Reviews of Creative Works that Speak Volumes
"Flight of August" by Lawrence Eby Genre: Poetry Collection
The book is a collection of poems that etch out a dangerous post-apocalyptic world. At first glance, these pieces are disjointed stories written in numerous locations from a variety of perspectives. By the end, the reader realizes that each poem is a snapshot of a forgotten world. Each work is masterfully written in sparse text that lays itself out in innovative patterns. These forty-eight poems only give us a glimpse of this world.
Author's Site: larryeby.wordpress.com/
Author's Site: larryeby.wordpress.com/
"Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson Genre: Young Adult Fiction
A book about the life of a high school freshmen girl named Melinda. She undergoes an experience that shakes her very foundation. She faces the turmoil of a high school student, the desire to tell someone what happened, and the constant feeling that she does not belong. The book takes us on a journey with Melinda. We feel sorry for her. We understand her. Some of us can relate closely to her. The writing is tight, the conversations are personal. Each page turns to the next and the story ends leaving us wanting more. The book explores dark subject matter and leads the reader to a greater level of understanding. Author's Site: http://madwomanintheforest.com/
"Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice" by Ninja Theory Platform: PS4 Rating: Mature
Senua is a warrior of a Keltic tribe who returns home to find her village raided by Vikings. She sets out to get revenge. The greatest battles she faces are in her own mind. She suffers from psychosis, a condition that causes her to hear voices. She sees things that aren't there and finds patterns in things where there are none present. The developers interviewed people who have psychosis and a professor who specializes in psychosis. The game is about awareness and takes us through a journey of self-discovery through the eyes and ears of Senua. The game uses binaural sound which can make it feel eerie and the puzzles can be cryptic. The combat is visceral and intimate, but is not the focus of the game. Vision blurs, voices hum, runes populate, and we get a focus on who Senua is a and what she has to come to terms with.
Developer's Site: https://ninjatheory.com/wp/
Developer's Site: https://ninjatheory.com/wp/
"Life is Strange" by Dontnod Platform: PS4 Rating: Mature
Life is Strange follows the life of a senior high school student at Blackwell Academy. The story has a remarkable cast of characters with memorable character arcs. Max is a photography student obsessed with analog photography. The game takes us through Max's life and is incredibly personable as it tackles issues and themes many young adults go through. The characters feel present and real. Their struggles and conversations are relatable and believable. The game mixes realism with a touch of the fantastic through a mechanic that allows you to go back and change your mind after making an important choice. Developer's Site: dont-nod.com/en/