The Rundown
A Book of Revelations opens with a Eudora Welty quote about the way our lives unfurl in a sequence of time that defies chronology, instead following a “continuous thread of revelation.” This insight from the short story doyenne leads readers into A.C. Burch’s collection and then lingers, an almost imperceptible but undeniable bass line connecting 8 eclectic tales.
While distinctly different, each story is inhabited by characters who exist on the fringes until they’re flung into storylines where they’re forced to collide with other people and previously unknown facets of themselves.
Welty’s “continuous thread of revelation” is evident in Burch’s “Private Quarters” when an unlikely friendship and paper-thin walls prompt a college music student to begin peeling back the layers of his identity and “Götterdämmerung” as a professional musician becomes a conduit as his struggle with the ephemeral nature of fame becomes a catalyst for exploring and expressing his deepest desires as he comes to terms with himself.
Each story draws readers into continuums of isolation and connection, introspection and expression, confusion and lucidity as its characters stumble and soar toward finding and claiming their own voices.
The Recommendation
A Book of Revelations delivers the voyeuristic aspects of social media sans FOMO (fear of missing out) thanks to Burch’s stellar ability to place a reader inside the characters he’s created. His short stories have an epic feel because of his exquisite use of language and penchant for deftly wielding details. (Prepare to be compelled to reread details like “her right blinking flashing as she turned left” multiple times.)
Lately, there’s been no shortage of research on the benefits of reading floating around in the “soundbite-osphere,” everything from reduced stress levels and higher happiness quotients to better sleep and elevated empathy. (This inc.com feature rounds up nine of them.) As for the latter, being immersed in the worlds masterfully created by Burch may result in an almost immediate boost in understanding.
The eavesdropping sensation they induce is mesmerizing, and the stream of unexpected revelations are, too.
LINK FOR ARTICLE ABOVEL http://www.inc.com/jeff-haden/9-ways-reading-fiction-can-make-you-happier-and-more-creative.html
The Rating
Top Pick! 5 Stars (out of five): Freaking amazing. Any agent or publishing house that passed this one up made a big mistake. It was selected by our reviewer as a personal favorite. This is also a nomination for our Novel of the Year award.
The Pros & Cons
Pros: Characterization, Dialogue, Strong World-Building, Surprise Ending, Unique StyleThe Links
The Reviewer
Amy R. Biddle
Visit Amy R. Biddle‘s website.If you had a writing motto what would it be?
The best course of action when you've finished writing a book is to start writing another one.
Where do you draw your inspiration?
I’m fascinated by people who exist outside the norm. I study them carefully and then create composite characters in my head. Most times, these impressions become full-blown personalities who promptly savage whatever plot I’ve had in mind.
What is one interesting fact about you?
I write to the music of one artist or composer for the entire time I'm writing and editing a book. When done for the day, I stop the playlist then start up in the same place the next morning. This process brings my mind right back to wherever I left off.
Have you learned anything from the self publishing process and would you do anything differently next time?
Staying on top of the social media companies latest shenanigans requires an ever-evolving strategy and a high tolerance for frustration. Next time, I'll build a much more comprehensive marketing plan replete with multiple options and fallback scenarios.
What has been your most successful marketing strategy?
Direct contact with Indie Booksellers. I've met some fantastic people who do all they can to support their authors.
What is the best kept secret you have found in regard to indie publishing?
That the majority of folks in the business are passionate, committed, and want authors to succeed
Visit the author’s website
Read A Book of Revelations
