The Gift of the Magi - An Appreciation

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It is customary to show old and new movies, play all time great music and songs, etc. around the festival and other important days.

So is done during the weeks and months leading to Christmas. TV will be full of great films on the theme of Christmas and "Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell", will be sung umpteenth time.

Here is one of the all time great short stories on the theme of Christmas by one of the greatest short story writer of all time.

The short story is titled, "The Gift of the Magi", and its writer is O. Henry whose real name was William Sydney Porter.

First what do we mean by Magi?

When Christ was born he is supposed to have been brought gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense by the Magi (incidentally, the English word 'magic' is derived from it) or three Wise Men or three Kings from the East.

The writer gives his own explanation at the end of the short story. This tradition of commentary by the author within the story is used less and less in modern stories. In fact, modern stories, like modern art and poetry, are becoming more and more difficult to understand and that may be one of the reasons that the genre of short stories is dying down, though not yet dead.

O. Henry writes at the end of the story, "The magi, as you know, were wise men--wonderfully wise men--who brought gifts to the Babe in the manger. They invented the art of giving Christmas presents. Being wise, their gifts were no doubt wise ones, possibly bearing the privilege of exchange in case of duplication. And here I have lamely related to you the uneventful chronicle of two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest. O all who give and receive gifts, such as they are wisest. Everywhere they are wisest. They are the magi."

The story concerns a poor couple Della and Jim who are at their wits' end on Christmas Eve what to give each other as they have no money. How much they had?

"One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by bulldozing the grocer and the vegetable man and the butcher until one's cheeks burned with the silent imputation of parsimony that such close dealing implied. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty- seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas."

Of course, it was the time when things and services were cheap. They paid a weekly rent of $ 8 for their furnished flat and Jim earned $ 20 per week though previously he was earning $ 30 per week. Still $ 1.87 was too little to buy any Christmas gift.

Yet they were able to buy expensive and exactly the very gifts which were most needed and desired by each other:

"Dell," said he, "let's put our Christmas presents away and keep 'em a while. They're too nice to use just at present."

The story ends with a "twist-in-the-tail" surprise which was a favorite ploy of the traditional writers and which is frowned upon by modern writers. However, this bitter-sweet ending makes this one of the greatest immortal short stories.

Of course, to know the surprise ending and savor this great story, I have not divulged all the details and I would recommend it a compulsory reading for all and especially for those who are young at heart. But who is not?

I would also request to ponder for a moment if the owner of an important sounding card bearing the name "Mr. James Dillingham Young" appertaining to unused letter-box and non-functioning electric button in the vestibule, had no money to spend on Christmas gift, how much hopeless the really poor might be feeling on Christmas eve! If we think about them on Christmas, God will surely bless us.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
LIVE THE LIFE BEAUTIFUL!
BE HAPPY! BE HEALTHY! BE SUCCESSFUL!
TODAY, TOMORROW, FOREVER!

The author is working in the field of happiness, health, and success. He is an expert Yoga and Naturopathy practitioner/guru and self-help and motivational writer. He is also a literary writer.

Please also visit:

http://www.thelifebeautiful.com/thegiftofthemagi.html

The Gift of the Magi

The short story "the dead?

Like the reader into their claws and a good book. "Because you never want to end. The world is full of great books; Some brilliant, some good, some bad and some that are just a waste if time. I remember reading one page 150 of 1123, and throw the book in the corner. It lies still.

Some stories are so large that is required and the number of volumes. As long as there is nothing wrong with that, it gives the author more scope to play with and a massive and that paint the scenery and characters. They have a lot if we have time to get their point. I never say it's easier to tell a short story from far away. And to long story can be very complex.

Let me put it this way. Imagine two to go at the top of the head of lmtagrpim boxing. Warrior one punch after punch after punch, throw and he sat the entire match. The last trick is moving to the right – and his rival on the ground. That is the equivalent of a long story. "A lot of action with complete hiding.

Now imagine the same only this time when the bell chimes to mark the beginning of the first round, one fighter, a single punch, destroy throws Earth, knocking the opponent out of the ring itself.

For me, that this is what should be a short story. A short story, because you did not accept characters with too long, should be the next knock you for six in a very short space of time. Unfortunate part is a lot of short stories I have read are not good. They are, make me want to throw it in after the first few pages. A short story should catch from the first sentence.

He often makes me wonder who agree not to publish short stories, even paying for them. Life Cemetery (and I'm a big fan of life cemetery) has released a number of short stories in them which left me puzzled. The end came and wondered what he was doing there in the first place. I didn't get the point. I didn't understand what the story was about much less what I was supposed to receive it. Even if the story slowly, it should at least have a great finish.

Really, he got me crying and publishers so many great stories about some of the stories they publish are still in, and I'm sure a lot of people's eyes, a complete waste of time.

There's a short story to be enjoyable reading. Quick hit. Perhaps, and publisher and editor was also thinking about it when you get short stories.

