S.O.S. Animals And Other Stories


Christian - General
134 Pages
Reviewed on 05/31/2017
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Preface

It has always been my motto in life to think out of the box. Where religious faith is concerned however, I throw the box out and let nature, imagination and simplicity take its own course. I’m only human but I believe that one day, I too can become perfect just the way our Heavenly Father is perfect. With that aim I try to be a better person each day. It’s difficult for me to be good… at times, it seems difficult to be human. It is at these times I take refuge in the birds of the air, the animals of the jungle so that through their perfection… my imperfections can be hidden and through their eyes I can see what the corruption in me cannot perceive. So it is through my short stories using animals and birds great and small that I try to achieve that state of grace which eludes me.

Best wishes,
Fiza Pathan

    Book Review

Reviewed by Jane Finch for Readers' Favorite

S.O.S. Animals and Other Stories by Fiza Pathan is a collection of 26 short stories which range from parable-like stories backed up by biblical texts, to unusual scenarios which cause the reader to stop and think. Many of the stories involve animals in one way or another, which makes this a book that will appeal to readers old and young alike. The stories are brief yet succinct and told in a voice that expands on the parable image. All 26 stories are completely different, yet have a similarity running through them that makes this an appealing collection. The scenarios are unusual and sometimes a little bizarre, but fit perfectly with the resolution at the end of each story.

The author, Fiza Pathan, has compiled an unusual yet appealing collection of stories in this book, which came as quite a surprise at first. However, the unusual writing approach actually works really well and captures the imagination of the reader in an unexpected way. For example, in Chaos at the Mall, the reader is led to wonder what on earth can be going on, yet is compelled to keep reading as stranger things keep occurring at a chaotic Christmas time in a shopping mall in Mumbai. It is only right at the end that it all comes together and makes perfect sense. This is just one example, but all the other stories have a similar format, giving a satisfactory explanation and ending each time. The author is to be applauded for thinking outside the box and producing something completely different that would be suitable for all ages and could also be used as short stories that children would enjoy or daily meditations by adults.

Fiza Pathan

Editorial Reviews:

"SOS Animals and other Stories is a beautiful expression of faith through the eyes of a believer, in a manner both different and unique. The language is simple and lucid, yet enticing and appealing at the same time. The book can be used as a veritable resource book for catechesis and moral development. The stories in this book can also be used as a simple read for daily reflections."
Br. Joshan Rodrigues- The Examiner Issue date 03 November 2012

"With a bare cast of animals and humans, primal settings and exquisite imagination, Fiza Pathan weaves 22 timeless fables of moral values. Each one is like a puzzle, with the author never failing to come through at the end with a neat, relevant aphorism. Sometimes references to the real world are Biblical; other times they recall the Titanic or Michael Jackson. The book is short, light, beautifully written, touching and original. A little mysticism is added as Pathan illuminates her own earnest, Christian journey to lead a more perfect life. At age 23, Pathan of Mumbai, India is an author to watch. I was delighted by this creation of intriguing tales, suitable for readers of all ages. " -author Margaret Virany (Amazon)

In the 2015 Animals, Animals, Animals Book Festival, S.O.S. Animals And Other Stories
was a RUNNER-UP in the Spiritual Category.  
In the 2015 Holiday Book Festival, S.O.S. Animals And Other Stories received Honourable Mention in the WILD CARD Category.