieces Like Pottery” is a great collection of stories that showcase strong emotions and deeds in the lives of the characters contained within. It’s an extremely well written anthology that deserves to be read and talked about. I would never suspect that it is a first try at a collected volume; the author is well versed in the art of storytelling. And that does not mean only the creation of a fine story, it means the power to invoke an emotional response in his readers. This collection can do just that and with a powerful force.
The Gravesite
Nothing could be more powerful that a tragic story for the opening of the anthology. This story explores both the extremely positive sensations of hope and love, and the devastating loss and death. Not every writer can write a single story that includes these opposites in an emotional and yet, rather logical way. Dan made it possible for me to experience what the characters were feeling when I read the sentences – clear, powerful and touching style that makes an instant impact. The search for answers and the void of information are powerful plot elements that I really liked.
Dear readers, you will probably have to repeat my actions – I read the story several times. Each time I experienced new and overwhelming sensations that brought me different emotions. This is the delight of reading. You experience something new every time. Just because the depth is so overwhelming. Wonderful!
The Dominance of Nurture
This story explores the troubled life of a child as he grows and learns that the world can be a cruel place. In this story we learn that the care and love that parents give to their offspring is not only a necessity. All parents must support their children by all means possible. Study this story and it’s message and then observe your surroundings – you quickly see that people are cruel without even thinking about it. This is a story about the pain of our surroundings and how it can be relieved.
Twenty-Two
Here we learn about the prisons that we build in our lives. We are shown how one’s life can change in a matter of seconds. Loneliness, guilt, love and regret – these are only some of the emotions that are exhibited in this tale. And even though it might be depressing to some, it brings thoughts of wisdom to me. In the end this is a wonderful story that makes the reader think about his/her life and the consequences of all actions.
The Interlude is a short poem named “Breathe”. It may be simple, but it holds so much truth. Feel it.
Expect Dragons
A coming of age story that sheds light on inner passions, troubles and attained life experience. It also tells us more about a problem in our society today – the rejection of human beings based upon their sexual preference. And it does so by telling us of the life of one such person, our protagonist. The young boy’s true self is denied by his father, who sends him to a “gay change camp”. After that we are made aware of what changes in his mind and surroundings. A strong tale with quality writing.
Dies Cum Anxieta
A seemingly ordinary life exposed through anxiety’s words. This is certainly a compelling story that shows how one’s emotions and worries might react to ordinary events. I must admit that this is the first story that I have read made with such an interesting vision. And I must confess that I liked it. Great work!
Father
This story shows us how powerful false allegations can damage a person’s soul. I enjoyed reading it, because it does use the powerful symbolism of the caring priest. The open ending is a good choice and I suspect that other readers will like it as well. I wonder what happens with Father Birch.
Next we have the poem “Two Friends” which reminds me a little of Khalil Gibran’s work. Very pleasant to read.
The final piece of the collection is named “The Ballad of Love and Hate”. The exploration of strong emotions, tonal landscapes and brilliant descriptions is the winning mix that constitutes this story. Reason and truth clash as we get more in depth at the character’s lives. There is also a fantastic ending that delivers to my expectations. I really enjoyed reading this it.
I would definitely and highly recommend reading Dan Buri’s anthology – anyone who likes strong, emotional and gripping literature. These are high quality works that will not only spark a light in the hearts of the readers, but also make us shout out “WE WANT MORE”.
“Pieces Like Pottery” is a great collection of stories that showcase strong emotions and deeds in the lives of the characters contained within. It’s an extremely well written anthology that deserves to be read and talked about. I would never suspect that it is a first try at a collected volume; the author is well versed in the art of storytelling. And that does not mean only the creation of a fine story, it means the power to invoke an emotional response in his readers. This collection can do just that and with a powerful force.
The Gravesite
Nothing could be more powerful that a tragic story for the opening of the anthology. This story explores both the extremely positive sensations of hope and love, and the devastating loss and death. Not every writer can write a single story that includes these opposites in an emotional and yet, rather logical way. Dan made it possible for me to experience what the characters were feeling when I read the sentences – clear, powerful and touching style that makes an instant impact. The search for answers and the void of information are powerful plot elements that I really liked.
