“The Light, The Dark, and Ember Between” by J.W. Nicklaus Book Review

By admin, on December 21st, 2009

The Light Dark Ember Between

J.W. Nicklaus 2

About J.W. Nicklaus

J.W. Nicklaus resides in a place not entirely fit for human habitation about five months of the year. No pets to speak of, only the apparitions from which all romantics suffer.

An Arizona native, he’s been from one coast to the other, and a few places in between. College brought an AA in Journalism with a minor in Photography, and a Bachelor of Science in Telecommunications. His work experience has run the gamut from Creative Director for a small advertising firm in Tucson to a litigation support bureau in Phoenix (and assuredly some awkward stuff in the mix).

Snow has been featured prominently in his stories, perhaps because of the seasonless cli-mate he lives in. Nature was meant to be enjoyed and experienced, not hidden from the senses. So to that end, he hopes someday to live amongst those who are able to live through four true seasons, and not just blast furnace and warm.

He enjoys the occasional Arizona Diamondbacks game with his son, as well as watching him grow up. The experience of being a single dad has taught him far more about himself than he ever thought possible.

Within the expanse of every waking moment, he hopes his guardian angel keeps its arms open wide and heart ever watchful, for there but for one true Hope goes She.

For more about J.W. visit www.a vomnia.com.

The Review (courtesy of Tess Loiselle)

This is a volume of short stories that try to invoke in the reader a more thoughtful approach to the contents. Each story is emotionally moving and entertaining. Some stories are romantic, some are a little edgy, some are slightly spirtual. All of them, however, seem to hold one common ground, that we are, as readers, forced to read between the lines. What you expect to happen isn’t necessarily going to.

For example, in “Blind” the simple act of helping a suspicious stranger out, leads to truly understanding what giving is all about. And in “One Washington Diner” a man clinging to life finds his solitude and his love in one champion of a waitress, but who is she really?

J.W. Nicklaus should be applauded for his in-depth study into the human psyche. You will pause after each story to reflect what you have just read and be glad you read it. This is a very inspiring read for anyone who likes to think outside the box. No two stories are alike and I urge the reader to strongly consider this challenging adventure.

The Light The Dark and Ember Between

About The Light, The Dark & Ember Between

A collection of short stories, each a splinter’s reflection of the human condition, firmly centered upon our oft tenuous, sometimes tensile bond with Hope, and careening flirtation with Love.

Fifteen stories: From the wispy fog of a love lost at sea, to an orphaned child who delivers a present of her own during a war-torn Christmas. These stories are gentle reminders to each of us of what it is to be human, and certainly of our affinity for the slightest glint of Hope.

Read the Excerpt!

From One Washington Diner:The interior lights punched holes in the dead of night, and in the stillness I could hear the buzz of glowing neon from the sign above. I’d hoped there would be the slim chance of some distraction from the empty, laughing darkness that taunted me. Pinching the bridge of my nose between thumb and forefinger, I shuffled through the front door, greeted by the hostess/cashier/night manager, who apparently was thriving on the not-so-delicate thrush of caffeine. Her uniform bore the hallmarks of traditional diner-dom: bobby sox, her skirt hemline right around knee level, and wide, flat lapels on her blouse. She looked me over for all of two seconds before making
her vocal appraisal.
“Let me guess…can’t sleep?” Her voice was disarming, welcoming, like a puppy that jumps in
your lap. Managing a frustrated grin I hoarsely replied, “That obvious?”
“Your eyes, your body language—yeah.” I should have had some snappy retort, but my mental haze precluded any such response and subsequently I let slip my small window of opportunity for any suitable comeback.
Instead, I yawned.