WRG!Good Reads: An encounter with "Grub"
Last week saw my family and myself enjoying the great Welsh coast whilst on a much needed holiday from our hectic schedules. During the evening, with the little ones tucked up warm and snug in bed, there wasn’t a great deal to distract from the pleasure of a good book.
Now I don’t know about you guys, but to me there isn’t much in the world that can compare with a good book in front of a roaring fire and a fierce wind rattling through the branches outside… unless of course you add a nice steaming mug of tea to that scenario.
Being an independent author I often find myself searching for books that I wouldn’t normally come across on the bookshelf of a supermarket or bookstore. There are countless numbers of great reads that go undiscovered and authors never heard of let alone forgotten.
As a new, and proud, contributor to WRG! I hope to be able to shed some light in the wilderness that some ‘indie’ books and authors find themselves in and hopefully introduce you all to your next new favourites.
During my week away on the coast, complete with fantastic views of the ocean and the aforementioned howling winds, I felt a good dark read was in order. Once I had managed to secure a Wi-Fi connection for the few minutes it would take to search and download an eBook, I began the search.
For the purposes of this posting I decided to try an author that was previously unknown to me, so as to give a completely unbiased report.
The author I chose is JD Gillam and the book is entitled FIFTEEN.
This short story is focused on a young boy named Grub, a somewhat unknown entity on the very edge of society. Nothing is known about the boy, where he lives, who his parents are, even his real name. The residents of the unnamed town have just come to know him as Grub on account of his dirty, shabby appearance.
Children are warned to never speak to Grub, or to even walk on the same side of the road as him. Without even knowing why, people just seem to shun this young social reject. One little girl ignores her parents warning, ignores the boys outward appearance. All Kady sees is a young lonely boy, perhaps a new playmate?
Fifteen is an excellent example of the short story done properly, a lot of information and background is given with scarcely a wasted word. The pace is just about spot on too, moving along quickly enough to keep your interest without spoiling the suspense. From the very first page I could tell I was going to enjoy reading this, it has a strong and descriptive start that continues through to the end. The Kady character is also well written, considering the space given for background, and you feel warmth for her caring and loving nature whilst simultaneously wanting to admonish her for her foolishness
The ending is not quite what I expected, which is a good thing, and it left me mildly surprised and completely satisfied with it.
The book is completely free but I would have gladly paid for the privilege of downloading a copy. I have found some similar reads to this that you can check out below, if you enjoy surprise endings you surely will not be disappointed.
Until next time, enjoy your reads and have a great weekend.
Playground A slightly disturbing unique story from the viewpoint of a child.
Appliances Included A ghost story with a difference, you will never curse at your dishwasher again
Words By: Steve J Davies
Images Courtesy:
Image copyright of JD Gillam
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