Dear readers, you will probably have to repeat my actions – I read the story several times. Each time I experienced new and overwhelming sensations that brought me different emotions. This is the delight of reading. You experience something new every time. Just because the depth is so overwhelming. Wonderful!
The Dominance of Nurture
This story explores the troubled life of a child as he grows and learns that the world can be a cruel place. In this story we learn that the care and love that parents give to their offspring is not only a necessity. All parents must support their children by all means possible. Study this story and it’s message and then observe your surroundings – you quickly see that people are cruel without even thinking about it. This is a story about the pain of our surroundings and how it can be relieved.
Twenty-Two
Here we learn about the prisons that we build in our lives. We are shown how one’s life can change in a matter of seconds. Loneliness, guilt, love and regret – these are only some of the emotions that are exhibited in this tale. And even though it might be depressing to some, it brings thoughts of wisdom to me. In the end this is a wonderful story that makes the reader think about his/her life and the consequences of all actions.
The Interlude is a short poem named “Breathe”. It may be simple, but it holds so much truth. Feel it.
Expect Dragons
A coming of age story that sheds light on inner passions, troubles and attained life experience. It also tells us more about a problem in our society today – the rejection of human beings based upon their sexual preference. And it does so by telling us of the life of one such person, our protagonist. The young boy’s true self is denied by his father, who sends him to a “gay change camp”. After that we are made aware of what changes in his mind and surroundings. A strong tale with quality writing.
Dies Cum Anxieta
A seemingly ordinary life exposed through anxiety’s words. This is certainly a compelling story that shows how one’s emotions and worries might react to ordinary events. I must admit that this is the first story that I have read made with such an interesting vision. And I must confess that I liked it. Great work!
Father
This story shows us how powerful false allegations can damage a person’s soul. I enjoyed reading it, because it does use the powerful symbolism of the caring priest. The open ending is a good choice and I suspect that other readers will like it as well. I wonder what happens with Father Birch.
Next we have the poem “Two Friends” which reminds me a little of Khalil Gibran’s work. Very pleasant to read.
The final piece of the collection is named “The Ballad of Love and Hate”. The exploration of strong emotions, tonal landscapes and brilliant descriptions is the winning mix that constitutes this story. Reason and truth clash as we get more in depth at the character’s lives. There is also a fantastic ending that delivers to my expectations. I really enjoyed reading this it.
I would definitely and highly recommend reading Dan Buri’s anthology – anyone who likes strong, emotional and gripping literature. These are high quality works that will not only spark a light in the hearts of the readers, but also make us shout out “WE WANT MORE”.
May 11, 2016
Pieces Like Pottery by Dan Buri (DBJ Publishing) is a collection of short stories, all touching on varying degrees of injustice, suffering, and self-sabotage. Existential in tone, cruel, tragedy, pain, and loss weave frequently in and out of the prose in the 179-page book. Readers journey through the unbearable heartbreak of a son’s death, other instances of child neglect and abuse, and comparable trauma inflicted on the defenseless. Are these episodes contained in ten separate clay pots, frothing over in arbitrary tragedy? Or are the pieces indeed smashed shards of anguished aimless lives? Though the reader is never told, we wonder, do these lives carry on intact, or will they be permanently shattered, and drifting?
Pottery reads very much like a random chapter from Ordinary People, the tragic Judith Guest novel, touching on similar themes. But unlike the Guest novel, Pottery, with few exceptions, never reveals what impact tragedy had on each character’s life.
Lisa and Mike cling to their dead son through latent blog posts, only to part when the blogs ceased. Buri reveals that the couple’s relationship had never gelled and their only child, conceived with great difficulty provided the only link. The marriage was doomed from the start. In another tale, The Dominance of Nurture, a father and his developmentally disabled son grieve a mother’s suicide, her death effected by hopeless guilt over the boy’s condition. Here again, in the triangle of family, a member withdraws leaving the survivors to somehow pick up the Pieces. When, in the story Father, Catholic priest, Michael Birch attempts to fill in for a parishioners jailed father, his reputation is trampled by unsubstantiated, and malicious gossip. These trials of inexplicable tragedy define the lives of these characters, and others central in further chapters.
