Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Critique.
My Coworker, Death. Top Story - November 2023.
Death and I work very closely, but never together I see death in passing about once a week, but we've never actually met. For most people death is an obscure thought, something that rarely crosses the mind. For others, it is the prominent shadow that runs past our peripherals. Tonight, death worked over time. He was not a blur that ran past as I was turning away, but was a prominent shadow in the room I stood in and the floor beneath me. I didn't see him at first, he's easy to miss if you want to. My focus was on the muddy veins of my patient's right arm, attempting to finagle one last good one to draw from. It was never my forte, but when I did get it, I enjoyed watching the smooth red liquid collect into the tubes; the simple movement of it was relaxing to me in a sense. It was a reward, an earning for my blind pokes that eventually caught what I was looking for.
By Kelsey Winds2 years ago in Critique
Privacy and freedom of speech
Privacy and freedom of speech, two fundamental pillars of a democratic society, play pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of individual freedom and societal dynamics. From my personal standpoint, these rights are not just legal doctrines but the cornerstones of a society that values autonomy, diversity, and the flourishing of individuality.
By Jake Nguyen2 years ago in Critique
The Littlest Blogger
'The Littlest Blogger' is a children's picture book written and illustrated by Dawn and Bella Cameron-Hollyer and Helen Braid. Who out there writes a blog? This is the story of a little girl who likes to write and draw and then likes to share her interests. When the little girl with her mother's help makes Bella's writing more understood and being safe. Helen's artwork shows what Bella is all about and how she tells her story that is ongoing. At the end of the picture book is a list of safety rules. This would make a great read for a Kindergarten class in teaching computer literacy.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Firecracker Plant: Adding Colorful Brilliance to Your Garden. Content Warning.
In the midst of Dubai's expansive urban landscape, where the relentless sun bathes the earth in warmth, a hidden sanctuary awaits in the form of "Firecracker Plant Services." This article sets out to uncover the art of cultivating nature and creating bursts of color in the desert city, shedding light on various aspects, from firecracker plants' resilience to hiring local gardening experts.
By Perry else2 years ago in Critique
Jig Gets Lost
'Jig Gets Lost' is a children's picture book created by Julia Kneeland and Rachael Budd. Who doesn't like a good animal story. 'Jig Gets Lost' is a picture book that should make readers want a puppy. Julia writes a story about a little puppy named Jig and his day in the neighborhood and his adventures. Julia is a writer and a teacher and says this is for beginning readers and has chosen primary type for easy reading. Rachael has created pictures that are vivid and realistic images in her work. There could be lessons on community workers, what makes a family, and even teach geography in a way. It is also a good book that shows emotions in ways.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
I'm not Single, I have a Dog
'I'm not Single, I Have a Dog is an autobiography by Susan Hartzler. Who doesn't like a good dog book that can teach many kinds of lessons. I am a single person and have a dog and 'I'm not Single, I Have a Dog' is a book where she shares her story and her memories. She is still living and sharing. Susan Hartzler has shared friendships and how she spent and spends her time trying to understand what life is all about for her. 'I'm Not Single, I Have a Dog is a book full of lessons we all need to learn. There are many lines in this book that are favorites of mine and could help others.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Walk with Me
'Walk with Me' is a children's picture book written by Stacey Tucker and Tonnja Kopp. This is quite the relaxing read for it is a trip through the flora and fauna and paying a visit to all that are presented. It is a picture book that shows and tells how relaxing and wondrous nature can be for all who partake. Stacey and Tonnja wrote this picture book to teach readers about nature and show how soothing nature can be. This would be a good book to induce relaxation skills from young children clear through to the elderly. It is like taking a walk through the woods.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Mr. Sunnyside Imagination!
Mr. Sunnyside Imagination! is a children's picture book created by C.K. Gregory and illustrated by Stephanie Richall. We all need an imaginary friend every once in a while, no matter how old you may be. This is the story of Tommy and how he learns all about how to learn a new skill. Tommy wakes up to a day that just seems blah to him till he meets a new friend Mr. Sunnyside. Tommy's mother is calling him to breakfast and she is wondering what Tommy is going to do all day, and this is when someone appears and makes him think. Tommy will also learn how to stay healthy in many ways. C.K. Gregory has written a story that teaches a skill in a very inventive way. Stephanie's artwork and C.K. Gregory's words are well matched and they will show Mr. Sunnyside in an very imaginative way.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
Chelsea's Forever Garden
'Chelsea's Forever Garden' is a children's picture book created by Laura Lamb and illustrated by Mary Barrows. Who wouldn't want a garden like this of a place to call their own. This is a story about a little girl named Chelsea and her parents give her a gift that she discovers as a place to play and yes discover things about herself in order to make this place hers. Laura uses her gift of description very well for I could see this area even without Mary's artwork, but with Mary's work artwork and Laura's words they show and tell the story.
By Mark Graham2 years ago in Critique