You never know, in fact we some good ones to change. Short story as it was not popular because people have lost interest in them but that doesn't mean they are dead. All we need is a few good courses.

An example of this is the books of blood Clive Barker. A collection of some of the best short stories around. Or team skeletons of Stephen King, which contains the attractive ' the mist ' story, recently became a movie.

I agree that and you're going to get a short story that is just nonsense, but I don't get that bridge I called today "are a waste of time.

I'm working on a new site dedicated to the midnight gardens, all things horror, science fiction and fantasy.

You can find us here: http://www.midnightreaping.com/

Weepin' Willa by Nariscia Lott

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Extraordinary and Honest

Weepin' Willa by Nariscia Lott is her first book of short stories which revolved from her past to present life. At first, I asked myself how I should read this book because as you may see, the stories are not in chronological order, but as I continue reading each story, I begin to understand why she wrote her book this way. Her stories are so real you can even see the characters' faces, smell their skin, touch and feel their emotions and even hear their heartbeat as they entwined their selves to the stories. Each character has its own color and vivid image that you will never forget.

Somehow the way Ms. Lott wrote her stories are what readers really missed from reading books. Though I'm not against with the edited versions but the way Weepin' Willa was presented is like as if Ms. Lott is actually sitting right next to you with a cup of lavender tea on hand while she unfolds all her happiness, sadness, loss and even her deepest secrets to you. You'd feel like as if you are Ms. Lott's best friend.

Weepin' Willa is a kind of book that will make you look out in the window and sigh and think about how you live your life. Her stories were filled with love, faith and straight from the heart words. No hypocrisy. Just plain love, love and more love.

No wonder Weepin' Willa, the tree, just keeps on shedding those tears for Ms. Lott's first collection of short stories is so deeply felt and beautiful. One of the many books I will never forget.

Lanie Shanzyra Rebancos is a published author of three anthologies, a book reviewer, Pushcart Prize nominee and one of the associates editors of Canadian Zen Haiku Journal. You may see more of her works at http://cobwebsandmemories.blogspot.com/

And Thereby Hangs a Tale by Jeffrey Archer

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Telling short stories is something that comes naturally to Sir Jeffrey Archer. His entertaining, stylish and witty short stories are just the right showcase for his expertise of characterization as well as unexpected plot twists in the story. The book And Thereby Hangs a Tale gives you all the reasons to understand why Jeffrey Archer is one of the bestselling authors of the world. All the short stories collections produced by him so far have turned out to be among the top ten bestsellers.

Consistently Producing Bestsellers

His books have sold more than 210 million copies all over the world and these include A Twist in the Tale, Kane and Abel and Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less. His most recent novel titled Paths of Glory ruled the Sunday Times Bestseller list for more than two months. He himself appears to be very well satisfied with the youth of the country and says they read well and are not at all swayed by Television and Internet.

The Effort That Goes Into the Book

When new writers look towards him for advice, he says he puts in about 1000 hours of hard work to write just one book. He further says it's essential to read a lot in order to become a better writer as great writing can only emerge from great reading. The author also says the Indians have great taste for stories, as they love stories which have beginning, middle and an end, and preferably, a twist in the tale also. Malgudi days is a perfect example of that, says Sir Jeffrey.

Based On His Own Experiences
There is a story in the latest collection about an Indian couple titled Caste-Off which touched Sir Jeffrey the most. It is about an inter-caste marriage and the consequences suffered by the couple due to the marriage. The collection reflects Sir Jeffrey's own experiences in the last six years, the book contains 15 short stories, complete with wit, entertainment and of course, great punch lines.

Some Stories Will Be Relished More

The story Members Only is about the young man who tries hard to get into a prestigious Golf Club. It is a typical Archer book, therefore the language had to be solid and lucid at the same time. All the stories are so different, but the readers are likely to relish some stories such as "The Queen's Birthday Telegram" and "The Undiplomatic Diplomat" more than the others. Some stories, however, are somewhat predictable but it only happens when you have read numerous such stories. These stories have been collected from all over the world and they come from as far as Germany, Italy, UK, France, and of course one from India.

The author Prasoon Kumar works for http://www.uread.com/ which is the leading online bookstore that offers all the current and all time great titles at never before prices. Sir Jeffrey Archer has established himself as the top author in the short stories genre. His latest book available at http://www.uread.com/book/and-thereby-hangs-tale-jeffrey/9780330513685 at huge discounts shows us just that.

Short Story Review - Stephen King's "Harvey's Dream"

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From the book "Just after Sunset," by Stephen King: "Harvey's Dream" a ten page story, in a book over 350-pages, $28.000 (I got it on sale for $7.00; thank goodness), dated 2008. To my knowledge, Mr. King hasn't written short stories for a while, this book was his first in a number of years. It says on the leaf inside the book "Stephen King...delivers an astonishing collection of short stories...." Harvey's Dream, is far from being astonishing. I read a few of his books years ago, only one impressed me, but I never read his short stories, and this story is badly written, by anybody's standards. I haven't gotten to the full book yet, it make take a year or two after reading this ten-page story which is real stale, oversimplified, written in short sentences that don't seem to connect properly.