The theme of hopeless futility colors the ten stories contained in “Pottery.” Very few individuals rise above the Job-ian condition each struggles against. Like the oft repeated beverage in Pieces, the “Arnold Palmer,” these characters’ cope with the sweet and sour duality that defines their painful existence. Most clear reading Buri’s work, rests the idea that nothing in life can be controlled, the universe holds no rational order. Father’s desert families, good people die of cancer, children are beaten or die in accidents. Nothing to be done about it. A tall, beautiful oak, as explained in The Ballad of Love and Hate, crashes down from rotten soil, through no fault of the acorn.
Now, putting aside the themes of loss and sorrow, Pieces of Pottery is a beautifully written book. Buri proves quite adept at vivid descriptions and internal narratives. “Colors bellowed boldly,” from Father, evokes the bracing sense of a brilliant autumn day. “Calculated purgatory” clarifies the mind-numbing schedule of a dock worker in Twenty Two. Later in the same story Buri characterizes the empty existence of the guilt-ridden dockworker writing he, “never missed a day, but he never truly arrived.” Mr. Buri wields a flowing pen.
However, the subject matter of unrelenting pain, unendurable suffering, and life-changing tragedy, slogging on page after page makes for a tough read. For example, Mr. Smith, who appears twice in the book, (in reverse sequence of his life,) may be the most well-adjusted, and easiest to digest as a character. Though tested by marital issues and his later battle with cancer, he exhibits a life affirming quality lacking in other central characters. Despite his personal difficulties, the teacher, Al Smith still held on to his sense of wonder, and goodness. Even in the face of his own death, he can encourage his visitor, James in Expect Dragons to still hope and remain open to life’s value. Father Michael, the second healthiest of the figures in the book, ends up sidelined by an evil over which he has no control, but probably can overcome.
Pieces Like Pottery is a difficult, but lovely book. Punctuated with Buri’s introspective poetry, a slow, simmering pathos replays in ten separate entries, composed with intuitive and stunning language. If readers want to journey through unmanageable catastrophe, and injustice, without real resolution, Pottery is the book for you.
Review by Gail Chumbley, author of River of January, Point Rider Publishing.
Pottery reads very much like a random chapter from Ordinary People, the tragic Judith Guest novel, touching on similar themes. But unlike the Guest novel, Pottery, with few exceptions, never reveals what impact tragedy had on each character’s life.
Lisa and Mike cling to their dead son through latent blog posts, only to part when the blogs ceased. Buri reveals that the couple’s relationship had never gelled and their only child, conceived with great difficulty provided the only link. The marriage was doomed from the start. In another tale, The Dominance of Nurture, a father and his developmentally disabled son grieve a mother’s suicide, her death effected by hopeless guilt over the boy’s condition. Here again, in the triangle of family, a member withdraws leaving the survivors to somehow pick up the Pieces. When, in the story Father, Catholic priest, Michael Birch attempts to fill in for a parishioners jailed father, his reputation is trampled by unsubstantiated, and malicious gossip. These trials of inexplicable tragedy define the lives of these characters, and others central in further chapters.
The theme of hopeless futility colors the ten stories contained in “Pottery.” Very few individuals rise above the Job-ian condition each struggles against. Like the oft repeated beverage in Pieces, the “Arnold Palmer,” these characters’ cope with the sweet and sour duality that defines their painful existence. Most clear reading Buri’s work, rests the idea that nothing in life can be controlled, the universe holds no rational order. Father’s desert families, good people die of cancer, children are beaten or die in accidents. Nothing to be done about it. A tall, beautiful oak, as explained in The Ballad of Love and Hate, crashes down from rotten soil, through no fault of the acorn.
