Are We Eating Meat?

Or something else? We all have heard rumors about places serving meats other than the kinds we're accustomed to, but what if someone was intentionally serving this and making sure you didn't know? What if that sweet meat was something, deviously acquired?

I'm guessing a lot of you have seen the movie "Sweeney Todd". So the idea about eating human flesh isn't unknown, or a rarity. But in this hard copy book, the author gives it a twist.

Ambrosial Flesh
Mary Ann Mitchell
391 pages

This book takes a rather gruesome look at a church practice that has been around for a long time, communion. And that's just when the book starts. We're let into the world of a young boy, his happiness, and fears and wonders. But when denied action that he's been trained to perform, he makes a decision that effects the rest of his life, as we find out as the book goes on.

He chooses to nibble at little pieces of his own skin. Eventually progressing to nibbling bits of other people that were consenting. The premise of the story is fairly believable, although eventually it takes a turn into the absurd that most horror does.

Not a book for those with weak stomachs, or that get queasy at the thought of blood. Aimed more towards mature audiences. I enjoyed it because it's very different from some of the books I've read in the way that we see it end. I'll just say, it is unexpected but definitely a good choice.

A different kind of Christmas Carol

Now, I'll let the cat partially out of the bag. This has something to do with a post coming up in a few days. But this particular book didn't really have anything in common with the other. So I'm not going to get in depth about the Christmas Carol junk. But I am going to let you know about my experience reading this novella. And unlike some of the other posts this week, it's not a sex driven romance.

A Vampire's Christmas Carol
Karen McCullough
85 pages

In all reality, this story hasn't got much in common with Dicken's classic Christmas story. Instead the title is a play on words, but you don't find that out until halfway through the story. The main characters are Carol and Michael, and the story examines the events that occur to them on Christmas eve. The reader is offered a window into a sad event because Michael has basically resigned himself to death.

I hope that's caught your interest, because rather than turn this into a pity party for the characters, I want to get a few thoughts out. The story itself is very good. It reads cleanly, and is well thought out. But it SCREAMS Interview with a Vampire like you wouldn't believe. True it has it's own unique solution at the end, but seriously. Anne Rice's Vampire Chronicles aren't likely to be supplanted anytime soon.

However, I would like to see more of this authors thoughts and ideas on vampires. Her proposed hierarchy seems as though it may be very complex. Also her suggestion that vampires have an intolerance to human tears is intriguing. What is it about tears that deter, or disquiets the vamp? Are they similar to holy water? Or are they powerful because they represent a primal emotion that humans can express, while vamps cannot?

Even though I was left questioning some things, it was an enjoyable read. The piece may be classified as a romance, but there isn't much of a sexual undertone. It is more idealistic and sweet. That said, mature readers regardless of whether they are t'weens, teens, or adults may find the story entertaining. It was nice to read a Christmas themed piece that had more of a horror edge. After all the mushy gushy romantic stuff it was definitely a pleasant change. If you read this piece, or have already done so, feel free to share your thoughts.
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I'd like to take a moment to remind you that there are only a few more intentional holiday posts left to be made for this year, so don't go anywhere. The fiction programming will be back shortly. I'm also planning some posts on poetry and essays, so you've got that to look forward to in the near future.

An Old World Holiday Touch

A friend of mine actually recently wrote a post on her blog about the characters that are included in this short story.Here's a link over to her post entitled The Naughty List (that's part of why I was willing to read it, I was curious to find out how it pans out).

Krampus : A Christmas Tale
Ed Kurtz
17 pages

The story itself is actually fairly fast paced. It merges the idea of an old world grandma and a youth of today fairly well. The authors starting scenario is believable, even if the ending seems very exaggerated. It's a wee bit gruesome as well.

It's definitely a change from some of the other more mushy sweet Christmas stories. After all not everyone is looking for a fluffy story to read. Anyway, that's a short note on a short.

Work's had me busy, so I haven't been reading multiple shorts all at one time. So sadly, you'll have to put up with a small read today. I'll work on making sure to have some things posted earlier on tomorrow, but it'll likely still just be one thing. Thanks for stopping by!

Another Story with a Moral

I'm going to be lazy today. So only one short story, not a book, not an essay. Although I've been looking for winter stories, but I'm either too picky or the searches haven't been pulling them up. Part of me wants to blame it on being tired ~_~, after all I am only human. I'm honestly exhausted of late.

anyways, on to the story for the day...

Winter Visitor
John T. Gaffield
9 pages

This short horror story has a moral. It gives a winter themed look at how people treat each other. The story also gives a sharp glimpse at the way some folk react to the unknown. It also has an almost familiar feel that the folk who have watched "A Christmas Carol" may see a few similarities. But this story only really has one moral.

Treat others as you'd like to be treated.

I'd recommend this as a story for most readers. There aren't a lot of words that would puzzle young readers. But I do recommend that an older reader verifies that the content is acceptable for their child.

If you read it let me know what you think, it's an interesting short read, even though it is quite short.

In The House

Okay. Short stories can be pretty weird. But that doesn't really stop us from wanting to read them anyway. Yeah, I know that you already know that I read weird stuff. So today for your enjoyment I'm recommending 2 short stories that involve "in the house" aspects.

Death on the Toilet
Robert Stikmanz
20 pages

This is an enjoyable story, about a man and his accidental introduction to Death. We get a unique description of what Death appears like, as well as to what Death smells like.

This story takes an interesting look at Deaths job, as well as the reactions people have at meeting Death. Recommended for mature readers, not because of the content, but because some of the items mentioned may confuse younger readers.
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Appliances Included
Mark Souza
50pages

A nice horror read for teens and adults. This story examines the history of a families 'new' home. It gives a recounting of the places history, and examines how rumors can be ignored. I enjoyed it's simple straight forward sty;e, as well as the unexpected twist at the end.

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Yeah I know this post is horribly short. But the stories aren't so long that I can give a deep analysis of them without possible spoilers. So feel free to read, please feel free to drop me some suggestions ^_^