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Kurien George is a retired priest, with a Masters in Psychology from the City University of New York. He is an avid reader, nature lover, agriculturist, dairy farmer, short story and poem writer. His first poetry book, “Echoes of Life,” was published in 1996, followed by a self-published book of short stories (Thank You Dear Snake! - pen name Ben Koryun) in 2015, which were inspired by all his experiences from childhood to date. It was given a four star rating by Readers’ Favourite. His second book of poems, “Voices in the Rainbow” is pending publication. He has also been working on other projects from his experiences in psychotherapy and counselling (The Sacred Room series), his intervention to reach home wandering mentally ill persons. He is interested in the medicinal use of plants in and around his native state of Kerala, in India. One of the unique expressions of his spirituality is the construction of a spirituality centre in the hills of Peerumede in Idukki district using mud compacting technology, using coconut lumber for roofing. This spirituality centre has a Christ-centeredness emphasizing God’s presence in each person and the sharing of God’s love in one’s daily life. He lives with his wife Jessy in Ranni, Kerala amidst the greenery, his cows, and a lifetime collection of books. Though not a professional photographer he enjoys taking pictures. He loves God and his/her creation and works to enable life on earth through the love of Jesus Christ.
Reviewed by Vernita Naylor for Readers' Favorite
As we embark on the journey called life, we encounter all types of people. As we encounter these people, their actions make us question ourselves at some time. For example, you are at the mall; you pass through the door and hold it open for the next person(s) who are coming through. Instead of them either saying thank you or holding the door for themselves and the others within their party, they expect you to continue this effort as if you were the door person. This is what Thank You Dear Snake: A Collection of Short Stories by Ben Koryun is all about - human nature. In this book you will find over ten cleverly crafted short stories about courage, friendship, pride, loneliness, deceit and pain. Each story not only tells a tale, but there are elements of great wit at the end of each one.
I truly enjoyed several of the stories: Thank You Dear Snake, Goodbye, Just A Plantain Skin, You Cannot Tie An Elephant With A Dog Chain, and Malathi, Will You Marry Me? which are written with a flavor of India. Koryun gives each story a special cultural touch that helps to develop it, but you can still feel and experience the effects of the storyline. Every story puts you in the setting as if you are experiencing the same things as the character of the story. If you are looking to relax with your favorite cup of tea, latte or hot chocolate and want to read a collection of great short stories, picking up a copy of Thank You Dear Snake: A Collection of Short Stories by Ben Koryun should be on your list.