Now, putting aside the themes of loss and sorrow, Pieces of Pottery is a beautifully written book. Buri proves quite adept at vivid descriptions and internal narratives. “Colors bellowed boldly,” from Father, evokes the bracing sense of a brilliant autumn day. “Calculated purgatory” clarifies the mind-numbing schedule of a dock worker in Twenty Two. Later in the same story Buri characterizes the empty existence of the guilt-ridden dockworker writing he, “never missed a day, but he never truly arrived.” Mr. Buri wields a flowing pen.
However, the subject matter of unrelenting pain, unendurable suffering, and life-changing tragedy, slogging on page after page makes for a tough read. For example, Mr. Smith, who appears twice in the book, (in reverse sequence of his life,) may be the most well-adjusted, and easiest to digest as a character. Though tested by marital issues and his later battle with cancer, he exhibits a life affirming quality lacking in other central characters. Despite his personal difficulties, the teacher, Al Smith still held on to his sense of wonder, and goodness. Even in the face of his own death, he can encourage his visitor, James in Expect Dragons to still hope and remain open to life’s value. Father Michael, the second healthiest of the figures in the book, ends up sidelined by an evil over which he has no control, but probably can overcome.
Pieces Like Pottery is a difficult, but lovely book. Punctuated with Buri’s introspective poetry, a slow, simmering pathos replays in ten separate entries, composed with intuitive and stunning language. If readers want to journey through unmanageable catastrophe, and injustice, without real resolution, Pottery is the book for you.
Review by Gail Chumbley, author of River of January, Point Rider Publishing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2016
As a regular reader of romance novels, Pieces Like Pottery is quite a refreshing change from the romantic version of love as it delves into different variants of love, such as the love felt for a relative, a best friend and mentor, and even the love/pride we have for our career and the way in which it can bring us to care for others that we meet with regularly. There are certainly many ways to love, and to feel loss of a different kind, which is what Pieces Like Pottery explores within its nine short stories.
From reading the first story alone (The Gravesite) I found it to be thought-provoking and inspirational. I imagine the author to have philosophical viewpoints as I felt that is what comes across in the writing in some places, and it is also extremely emotional. As the reader continues there is more of the same with different scenarios which really do make the reader open their mind and consider life in a very deep and meaningful way.
I found Expect Dragons to be deeply moving. Not accepted by his own father due to his sexual orientation, James finds a lifelong friend in his teacher, Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith also appears to be his mentor, teaching James about life as well as his academic work. Only now, James has one last chance to meet with his teacher before he dies. Little does James realise there is one last lesson in store. Told as a story with a beautiful lyrical poem it will be impossible not to react emotionally.
The book overall explores situations that are ‘bigger’ than us. Events that we have little or no control over. And then goes on to question why we worry about them once they have taken place. It explains how it is only how we react and learn from these events that we can actually control, and shows on occasion how we can sometimes allow trivial moments to take over our overall mood. Learning to grasp the important things and be patient with, or let go, of the more meaningless is something we all need to be reminded of sometimes. It is usually at times of loss, or thereafter when we reflect, that we notice this more strongly.
I’d recommend Pieces Like Pottery when in a thoughtful mood. Perhaps when needing a relaxing moment after a manic and busy time. It will certainly bring you back down to earth, help you reflect on your own relationships and possibly even empathise with those around you. As it does connect with its reader on a very personal and conscious level, I found that the section Breathe is exactly what you’ll need to do as it is a little heavy at times. Maybe this was due to my mood and mind-set at the time of reading as I found myself needing small breaks in-between the stories. However, no one can fault that it is written well and covers many scenarios in whereby we as people feel a sense of loss at times throughout our lives.
Despite the strong feelings of love and loss throughout, I find it ended leaving the reader with a sense of hope. This enlightened the atmosphere immensely, and I did leave Pieces of Pottery with a reassuring smile as I felt gratitude for all those close to me who have touched my life. The strong characters from The Ballad of Love and Hate made these feelings possible, and also provide a sense of patience.
This book is certainly worth a read and will provide you with a life lesson due to it’s realism, emotion and strength.
