Fortnightly Reading Round-Up #3

And just like that, another two weeks have gone, and it’s time for another reading fortnightly round-up. Although I probably should call it fortnight-ish since I haven’t quite been able to keep to the schedule.

But, as the old saying goes, better late than never, so here are some of my favourite reads from the last couple of weeks.

A Red Letter Day for Tatlow

This week, I will start with this story by Marie Wilson. It is set in a town called Tatley where a sign goes up one day that some of the townspeople find offensive and try to take down, particularly anti-Janet. We all know people like Janet, but luckily, at least in this story, she does not get her way. While the story is timely with an important message, it delivers it with a sprinkling of humour.

Memory Mischief

Next up, a fabulous poem by Novel Allen.

My pills to make me remember are making me forget.

So...I forget when I need to remember.

This is such a crazily creative poem full of humour. But, for me at least, it was also tinged with sadness. My gran had dementia, and it made me wonder if this was how she felt at times. Forgetting whether she was coming or going.

The Shut-in Parts One and Two

You cannot read part one without reading part two of this story by Grz Colm. A story about the demons we all battle at times that can keep us locked in, physically or mentally. We leave part one wondering will he or won’t he do it. A great story about the fine mess our minds can be, and certainly worth a Vocal Top Story.

The Cycle

This fortnight I find myself in agreement with Vocal’s team not just once but twice (that’s not to say that I didn’t like some of the other top stories I read, I just didn’t like them enough to squeeze them into the ten favourites). I loved this micro-fiction story by Donna Fox. The beautiful life cycle of a life, brief but beautiful. (And as I write this, I hear the wind rustling the leaves outside. I think there is a storm brewing. How fitting.)

Time Will Tell

As I was browsing through what to read next, this first sentence caught my eye:

Everyone thought of Marty as a dim bulb.

It tickled me so much that I clicked on the story, and I wasn’t disappointed. I enjoyed this story about Marty, who moves from the country to a big city and gets surrounded by shallow people with more money than sense. We have all met people like Catherine. The nasty cow in this story and Marty’s worst bully. Never look down on tradesmen - you might need one someday to unblock your toilet!

How Burns the Fire

This beautiful, haunting piece of historical fiction focuses on the last moments of Joan of Arc told through her eyes. JBaz does an amazing job bringing the scene to life. It is a reminder of the cruel times Europe has gone through and the evil people are capable of inflicting on each other.

Yorus of the Terror

Some stories have perfect first sentences. They draw you in and raise questions. This story by Euan Brennan does exactly that.

The tower of coffins swayed; wood creaked with every step, never falling, never toppling.

If the first sentence got me hooked and questioning, what about the rest of the story? Who is this Yorus and why is he carrying coffins? And who is the “she” he keeps referring to? I so want to know more and hope Euan writes a sequel or a whole book on Yorus.

Tea About Trauma: A Second Cup

Some writing is haunting, just like some memories. This beautiful poem by Marilyn Glover is one of those poems that linger with you long after reading.

Handle it, handle it, I try, but this memory is too hot

The poem, written about a horrific experience, made me think of all those “what ifs” when a moment too late would have resulted in a completely different story.

Icarus

Great writing doesn’t have to be long, like this poem from Poppy. In just four lines, she says so much in her poem about Icarus. If you only have a minute to read something from this list, check out Poppy’s poem. You might also be interested in checking out her latest writing prompts, all inspired by Greek mythology.

The Mirror in Grandma’s Purse

This micro-fiction story by Michelle Liew completes this fortnight’s “top ten”. Or should I say top 11 since I sneaked in a double entry from Grz Colm? I love this story about Grandma and her mirror, with Michelle painting a picture of a sweet Grandma still living her best life in a retirement community. But this story comes with a delicious twist I certainly wasn’t expecting.

That concludes this fortnight’s favourites. I hope you give some of them, if not all of them, a read. I would love to hear which ones you read and enjoyed.

You can also add in the comments links to any stories you have read recently and enjoyed for me to check them out. But please, no self-promotion. I want to keep these articles, including the comments, as a place to support others.

Happy reading. Look out for the next list in two weeks’ time.