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Title: Stepping Out: Short Stories by Lori L. Lake ISBN: 1-932300-16-3 Publisher: Regal Crest Enterprises Pub. Date: 05 February, 2004 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $13.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (6 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A Powerful and Impressive Collection
Comment: With Stepping Out, popular lesbian author Lori L. Lake has crafted a charming and impressive collection of short stories. The name of the book was inspired by the fact that the characters in each story have reached a turning point in their lives, and they must now choose to step out in a new direction. Each story touched me in some way, but some more than others.
"The Bright Side" tells of a young woman faced with the inevitability of aging parents. "Everything You Learn in Kindergarten Can Ruin Your Life" takes us back to grammar school and the world of bullies. "Propane" is a powerful tale of domestic abuse in a same-sex relationship. In "Mouse", we come face-to-face with a homeless woman, forced onto the street when her partner passes away and the family refuses to acknowledge their relationship.
Lake isn't afraid to tackle the tough issues-alcoholism, physical and mental abuse, self-esteem issues, aging parents, homophobia-in her stories, but she does so without ever feeling preachy or confrontational. Her stories are filled with grace, second chances, and self-discovery. All of her characters are fully-realized, even when their stories are sometimes less than ten pages. You feel as if you are being afforded brief (sometimes too brief!) glimpses into the lives of real people-people who could be your neighbors, your friends, or even your relatives. Her writing style is very accessible; the stories quickly draw you in and make you care about their protagonists.
Everyone who reads this book will have their favorites. Mine were "Busybody", "Defending Angels", and "Jumping Over My Head." In "Busybody", an aging lesbian couple tries to live their lives in peace and privacy while fending off the well-meaning but unwelcome interference of loved ones and neighbors. However, the couple gains a new perspective by the story's end. "Defending Angels" tells the emotionally charged story of a young man trying to rebuild his life in the aftermath of an abusive father and an unsuccessful suicide attempt. Of the fourteen stories in this collection, "Jumping Over My Head" felt the most personal to me. It is a story of overcoming self-perception, of the power of having one person who believes in you-and having faith in yourself.
While those three especially stood out to me, I believe this book will have something for everyone. In these fourteen short stories, Lori L. Lake, also the author of the popular Gun series, as well as her most recent novel, the well-received Different Dress, shows off her versatility and considerable talent. I highly recommend this book.
Rating: 5
Summary: Wow.....love the stories.
Comment: I finished "The Big Eddy" in the wee hours this morning and I sobbed. What a heart rending journey for the father in the loss of his son. I'm so impressed with the writing. Each story captures a person right from the beginning. What comes through so clearly to me is the love and understanding that is needed between all of us.....and how premature judgments are haunting at any point in our lives. The "Bright Side" really examined family relationships and the ending was tender between the two sisters. And, "Busybody" truly made me stop and think about importance of not prejudging where someone's coming from....and then realizing the importance of sharing one's life with others. "Propane" hit home too because of the abusive marriage my sister was in years ago. At least the character had the guts to finally deal with it. All of these stories have left openings for future writings.
I'm keeping the book by my bedside.....it's so great when I wake up at 4:00 a.m. and can't get to sleep. I pick up the book and read as much as I like before I get ready to sleep again. I hope this author keeps those beautiful, meaningful messages coming to all of us. It is needed.
Rating: 5
Summary: A Collection of Interesting, Impactful, Intriguing Stories!
Comment: Ms. Lake definitely continues the tremendous style of writing displayed in her earlier books: Gun Shy, Under the Gun, Different Dress and Ricochet In Time.
Stepping Out: Short Stories takes the reader on a terrific journey through a gambit of emotions with each of the stories: sympathy, dismay, shock, anger, fright, empathy, anger, loss, laughter, and love. Although Jumping Over My Head and Vagabond are my personal favorites, each story will move you in its own unique way. While each story may not be long in length, there are 14 stories total, each is quite impactful. You will feel like you are right there with each of the characters, sharing their feelings - whether crying with them or laughing with them - helping them fight their way through their trials and troubles.
Already a fan of Ms. Lake's work, Stepping Out: Short Stories just reinforces the reasons why. It is a great book and will be one picked up and read time and time again!
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Title: shadowland by Radclyffe ISBN: 1932667067 Publisher: BookEnds Press Pub. Date: February, 2004 List Price(USD): $17.99 |
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Title: An Inexpressible State of Grace by Cameron Abbott ISBN: 1560234695 Publisher: Alice Street Editions/Harrington Park Press Pub. Date: 01 January, 2004 List Price(USD): $17.95 |
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Title: Love's Masquerade by Radclyffe ISBN: 1932667032 Publisher: BookEnds Press Pub. Date: 01 December, 2003 List Price(USD): $18.99 |
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Title: One Degree of Separation by Karin Kallmaker ISBN: 1931513309 Publisher: Bella Books Pub. Date: 01 January, 2004 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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Title: Different Dress by Lori L. Lake ISBN: 1932300082 Publisher: Regal Crest Enterprises Pub. Date: 01 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $19.95 |
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