Spoon Knife 2: Test Chamber

The Spoon Knife Anthology

by Dani Alexis Ryskamp (Editor), Sam Harvey (Editor), Nick Walker (Contributor)

The Spoon Knife Anthology is NeuroQueer Books' annual open-call collection to find new talent and to bring together our favorite regular contributors in a celebration of literature that pushes boundaries and defines the interiors of neurodivergent, Queer, and Mad experiences.

In Spoon Knife 2: Test Chamber, editors Dani Alexis Ryskamp and Sam Harvey give you a series of examinations of what it means to live in an environment where one feels that existence itself is a series of tests that must be successfully navigated. From the back

"The writers (and editors and publishers) of the book you now hold in your hands have this in we all diverge in some way(s) from the normative, the expected, the acceptable. We've all been pathologized, scrutinized, corrected--often, in horrible ways. As [we] write this, the United States finds itself in a new test chamber, one whose outputs will inevitably affect the rest of the world. Those of us throughout the world who find ourselves already marginalized, like the authors represented here, will suffer first, but we will not suffer alone. We all need the tools of defiance and resistance. In Spoon Knife 2: Test Chamber, we explore what happens when the tools of defiance and resistance are applied to a particular purpose or demand. We test the test chamber in which we find ourselves, and in so doing, we find the power to subvert it."

Please join us for our second year celebrating the diversity and craft that goes into neurodivergent, Queer, and Mad literature, and enjoy the second round of Spoon Knife. You will find a number of familiar AutPress authors in its pages, as well as a few names of people who will be delivering books through the press later this year and more than a couple of authors we hope to see manuscripts from.

Genres: Disability

255 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 6, 2017

Reviews

[Ian Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an anthology that classifies itself as literary, and some of the various authors have written what I suppose could be classified as a "deviant prose". The collection varies from a more or less classical short story in the SF genre (about the Wu Hernandez test, and this is a particularly well-written story) to word pictures of autism, gender and trans-gender difficulties (and we even have an imaginary scene of one person copulating with him/herself – but not explicit). As with any anthology, some are seriously better than others. The style is quite varied, and some of the stories, I suspect, reflect more on the author than an act of creation. A number of the authors have come from academic writing classes, and in my opinion, that also shows. Some of the stories are outright weird, and in principle they show how some of the less fortunate have to face life. But that raises the question, do they? The pictures are outside my concept of how life is lived, but looking at the academic positions of some of the authors, I rather suspect they are outside theirs too, which raises the question, what messages are the authors trying to convey? There is more than one story on what is effectively psychiatric treatment, or malpractice, but does this really happen this way? Are there messages, or are the stories merely exercises in weird fantasy? If you don't like or expect more than word pictures on depressing issues, autism and queer gender issues that may or may not actually occur, this may not be for you. The grading reflects the warning that only a very limited number of people will find this a desirable read.

[Nichole Streeter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew as soon as I saw the cover art on this anthology collection that I was going to be in for a special treat with this, but furthermore, the PR really helped it hit home, as it states: "The writers (and editors and publishers) of the book you now hold in your hands have this in common: we all diverge in some way(s) from the normative, the expected, the acceptable. We've all been pathologized, scrutinized, corrected--often, in horrible ways. As [we] write this, the United States finds itself in a new test chamber, one whose outputs will inevitably affect the rest of the world. Those of us throughout the world who find ourselves already marginalized, like the authors represented here, will suffer first, but we will not suffer alone. We all need the tools of defiance and resistance. In Spoon Knife 2: Test Chamber, we explore what happens when the tools of defiance and resistance are applied to a particular purpose or demand. We test the test chamber in which we find ourselves, and in so doing, we find the power to subvert it."

I found each of these stories fascinating and entertaining, sometimes bizarre and deviating from the social norm. It was like a ride through a carnival, stopping from one ride to the next, knowing that each one was going to be stunning and thrilling and that you were going to take something out of it. Some of the best poetry and short stories that I have read in a long time were included in this second volume of Spoon Knife Anthology.

What is good about an anthology of short stories like this, is that you have the opportunity to read well crafted shorter stories poems essays and the like, even if you do not have a ton of time for reading. I love that about anthologies, and this was part of the reason that I chose to read this collection of stories. I was also taken in by the PR, quiet honestly.

Starting with the short story, what Gender is my wheelchair, and ending with the short story Monster, with lots of other wonderful pieces in between, this anthology just doesn't let up for a moment. I really liked almost everything, and that is a rarity in a collection of stories like this. Testings in the Chamber of my Discontent was one of my favorite stories.I look forward to seeing some of the more obscure names in fiction rising to prominence in the days to come.