From reading the first story alone (The Gravesite) I found it to be thought-provoking and inspirational. I imagine the author to have philosophical viewpoints as I felt that is what comes across in the writing in some places, and it is also extremely emotional. As the reader continues there is more of the same with different scenarios which really do make the reader open their mind and consider life in a very deep and meaningful way.
I found Expect Dragons to be deeply moving. Not accepted by his own father due to his sexual orientation, James finds a lifelong friend in his teacher, Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith also appears to be his mentor, teaching James about life as well as his academic work. Only now, James has one last chance to meet with his teacher before he dies. Little does James realise there is one last lesson in store. Told as a story with a beautiful lyrical poem it will be impossible not to react emotionally.
The book overall explores situations that are ‘bigger’ than us. Events that we have little or no control over. And then goes on to question why we worry about them once they have taken place. It explains how it is only how we react and learn from these events that we can actually control, and shows on occasion how we can sometimes allow trivial moments to take over our overall mood. Learning to grasp the important things and be patient with, or let go, of the more meaningless is something we all need to be reminded of sometimes. It is usually at times of loss, or thereafter when we reflect, that we notice this more strongly.
I’d recommend Pieces Like Pottery when in a thoughtful mood. Perhaps when needing a relaxing moment after a manic and busy time. It will certainly bring you back down to earth, help you reflect on your own relationships and possibly even empathise with those around you. As it does connect with its reader on a very personal and conscious level, I found that the section Breathe is exactly what you’ll need to do as it is a little heavy at times. Maybe this was due to my mood and mind-set at the time of reading as I found myself needing small breaks in-between the stories. However, no one can fault that it is written well and covers many scenarios in whereby we as people feel a sense of loss at times throughout our lives.
Despite the strong feelings of love and loss throughout, I find it ended leaving the reader with a sense of hope. This enlightened the atmosphere immensely, and I did leave Pieces of Pottery with a reassuring smile as I felt gratitude for all those close to me who have touched my life. The strong characters from The Ballad of Love and Hate made these feelings possible, and also provide a sense of patience.
This book is certainly worth a read and will provide you with a life lesson due to it’s realism, emotion and strength.
May 1, 2016
Pieces Like Pottery: Stories of Loss and Redemption
"An Astounding, Captivating, Philosophical Read" - Tattle House Publishing, Editorial Team
Tattle House Publishing, West End, Anguilla, British West Indies
http://www.lihanmedia.com/THP-Review-...
Tattle House Publishing (THP) has reviewed Dan Buri's novel.
In doing so, they have reviewed most of its chapters, excluding Breathless, and which are located in the abovementioned Review Blog.
Buri's authorship of "Pieces Like Pottery" is riveting.
It is the best-written "piece" on life philosophy we have reviewed for 2016.
As an Indie Publishing House, rarely do you come across such talent - emotive writing.
Thank you for the privilege, Dan.
Buri captivates the reader with his Catholic themes - the Sorrowful Mysteries.
These theological themes of Christ taking his steps towards fulfilling his destiny is masterfully crafted by Buri in his novel. Priests, Pastors, Counsellors delivering "homilies" within a Pastoral Conference or Church Ministry will find "Pieces Like Pottery" well delivered to a captive audience. It is a wonderful novel for Christian Book Clubs, as well.
Buri centers his stories on his life and the Sorrowful Mysteries of Christ.
Was he drawing a distinction between himself and Christ?
It is an interesting thought which every person will have to combat at some aspect of his or her life.
What is our life's purpose?
What is it that we must achieve?
How must we achieve it?
Are we on the correct path?
But perhaps, the most important Christian question Buri asks is what would Jesus do in this situation?
Buri takes on heavy issues in this novel :
suicide
dying
death
autism
bullyism
forgiveness
self loathing
loneliness
One of the most endearing qualities of Dan Buri which is exhibited throughout his novel is his strength of character and his generosity.
There are instances where Buri's writing style mirrors that of Jeffrey Archer.
