Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in BookClub.
A Book That Changed Me
I joined Vocal in December of 2021. About a month after a big move and bigger change in my life. What does that have to do with this book you may ask? Well, this book has been a favorite of mine for many years. A cherished relic that I reread often. My favorite writer is Ernest Hemmingway, and this was the first story of his that made me fall in love with his work. Such a simple story and so elegant. I remember reading this story and feeling like it was such an easy story to write, now I was probably like 14 when I first read this so naturally, I didn't know anything about the real world. But this story made me believe that anyone could be a writer. It felt simple in nature and was an easy story to read and follow along to. I am not attempting to take anything away from Hemmingway, he was an incredible writer throughout many forms. The story was able to convey complex themes and plots while being able to be read by the average person. This story was a point for me where I thought maybe I could write someday, not concerned with notoriety per se but to just express oneself through a hobby. I remember reading this book again during the summer of 2021 when my life was drastically changing. Terrible breakup, quit my job, moved states for an even better job, quit that job after 4 months after hating it with no backup plan. Took a chance on something I thought I might enjoy and became a successful bartender and did something for myself. I began posting stories on Vocal in December of 2021 and have continued ever since. Even when money was tight, I would never get rid of my subscription because I knew that this was my creative outlet for when I feel like writing. This singular book made me believe that anything was possible. That's why I have always kept my Vocal+ membership. Keeping a dream alive that was instilled into me from reading a book at 14. It's crazy where your life can go when you try new things and find a little bit of inspiration.
By Connor Stermer2 years ago in BookClub
Comics. Top Story - August 2023.
They were only comics. Well, comic books. My older brother Steve would set me on his lap in the living room. We always perched in the rocking chair furthest from the kitchen, the one that spun all the way around (& drove mom crazy when we did it). The comics tended to be either from the Marvel or DC universes—Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Spiderman, Green Lantern, The Phantom….
By Randy Wayne Jellison-Knock2 years ago in BookClub
The Managerial Revolution
Have you ever bought a book sight unseen in terms of knowing what it’s about before you buy it? I have that’s what happened when I bought, The Managerial Revolution: What is Happening in the World, by James Burnham in 2013. This book sat on my shelf for the next year. Not because I wasn’t interested, rather it was marinating for the right time for me to read it. But boy, would this book change my entire outlook on the world once I did read it.
By Atomic Historian2 years ago in BookClub
Still Alice
My mom was diagnosed with dementia when I started to read "Still Alice," an impeccable writer. Lisa Genova and her story helped me know that even when diagnosed with an illness, they may not remember things, even their name, but there are ways of living life to the fullest.
By Cathy Deslippe2 years ago in BookClub
Unleashing Your Resilience: A Deep Dive into "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggin
Introduction In a world where comfort often takes precedence, "Can't Hurt Me" by David Goggin serves as a rallying cry to break free from self-imposed limitations and push the boundaries of what's possible. Goggin, a former Navy SEAL, ultra-endurance athlete, and motivational speaker, shares his remarkable journey from adversity to triumph, offering readers a roadmap for cultivating resilience, mental toughness, and unwavering determination.
By Kabilesh G2 years ago in BookClub
The Healing Garden
In the quiet corner of a small town stood a garden that had witnessed countless seasons and stories. It was a place where nature's melodies played in harmony with human hearts, where flowers whispered secrets of solace to those who dared to listen. This was the Healing Garden.
By Thomas Obrutu2 years ago in BookClub
If I Started A Book Club For Black Men
For the last three years, I’ve been in a book club orchestrated by my girlfriend. As the lone man in a book club with only Black women, it has been a powerful journey. Often I find myself just listening and absorbing all of the knowledge that surrounds me. It’s beautiful to be welcomed in a vulnerable space. Other times I’m looking around and asking myself, “WHERE ARE THE BLACK MEN?!” If I’m being honest, I feel more comfortable in a room full of women than with men (I’ll figure this out with my therapist in the future), but I do think some great positivity could come from a group full of Black men reading together. So, I took myself on a journey all alone, and put together a group of books I think would be great for my own book club.
By Alexis Dean Jr.2 years ago in BookClub
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
I still remember the day I got the dark circles around my eyes. I don’t know how it came into my possession, but I had a torch. One night when my dad said it was time to close my latest Goosebumps and turn the light off, I did as he said. Then, listening carefully until I was sure he was at the bottom of the stairs, I picked up my book again, pulled the torch out from under my pillow and carried on reading.
By Jenifer Nim2 years ago in BookClub
NOT MANY FOLKS ON THIS PLANET ARE AWARE OF IT!
How is it that thou art in the green time, You have a crystal clear dream in one colour, and occurs in that dream happens the next day or the next week or the next month or ten years later. How can this happen? This is a kind of sign that says You are not just what you think you are. I am just going to help you remember who you are and give you some techniques to make it easier for you to sharpen this skill. You can start by practising this every night. You will be amazed at how accurately you will receive this Ritambhara Pragya, the level at which all things can be known. Everything can be known past present future what you have just heard I would say a handful of people on earth know even in secret projects is highly compartmentalised. I will share some of these techniques with you. Most people overthink it, but they also don't believe they can do it, and that's the beginning of programming failure. So what we want to do is hit the reset button and reprogram ourselves for success to do better. All I'm going to do is help you remember who you're and give you some techniques to help sharpen that skill - that's really all I can do.
By Yours Truly2 years ago in BookClub