[Kimmie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man that was really something. I love anthologies; they have a whole bunch of stories by different authors. So you get to sample a little of everybody. And discover someone new you might not have read before. This particular set of stories is truly something else. I mean it. According to the description in the front this book is based loosely on Portal 2 premises that everything is a test chamber.
This is a compilation of small short stories and poems. I really enjoyed some of them not all of them but most of them. Especially the story about the ligor and the machine she uses the Wu-Hernandez it was really something else. The man thought he could get past the test by learning certain things about someone, but that is not always the trick to winning. But I do wish there was a little more of this story. I could definitely read a whole book about this. Then there's the short story about the gender of a wheelchair. I could defiantly sympathize with this one. Depending on how I was with my can wheelchair or the electric buggy I am treated differently too. And the fact that this man was treated like a woman really intrigued me. And made me think how I was treated. All these stories a direct and to the point, but they were simply amazing. I truly hope you enjoy this book as much as I have. I did not read spoon knife one yet but I plan too.

Now before I ruin this for you I will leave off here. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. If you do like this book, please consider leaving a review. The Authors really like it when you do; they value your opinions too

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Anthologies are beginning to grow on me. I've been a die-hard fan of the traditional novel format almost to the point of feeling like Walt in Gran Torino about anthologies. I think even the anthologie lover will find themselves thrilled with how good this one is. The blurbs attempt to prepare the reader for the elaborate range of subject matter and styles of writing. Having the opportunity to sample such a wide range of authors and types of prose is often underappreciated. Personally, I have never warmed to poetry, yet the poems here at least expose me to some styles I can honestly say I've never come across before. No one ever suffered from too much exposure to literature, right?

There is something in these pages for everyone. Genres include science fiction, drama, thriller, suspense, and tragedy.

Styles include short stories, poetry, and essays.

Topics include transexualism, autism, gender, social norms and deviance, morality, revenge, and murder.

[Kate Brackett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Open your mind to another world. This is a collection of suspenseful, thought-provoking writings that encourage you to ponder the parameters of moral and ethical standards that are intertwined in the story. Different authors provide different, unique moments in each writing. Although weird for most, they are captivating and I found myself re-reading several of the stories. Pleasantness is left at the door because the stories in the book are strange and difficult, but that doesn't mean that the writing itself struggles. The authors are very talented and each read strikes a cord somehow, no matter how bizarre they seem. This is another book that will keep you up at night, so if you're looking for a light, easy read, this isn't it my friends. However, the intelligence and imagination that exudes from the writing and the authors is profound, and you won;t be able to put it down.

[Rachel Kester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoon Knife 2: Test Chamber is part of The Spoon Knife Anthology written by various authors. This novel is a collection of short stories compiled by NeuroQueer Books. These short stories were inspired by a “test chamber” idea. This novel states how these stories were inspired by how life itself is a test and navigating it successfully is key. The beginning of this novel immediately intrigues you making it a captivating read.
This is a very unique novel. The writing and format is very different from typical novels. Because of this, it makes for an engrossing and fun read. It is 273 pages long so you’ll have to set aside some time to read it. If you enjoy reading creative and unique styles of writing this is a great book for you. Even if you don’t, consider reading this one as it will introduce you to fascinating short stories written in a very distinctive way.

[Shanell Meek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting and eclectic array of stories and poems

From the first page I knew I was in for a treat with this surreal and unexpectedly enlightening book of poems and stories. This book did not disappoint, it was borderline bizarre at times but all around interesting to read. It is a collaboration of short stories put together from an eclectic group of writers. I found the most interesting part was in learning about the writers themselves and the criteria in which they met to be a part of this book. I would recommend this book simply for the insight into cultural differences it portrays.

[Pegboard · Rating 4 out of 5]

What to expect when you buy this book is a collection of short stories, poems, and essays from an assortment of authors. Their thinking outside the box is what qualifies them to get their literature accepted into Spoon Knife 2. Do not be surprised if you come across thoughts that are disorderly. I believe this publication is meant to challenge our thinking, boundaries, and to test the chambers in which we think.

Editors Dani Alexis Ryskamp and Sam Harvey did an excellent job selecting a variety of articles. My favorite short story would have to be Bianca and the Wu-Hernandez by Nick Walker. It is one of the longer stories but I was enchanted by Smiley and his anticipation of his up-coming Special Agent exam. That is when he started receiving bits and pieces of the elite Reality Patrol who would be performing the test, Bianca.

[Verity Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually like anthologies, but I love this one. Every piece gave me some great writing ideas, and I love the format.