The twists and turns of his storytelling make the reader yearns for more.
Not more tears Dan, please, there is enough to sink a boat in this novel.
The reader yearns for more of their favorite characters.
Yet there were some other characters, a reader may have the urge to "slap-silly" some common sense because of their self-loathing abilities.
The novel is versatile, ambitious and stories well delivered.
Some of the stories I wished Buri could have extended and not leave the reader with a cliffhanger.
Nevertheless, the stories exhibit the timid human condition as opposed to its insurmountable task of destiny achieved versus destiny denied.
How does one find Redemption?
Perhaps, Buri himself has achieved his answer.
There are flashes in his monologue which lead the reader to believe that this is an autobiography of Dan Buri. Yet, it's not quite an autobiography.
It is the Window Glass Therapy of Life which the reader is granted by Buri.
Thank you for the privilege, Dan.
"An Astounding, Captivating, Philosophical Read" - Tattle House Publishing, Editorial Team
Tattle House Publishing, West End, Anguilla, British West Indies
http://www.lihanmedia.com/THP-Review-...
Tattle House Publishing (THP) has reviewed Dan Buri's novel.
In doing so, they have reviewed most of its chapters, excluding Breathless, and which are located in the abovementioned Review Blog.
Buri's authorship of "Pieces Like Pottery" is riveting.
It is the best-written "piece" on life philosophy we have reviewed for 2016.
As an Indie Publishing House, rarely do you come across such talent - emotive writing.
Thank you for the privilege, Dan.
Buri captivates the reader with his Catholic themes - the Sorrowful Mysteries.
These theological themes of Christ taking his steps towards fulfilling his destiny is masterfully crafted by Buri in his novel. Priests, Pastors, Counsellors delivering "homilies" within a Pastoral Conference or Church Ministry will find "Pieces Like Pottery" well delivered to a captive audience. It is a wonderful novel for Christian Book Clubs, as well.
Buri centers his stories on his life and the Sorrowful Mysteries of Christ.
Was he drawing a distinction between himself and Christ?
It is an interesting thought which every person will have to combat at some aspect of his or her life.
What is our life's purpose?
What is it that we must achieve?
How must we achieve it?
Are we on the correct path?
But perhaps, the most important Christian question Buri asks is what would Jesus do in this situation?
Buri takes on heavy issues in this novel :
suicide
dying
death
autism
bullyism
forgiveness
self loathing
loneliness
One of the most endearing qualities of Dan Buri which is exhibited throughout his novel is his strength of character and his generosity.
There are instances where Buri's writing style mirrors that of Jeffrey Archer.
The twists and turns of his storytelling make the reader yearns for more.
Not more tears Dan, please, there is enough to sink a boat in this novel.
The reader yearns for more of their favorite characters.
Yet there were some other characters, a reader may have the urge to "slap-silly" some common sense because of their self-loathing abilities.
The novel is versatile, ambitious and stories well delivered.
Some of the stories I wished Buri could have extended and not leave the reader with a cliffhanger.
Nevertheless, the stories exhibit the timid human condition as opposed to its insurmountable task of destiny achieved versus destiny denied.
How does one find Redemption?
Perhaps, Buri himself has achieved his answer.
There are flashes in his monologue which lead the reader to believe that this is an autobiography of Dan Buri. Yet, it's not quite an autobiography.
It is the Window Glass Therapy of Life which the reader is granted by Buri.
Thank you for the privilege, Dan.
November 5, 2015
★ COLECTION OF BEAUTIFUL BUT SAD STORIES ABOUT LIFE, AND IDEAL CHOICES WE CAN MAKE.
The story is in seven themes, different but with similar messages and education to motivate the culture of nurturing good children, relationship and hope even while coping with loss, depression and unpleasant life experiences.
