Now, as Stanley lay on his cot, he thought it was kind of funny in a way. Nobody had believed him when he said he was innocent. Now, when he said he stole them, nobody believed him either.
As said in the 1998 book Holes by Louis Sachar. It tells of Stanley Yelnats who has to adapt when sent to a correctional facility in Texas after being accused of stealing a pair of valuable trainers.
Perhaps even people you like and admire immensely can make you see the World in ways you would rather not.
Taken from the much acclaimed fantasy novel Piranesi (2020) by Susanna Clarke.
I’m very good at the past. It’s the present I can’t understand.
Taken from the novel High Fidelity (1995) by British writer Nick Hornby. Told in a stream of consciousness, it tells of the main character’s struggle to cope with a break up and how it relates to his life overall. I read it years ago but it was very interesting rereading it over 20 years later.
I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right.
Taken from The Book Thief by Australian writer Markus Zusak. The novel is set during World War II and narrated by Death. I could easily have quoted a dozen quotes from this extraordinary book.
Though much is taken, much abides; and though
We are not now that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.
The much celebrated English Poet Lord Alfred Tennyson (1809 – 1892), who was Poet Laurette during much of Queen Victoria’s reign.
Last month I used the wonderful Rachel from Rachel’s Random Resources, who specialises in promoting writers by highlighting their work to literary bloggers. I wanted to thank all the reviewers for their time and effort in reading and their thoughts on my work. I would totally recommend all their websites too.
Tomes and Tales – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Tizi’s Book Review – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Northern Reader – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Nicki’s Life of Crime – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Book Shortie – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Bookwormsina – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Jae.Rae.Reads – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Duckfacekim09 – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Rozierreadsandwine – Always Never Rarely Sometimes review
Curled Up with a Good Book – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Plumbobmommy – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Booklymatters – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
The Photographer’s Way – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Girls_who_hike_and_read – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Sophiethebookworm – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Jessica Belmont – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Broken Geek – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
The Divine Write – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Mickysbookworm – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes review
Lisa.Loves.Literature – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes promotion
Ellesea Loves Reading – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes promotion
B for Bookreview – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes promotion
Bonnie Reads and Writes – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes promotion
Jazzy Book Reviews – Always Never, Rarely Sometimes promotion
I saw all the mirrors on Earth and none of them reflected me.
As said by Argentine writer Jorge Luis Borges (1899 – 1986), best known for his short stories.
I’m very good at the past. It’s the present I can’t understand.
As said by the narrator Rob Fleming in the book High Fidelity (1995) by English writer Nick Hornby, and has achieved success as adaptations for TV, film and Broadway.
Alfred Joseph was a nice man. The type of man who would lend you his umbrella even if it meant he got sodden wet. The type of guy that would drive miles out of his way to make sure his friends got back ok. Even strangers sometimes. The type who would always bring far more than he needed to when invited to a party, but wouldn’t be annoyed if guests didn’t bring anything when he hosted.
Indeed, he was a legend in the small town for his kindness and generosity. When little Bobby Firman broke his leg and missed out on his trip to Disneyland, Alfred was the one who set up a fundraiser and gave generously himself to make sure Bobby could go when his leg was better. When Alfred’s competitor for the Best Homemade Lemonade was disqualified through an overzealous technicality, Alfred made sure she was reinstated, even though it meant he lost out on the prize. When the town was voted among the least desirable, Alfred used it as motivation to help change its whole perception. He worked harder than anyone cleaning up the parks, scrubbing off graffiti and helping to improve dilapidated buildings. And smiled his way throughout.
People would ask for his advice all the time and he would never mind, even when he was out shopping or in a hurry. He made so much time for everyone that people often joked that he must have more hours in the day than everybody else. It was that same humour that led people to comment that the town’s most popular attraction wasn’t the majestic 40-foot arch by the town hall, but rather the short, bespectacled and much-loved Mr Joseph. Which made the fact he wanted to kill his wife all the more surprising…
That’s the opening to my short story “Motive, Murder, Method” from my third book Always Never, Rarely Sometimes. I wanted to thank those of you who had got a copy so far and to let you know that my website http://www.alexanderraphaelwriter.com/ with all the details has now been updated. I hope you guys are all well.
I have great news for you all. My new book is out. It’s a collection of short stories called Always Never, Rarely Sometimes and I’m so happy to be able to tell you all about it. Like with Illusions, Delusions, there are seven stories but this time the focus is on more traditional storytelling with a slight twist.
Read about a regular boy named Harry Potter whose life changes overnight when the literary character becomes a phenomenon. Or about a middle aged lady who goes for quiet coffee and gets more than she bargained for when she spots a group of four friends. Not forgetting the story about an unhappy child’s Christmas being changed thanks to a very surprising encounter. And there’s plenty more 😀
Those are the links if you want to get a copy. It’s also part of Kindle Unlimited. Hope you’re having a wonderful day 😊
Alex Raphael 