He uses stupid phrases, idioms that don't fit the character or mood or life of the story-and perhaps a bit confusing for the younger reader; it seems he's simply grabbing at anything, knowing his name will carry the book over the silliness of it all, the sentences-in particular their endings awkward to say the least. He sounds like a reporter, and a 3rd person reporter, that shouldn't be reporting. He uses four-letter words, cuss words, to maximize the potency, or let's say, to emphases the mood, and by gosh, it just falls fat, like someone staring at you, dumbfounded.

He uses click, catchphrases, tags like "Waterloo," or "Alfalfa of the Little Rascals," or "The Sopranos," to make his point (dumb, dumb and dumber). I can't imagine any one wanting to reread this story, and I'm afraid to move on and read the other several stories in the book, it's embarrassing, I'm embarrassed for him-odd isn't it. He's evidently, not working for posterity of his works, most folks, writers nowadays aren't, and it shows. But this story should never have been put into the book, it's really beneath him. (8-11-2010)

Room a Novel by Emma Donoghue

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Book Review: Room a novel by Emma Donoghue

A unique novel from the pen of Emma Donoghue, Room is whole lot different from the what you have ever read. The protagonist is a five year old boy named Jack who was born and has lived his entire life in an 11 foot by 11 foot room.

Jack is a typical five year old, innocent and curious with a streak of imagination whose mother was taken away by an abductor named "Old Nick" on her way back home from her college. Ever since that incident she has lived in a small sound proofed room, for the past seven long years where she then gave birth to Jack who is the son of the abductor himself. The mother attempts to feed the curiosity of her son by making up a lot of games that are innovative. The world of Ma and Jack are totally intertwined of course and they devote every ounce of energy to each other. All of this binds both the son and mother who lead their abnormal existence not knowing about the real world outside.

Jack gives us the child perspective of the Room and the situation which he has to deal with in a simplistic manner which just accentuates the horror of the plot. During the nights, he goes behind the wardrobe to hide and perceives Old Nick's presence by counting the number of creaks in the bed. He feels the depression of his mother, but although he knows it, he has no idea why she feels that way. His mother is more concerned about her son than herself knowing full well that as he grows older, his sense of curiosity will increase which may put him in the path of fatal danger.

The plot unfolds from then on but i will not spoil this for you. The book is a thriller and a must read for all, though you will probably only want to read it once!

Was the inspiration from Josef Fritzl? The real life nutcase in Austria who kept his daughter locked up in an underground bunker, probably.

A stealthy feminist manifesto or one of the best books of the year? - I will let you decide

If you have the guts to read a chapter of this scary book click here

For your chance to get a free iPad or amazon kindle do check out http://powerfulreviews.com/ thanks.

Learn the story of the great short story authors book good?

She wrote a good book should be essential elements of a good story. Means you need a similar title, pulling, moving the first paragraph, and the conflict between at least two opposing action of agents, and finally the solution to the problem (which is not always happy weekend!).

It also seems obvious that describe the characters and the place and time with few words, so the story has its own unique setting her completely. But you will not be satisfied if the official list of criteria. The real value of the literary quality of the story, the school, depending on the group. Characters, plot, setting, and conflict, extension should be the logical parts of a story in which match each of these components. If they don't want to, the story not many readers, and it's not very reliable or convincing.

Where you can get help? The first step for anyone who wants to write a special kind of text is called the great writers. Famous short story writers ever have considered these aspects, masterful and up combinations of these elements. So let me try to use one of the best short stories, "the cat that I know of Hemingway in the rain".

This story has only four pages, but all the pieces are there. There are very precise definition, there are two characters at the end of the conflict, offers a solution that might be positive; At least there is a feeling of hope, change and a young woman can come true, eventually.

All this sounds simple and even banal. But this is a very short story is a masterpiece, because it puts all the pieces together the flow of his qualities and operation that makes unique. The question is, "How do you get the ability to write to the stream of words that make a work of art, or at least a logical construction that some degrees?

My answer is, not only has the talent. You can learn how to write a short story, and of course the school story, taking into account these ideas a few basic rules. Try to create the raw structure your story, perhaps only one event begins your school life. Download it and think the reasons, conditions, problems and implications related to this event. Find two or three people who had to do with it, and then make sure that the second write full story at this point. Use your fantasy, as well as your memory.

Never should forget about dialogue. A short story is a piece of literature to life with direct communication of flies. Through dialogue make it not only read but also exciting. Make people talk, your story will speak your readers!

Henry Arnold, author of the book "stories, published a number of books on American and English novels. With his experience as a teacher at the school for many years, he wrote his first collection of stories only that deals with the life of the school. He tries to help authors who are interested in this subject to make the first steps towards real book stories. His special interest is in describing problems, patterns of the education system, for example, literary means school stories. You can visit his blog for more information on: http://smartschoolstories.blogspot.com/