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A review by lyndajdickson
Mosaics 2: A Collection of Independent Women by P.K. Tyler, Joan Brown, Catherine Schaff-Stump, Kim Wells, Jessica West, Nina Perez, Zen DiPietro, Alison Ripley Cubitt, Rachel Steiger-Meister, Nillu Nasser, Lorraine Schein, Kimberly Fujioka, Willow Naomi Curry, Lesley Smith, Kristina Webster Shue, Tara Calaby, Emily K. Michael, Anne E. Johnson, Asha Bardon, Rage Hezekiah, Jennifer R. Donohue, Audrey T. Carroll, Lana Bella
5.0
Mosaics Volume 2 is a collection of short stories, poems, and essays from 22 female writers. It also includes artworks by three female artists. Here are my thoughts on some of the stories:
"Painted Truths and Prayer Beads" parallels the stories of Ugandan refugee Malek and her English neighbor Joyce, two very different women from two very different backgrounds. It will take a tragedy to bring them together.
In "Starting Over" Kellis is rescued by a Bennite hospital ship (Onari) after a fire aboard the space ship on which she was traveling to be reunited with her family on Barthon IV. Jerin cures her of a spinal injury suffered six years earlier, Trin helps with her physical therapy, and Endra puts her to work and makes her feel useful. With her new friends, work, and lifestyle, will Kellis ever want to leave the Onari?
In "Blue Silk Dress" Elise and her family live in a barren town in North Queensland. Elise's mother is slowly losing her mind and has already had a stint at the funny farm. When her mother puts on her best blue silk dress, Elise knows no good can come of it.
"Remedios and Leonora" is a story with a basis in fact, in which two female artists experiment with time travel - with a bit of help from their friend Frida Kahlo.
In "Sunshower" a witch is on trial for her crimes, but witchcraft isn't the only thing of which she is accused. And these aren't the olden days, this is the future, in a time after global warming has brought about the Change.
In "Like Father" Andrea goes home with Devon, the rich town recluse whose father died recently. What starts out as curiosity will turn into a nightmare.
"No One's Land" is set in Morocco in the 1800s. Rajar witnesses an object fall from the sky. But in a land already at war, everyone is viewed as an enemy.
In "Durnushka" sixteen-year-old Vera has been fostered by the Delahoussayes. She bears a burn scar on her face, courtesy of her father who is now in prison. Even her own mother calls her Durnushka or "ugly girl". Her new brother Isaac unexpectedly becomes her champion when she defends him against the neighborhood bully. But is she as innocent as she seems?
In "The Cow Tower" Princess Annabelle is born with the head of a cow. Will she ever find love and happiness?
"El Naddaha" is based on an Egyptian legend. Nadirah barely sleeps and never dreams. What will happen when she finally experiences the dream state?
Artworks include "Grafitti Photo", "Wisdom Harpist", and "Girl With Wings".
Poetry includes "Poems" on sexuality and the female body; "Adderall on the Rocks" on coping through the use of alcohol and prescription drugs; and "Fixing Her Truck", a poem focusing on the hands of a girl working on her truck.
Essays include the "Foreword"; "Embracing the Kinks" about kinky hair and racism; and "Don't Shut Up", on sexual abuse at the hands of her step-father.
All of these works have a common theme of celebrating our femininity and our differences, whether they be race, gender, color, sexuality, or physical ability. These little pieces of beauty are pieced together to create a unique work of art. Whatever your taste, Mosaics Volume 2 has something for everyone: stories, poetry, essays, art, contemporary, historical, romance, family drama, LGBT, fantasy, science fiction, magical realism, horror, fairy tale, post-apocalyptic, and speculative fiction. You will be enthralled, devastated, and addicted.
My favorites pieces: "Blue Silk Dress", "Fixing Her Truck", "The Cow Tower".
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (1 May): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com/2016/05/mosaics-volume-2-by-p-k-tyler.html
"Painted Truths and Prayer Beads" parallels the stories of Ugandan refugee Malek and her English neighbor Joyce, two very different women from two very different backgrounds. It will take a tragedy to bring them together.
In "Starting Over" Kellis is rescued by a Bennite hospital ship (Onari) after a fire aboard the space ship on which she was traveling to be reunited with her family on Barthon IV. Jerin cures her of a spinal injury suffered six years earlier, Trin helps with her physical therapy, and Endra puts her to work and makes her feel useful. With her new friends, work, and lifestyle, will Kellis ever want to leave the Onari?
In "Blue Silk Dress" Elise and her family live in a barren town in North Queensland. Elise's mother is slowly losing her mind and has already had a stint at the funny farm. When her mother puts on her best blue silk dress, Elise knows no good can come of it.
"Remedios and Leonora" is a story with a basis in fact, in which two female artists experiment with time travel - with a bit of help from their friend Frida Kahlo.
In "Sunshower" a witch is on trial for her crimes, but witchcraft isn't the only thing of which she is accused. And these aren't the olden days, this is the future, in a time after global warming has brought about the Change.
In "Like Father" Andrea goes home with Devon, the rich town recluse whose father died recently. What starts out as curiosity will turn into a nightmare.
"No One's Land" is set in Morocco in the 1800s. Rajar witnesses an object fall from the sky. But in a land already at war, everyone is viewed as an enemy.
In "Durnushka" sixteen-year-old Vera has been fostered by the Delahoussayes. She bears a burn scar on her face, courtesy of her father who is now in prison. Even her own mother calls her Durnushka or "ugly girl". Her new brother Isaac unexpectedly becomes her champion when she defends him against the neighborhood bully. But is she as innocent as she seems?
In "The Cow Tower" Princess Annabelle is born with the head of a cow. Will she ever find love and happiness?
"El Naddaha" is based on an Egyptian legend. Nadirah barely sleeps and never dreams. What will happen when she finally experiences the dream state?
Artworks include "Grafitti Photo", "Wisdom Harpist", and "Girl With Wings".
Poetry includes "Poems" on sexuality and the female body; "Adderall on the Rocks" on coping through the use of alcohol and prescription drugs; and "Fixing Her Truck", a poem focusing on the hands of a girl working on her truck.
Essays include the "Foreword"; "Embracing the Kinks" about kinky hair and racism; and "Don't Shut Up", on sexual abuse at the hands of her step-father.
All of these works have a common theme of celebrating our femininity and our differences, whether they be race, gender, color, sexuality, or physical ability. These little pieces of beauty are pieced together to create a unique work of art. Whatever your taste, Mosaics Volume 2 has something for everyone: stories, poetry, essays, art, contemporary, historical, romance, family drama, LGBT, fantasy, science fiction, magical realism, horror, fairy tale, post-apocalyptic, and speculative fiction. You will be enthralled, devastated, and addicted.
My favorites pieces: "Blue Silk Dress", "Fixing Her Truck", "The Cow Tower".
I received this book in return for an honest review.
Full blog post (1 May): https://booksdirectonline.blogspot.com/2016/05/mosaics-volume-2-by-p-k-tyler.html