Land of the Story Tellers
This book has been traveling 25 years to get here ... and now it's here. And you have to say call it - is this the book that will win your heart?
There are many stories in this book. It's vivid anthology of American fiction. These stories were gathered from a sharp eye, and ears cupped into the conservations of strangers. The things they said which stuck inside, only writing what really mattered in good storytelling.
The Old Lady bestows the virtues of volunteerism on the readership, where the lead character devotes thirty-eight years into caring for war veterans at the Soldiers Home.The perpetual love between father and daughter, is told on the blue bed of the lake in the fishing story of May Rain. The crowning jewels of thematic patterning overshadowed the need for dialogue in Texas Hardpan, and the supernatural gift of Sanctifying Grace is bestowed on those crying hard on the sun cracked soil of Hillcrest Cemetery.
Nick slashes up the lake ice with his much loved CCM hockey skates in Old Man Winter, and the desolation of wilderness heals the young man from the death of his girlfriend. Practicing Law is a parable told in Ireland, where a RUC constable by the name of Molly McGrath gets killed on the Foyle Bridge crossing by an IRA ambush, and some blood ends up across the ocean on the Queen's hands.
Inside the smoke filled train station of When the Subject Matter Caught Up With Everything, and band of English majors from Princeton and Columbia recite the evolution of language when focus became fixed on the root syllables of Teutonic - syllables deprived of accents were weakened in pronunciation over time by slurring of sound together, and eventually the vowels and constant sounds became erased from frequency response; these inflected forms of words were allowed to flourish with new pronunciation, from the victories of marauding wars. Three oil men from Texas in the smoke filed train station, are virtually stunned at the brilliance of the college students.
First Steps is a child's story, with the plot submerged towards mercy for the weak and defenseless. Pencil Box is spun in the heart of Central Park, where the readers can sit on the iconic green park bench inscribed - For All The Dreamers.
Perhaps the most rousing tale in this book is Dolly Dagger, the suffering of Vietnam veteran Merle Long both from the fateful morning his Marine company got overrun by the 324th NVA Regiment, and the jeering Merle endured from our country on his crestfallen home coming ... missing parts of his body. This story is hailed for its authenticity from those who fought in the jungles of Vietnam, and will endure a staple of short war stories.
These stories span our world. I hope you like some. The signature of storytelling is breathing characterization with unusual subject matter, and protagonists who bear very deep scars, both seen and unseen from the whipping posts of life.
- author Stephen Deck
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"Deck can write. In Land of The Story Tellers he writes with a seemingly infinite range of styles. Amazingly, he's mastered them all. From this exceptional observation of details comes vivid and luminous images, and from the juxtaposition of these images he builds his stories." John M. Del Vecchio, author of 13th Valley
"Thank you for your copy of the short story, 'The Mexicans, ' kindly inscribed. You know how I love to read! And thanks too for the engaging photo. President Bush joins me in sending our best wishes." First Lady Laura Bush
"Simply stated, Stephen Deck is a natural born storyteller who is able to tell his stories on paper with the same eloquence as if he were sitting across the room. The signature of his storytelling is breathing characterization with unusual subject matter, and protagonists who bear very deep scars, both seen and unseen from the whipping posts of life." MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
"Land of the Story Tellers is a diverse and captivating. These stories excel in exploring the rawness of human emotions and relationships. This thought-provoking read will appeal to readers of all ages and genres. An unforgettable anthology that sticks with you." CAROL THOMPSON FOR READERS' FAVORITE
"Land of the Story Tellers reflects the profound and sometimes very simple nature of life. The author's power to tell a simple, yet compelling story, time and again, is paramount. This is a fascinating collection to be savored and enjoyed each day, one entry at a time. Profoundly artistic, thrilling, adventurous and captivating." EMILY-JANE HILLS ORFORD, FOR READERS' FAVORITE
"This is a brilliant collection of classic American tales. Deck's keen observation of people infuses the stories with authenticity, making each character and setting feel remarkably real as the witty dialogue leaps from the pages to make you chuckle or gasp out loud. Land of the Story Tellers is a poignant, thought-provoking, and memorable read that fans of accomplished short-form fiction everywhere are sure to adore." K.C. FINN, FOR READERS' FAVORITE
"Stephen Deck's Land of the Story Tellers demonstrates Deck's command of storytelling, showing us his keen eye for detail and a unique understanding of human profiles. The author captures the essence of his characters with striking clarity. Overall, this collection stands out as a singular anthology in its exploration of universal themes through engrossing and persuasive storytelling." ASHER SYED, FOR READERS' FAVORITE
"Land of the Story Tellers is an enthralling anthology that will delight short story lovers and poetry readers alike. Stephen Deck's tales explore many different facets of the human experience. Each tale has its own set of surprises in store for the reader, adding rich and distinct flavors of life to the narrative. If you're looking for a quiet evening read and love short stories, this is the perfect book for you." PIKASHO DEKA, FOR READERS' FAVORITE
"'Dolly Dagger' is a story in Land of The Story Tellers. This is a tale of accuracy and truth. We endured the threat of injury and death every day. To survive and come home to a largely hostile population bred among us anger and a sense of revenge. The climate today is a 100% reversal of goodwill for veterans and support long overdue." Cpl. Aldo Martinelli, United States Marine Corp
"The choice of words in Land of The Story Tellers are like brush strokes of an artist...they capture and engulf the reader into the expressions of great storytelling. The author's abilities to capture the essence of the environment and conduct the readership through the windows of time, sparks the imagination." Donald Wilda, Wildlife Artist
