About this Book

“Black Heart Cinnamon Jar” invites readers to explore a mosaic of perspectives in a collection of thought-provoking short stories. This anthology offers a unique journey through varied—and sometimes conflicting—viewpoints.

This book will challenge your soul. Among its diverse characters you will certainly find someone relatable, regardless of your age, race, gender or lack thereof. As humans, we are charged with the task of somehow finding our way through this life. We wear the inscriptions of joys and sorrows layered upon us like habiliments of rank, or makeshift protection from the elements.

But these stories don’t waste time on the sunk costs of trauma. We look instead to the adventures and opportunities that stand before their relatable characters. Is this a time to flee, or fight? Can we avoid our demons? Can we send them away? Or is today the day we declare a truce, and partner with our enemy past?

Themes of grief, loss, memory, moral dilemma and identity are portrayed in concrete detail that often drifts into surreal narrative, where facts become blurry and points of view lose their meaning. Reliance on self is emphasized, while the importance of human connection is never lost.

These stories are meant to be re-read and perhaps re-read again after further reflection. The challenge to your soul may be to view another’s sorrow as your own, or it may be to see your own joy in someone else. There should be no surprise that this distinction is left to you, the reader, to discover on your own.