The Orange Spotlight

Mel Bosworth When The Cats Razzed the Chickens & Other Stories (Folded Word, Handcrafted Batch Dec. 29th)

After both holding this book in my hand and then reading it cover to cover in one sitting, I still can not decide if I am more impressed by the words of Mel Bosworth or the passionate craftsmanship of Folded Word. The edition that I have of Mel's When The Cats Razzed the Chickens & Other Stories is from the Signature Series run and my copy is #49.

This book was clearly put together by hand, lovingly embossed and hand-sewn, by a person who genuinely cares to be a part of the process. Not just the process, this person loves to be a part of the tradition of literature. I have a feeling that is why Mel chose Folded Word and is other of their biggest supporters. Because if you follow Mel's blog you will know that he himself is very passionate about the work others and not just concerned about his own work. To tell the truth, I turn to him when I want to if there is a new issue this or that, or what is going on in the on-line world. He is tuned into the pulse of modern literature and it shows in his work.

"The girl tilts her head and studies me. She takes seaweed from the pail and makes me a necklace. She likes how it looks an claps. Her brother glances up and glowers." from "Leave As I Lessen" (Pushcart-nominated)

Ok, this is a review so I suppose I should talk about the words themselves. The stories contained in this collection are at times funny, at times abstract and dosed with metaphor, and at times touchingly honest. Mel writes about life, but has voice that is unique and an imagination that takes over where life leaves off. Whether writing about his beard, his cat, or his family watching him melt into the ocean, Mel delivers in his debut collection.