The sections are themed as follow:
1) The Gravesite (The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery)
2) The Dominance of Nurture
3) Twenty-Two (The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery)
4) Breathe
5) Expect Dragons (The Third Sorrowful Mystery)
6) Dies Cum Anxieta
7) Father (The Second Sorrowful Mystery)
8) The Ballad of Love & Hate (The First Sorrowful Mystery)
I was not prepared for the moving stories in this book and I have the impression now that the author's intent was to inspire, educate and as well using real life stories people can connect to and in a most beautiful poetry style as in the book voice out in defence and protect
ion of love in the family, success of marriages, relationship value and purpose. Personally, I was motivated and educated on importance of nurturing life, love, strength, good dreams and hence amazing children and fulfill home.
My favourite is the first story. This is a love and tragic story of Mike and Lisa whose about 23 years old marriage is full of testimonials of coping with challenges in their marriage including Polycistic Ovary Syndrome which made Lisa Childless but after 5 Years into the marriage ...there came Chris, a lovable and independent child who blog and write poetry about ideal life. His mother was so inspired and proud of her son she sees as an idealist, full of good promises.
However, they have got to move on after the loss of their only son, Chris.
Indeed, ¡°Things turn out best for those who make the best out of the way things turn out.¡±.
"Life¡¯s circumstances are always throwing twists and turns. Wishing for something more only brings continual disappointment.
Each person has the ability to control their happiness by controlling how they think and act in response to life and events." Wrote their dead son, Chris.
As Mike and Lisa drifted apart, they found chris's blog was the only thing that kept them connected, and they found they both dealt with sorrow completely different from the other till they both accepted the reality with hope of moving on.
The book's pottery has obvious stones that can crack the beauty of the work coloured in prose, self-help tips and poetry.
For example the second story put me off a bit with repetitions and break -offs ... that place need re-editing.
On final note, I believe each of the seven titles are seperate books and could be seperated. Love the page design and styles used in writing this read. I was privilege with a free copy for unbias and non reciprocal review.
The story is in seven themes, different but with similar messages and education to motivate the culture of nurturing good children, relationship and hope even while coping with loss, depression and unpleasant life experiences.
The sections are themed as follow:
1) The Gravesite (The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery)
2) The Dominance of Nurture
3) Twenty-Two (The Fourth Sorrowful Mystery)
4) Breathe
5) Expect Dragons (The Third Sorrowful Mystery)
6) Dies Cum Anxieta
7) Father (The Second Sorrowful Mystery)
8) The Ballad of Love & Hate (The First Sorrowful Mystery)
I was not prepared for the moving stories in this book and I have the impression now that the author's intent was to inspire, educate and as well using real life stories people can connect to and in a most beautiful poetry style as in the book voice out in defence and protect
ion of love in the family, success of marriages, relationship value and purpose. Personally, I was motivated and educated on importance of nurturing life, love, strength, good dreams and hence amazing children and fulfill home.
My favourite is the first story. This is a love and tragic story of Mike and Lisa whose about 23 years old marriage is full of testimonials of coping with challenges in their marriage including Polycistic Ovary Syndrome which made Lisa Childless but after 5 Years into the marriage ...there came Chris, a lovable and independent child who blog and write poetry about ideal life. His mother was so inspired and proud of her son she sees as an idealist, full of good promises.
However, they have got to move on after the loss of their only son, Chris.
Indeed, ¡°Things turn out best for those who make the best out of the way things turn out.¡±.
"Life¡¯s circumstances are always throwing twists and turns. Wishing for something more only brings continual disappointment.
Each person has the ability to control their happiness by controlling how they think and act in response to life and events." Wrote their dead son, Chris.
As Mike and Lisa drifted apart, they found chris's blog was the only thing that kept them connected, and they found they both dealt with sorrow completely different from the other till they both accepted the reality with hope of moving on.
The book's pottery has obvious stones that can crack the beauty of the work coloured in prose, self-help tips and poetry.
For example the second story put me off a bit with repetitions and break -offs ... that place need re-editing.
On final note, I believe each of the seven titles are seperate books and could be seperated. Love the page design and styles used in writing this read. I was privilege with a free copy for unbias and non reciprocal review.
Read
September 29, 2016Very moving book. it is one I will remember for a very long time thank you for the book .
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