This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
A Collection of Short Stories & Poems, by Gary E. Smith, is an insightful, entertaining work that has something for everyone. The author touches on issues most of us can relate to, from romance to war, and brings these issues to life in story form and poetry. Writing about the human experience is a little harder than it sounds, but Smith makes it seem easy. He effortlessly weaves tales that are simple on the surface but hold deep meaning beneath. As you read, you can't help but put yourself in the shoes of the characters and wonder how you would react in these circumstances. Some of the stories are broad, while others are more specific, so this means that readers will connect with them in different ways and on different levels.
From the first story, which begins as a romance, you will be engaged with Smith's breezy style. I like the feeling of art and culture that winds through the stories, which leads me to believe that the author has the soul of a true artist. The images included in the text add a layer of depth to the entire work. Another thing I like is the way Smith builds his characters. They are multi-layered and realistic--people you could meet on the street any day. He's also good with dialogue, which helps move the stories along at an even, enjoyable pace. If you want to get a real feel for an author's ability and style, read a collection of stories like this. It can demonstrate skill, range, insight, and depth. Being a retired photographer, one of my favorites is "The Photographer". Smith has good instincts, imagination, observation skills, and knows how to translate what he sees and experiences. Immerse yourself in Gary E. Smith's A Collection of Short Stories & Poems for memorable characters and well-told stories.
