The contents of this book contain two true life stories that revolve around vigalantees in the authors life, plus 10 poems.
Excerpt
The future is tommorrow...for better, worse or sorrow. The future some will fear, but it will soon be here; like rain drops that are falling, when dry mother earth is calling. They fall with every measure, to give the flowers pleasure.
Professional Reviews
Andrae Sanchez: a marvelous piece of work!!!
There are two true short stories about the authors life, accompanied with 10 outstanding poems. The author does a great job sharing his urban experiences of growing up in the rough (the hood) of Columbus, Ohio. The poems "He came like fire" and "Visions of Armageddon" are tributes to Martin Luther King. The poems "The wisdom of the future" and "Positive subliminals" are the most lovely pieces of work. The author Harold Nash demonstrates rare craftiness, while giving the reader much to think about with his poem "Did I mention another dimension?"
Rating:5 stars
Apex reviews: Reviewed by Wendy Paulson
In Much Props, Harold Nash returns to the literary stage with an insightful collection of poems and short stories designed to pay homage to figures - both well-known and not so well-known who have made positive impacts on the world and people around them. In laconic yet powerful fashion, Nash highlights the essence of what makes a hero truly heroic by focusing more on the significance of the act and less on the name or status of the one who commits it. In the two short stories of the collection, “The Spirit of an Ox” and "Harry" and "Hulio," Nash pays tribute to a pair of brave souls who refuse to allow the tentacles of injustice to spread around them.
In “Ox,” an unassuming fifth-grader named Scott gallanly defends a young innocent from the unchecked aggression of class bullies. And in "Harry," the eponymous protagonist refuses to back down from from any nefarious challenge, even it means placing his own life at risk. Both stories do an effective job of displacing the benefits of selfless sacrifice, particularly when such sacrifice is made without the motivation of personal gain. Of course, being the seasoned that he is, Nash also treats the reader to a host of inspired verse, saluting the contributions of a range of heroes worthy of poetic praise.
In “He Came Like Fire,” he honors the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., for his sustained efforts in the field of civil rights, as captured in this passage: “He laid it down so damn thick. He told the Klan that they were sick. He shook the world with his remarks - then stood up for Rosa Parks. He fought for justice and for peace. Heavy things he spoke and wrote. The laws did change so blacks could vote.”
And in “An Ancient Chinese Secret,” Nash pays special homage to a former teacher of his for inspiring him to take up the craft of writing. He makes a strong effort to point out that, were it not for her guidance and encouragement, his writing dreams would never have seen the light of day.
Heroes surround us every day, and not all of them save people from burning buildings or resuscitate
dying patients. In fact, the vast majority of them do nothing more than offer a soothing gesture or lend a kind word of encouragement, and despite the apparently insignificant nature of such an act, it often does more to boost us than any amount of money or special influence ever could.
In Much Props, Harold Nash puts the reality of this concept on full display, and readers worldwide are sure to be both enlightened and empowered as a result.
Reviewed by: Wendy Paulson
Official Apex Reviews Rating: 4 stars
Authors Interview
Official Apex Reviews Interview: Harold M. Nash (Much Props)
Apex Reviews: Harold, thanks for joining us for this interview. We're looking forward to learning more about your collection.
Where did you get the inspiration to put together a poetry collection saluting the various heroes that surround us every day?
Harold Nash: Mavericks have always been the most interesting people to me, so I figured it was about time for me to write a book paying tribute to these kinds of people.
AR: Are Scott and Harry, the protagonists of the short stories in the collection, based on real people that you know?
HN: Absolutely, Scott and Harry were very real, and they both gave me experiences that will stay with me forever.
AR: Are the stories based on experiences that you've had?
HN: Yes, and in both of these stories I felt trapped; nevertheless, I learned that even in the most unusual and unpleasant situations, there is always a bridge of hope to help you get through troubled waters.
AR: What was it about your former English teacher's influence that prompted you to pursue your writing career?
HN: Miss McFarland was so upset with me when I selected Speech Communications as a major rather than journalism, so I made a vow to her that I would never give up writing.
AR: Your personal connection to God plays a prominent role in many of your poems. Please share more with us about the significance of your spiritual faith.
HN: My poetry revolves around righteousness and spirituality. It's a good thing that you asked me that question because my spiritual interest recently led me to discover two very astonishing books, both of which are actually origins of the Bible. The first one is called "The Book Of Enoch," and the second book is called "The Dead Sea Scrolls."
AR: You are certainly not afraid of invoking controversy in your writings, which is displayed perfectly in the piece entitled "My Prayer." What in particular inspired you to craft that poem?
HN: The polar opposites in this world, and the clashes and tension that engenders from them.
AR: You're becoming quite the prolific author. Please share more with our readers about the other books that you've written.
HN: My Autobiography is about a gang leader who had targeted me to be his next victim of violence because I unknowingly pursued his girlfriend. He was then asked by a friend of mine, who also knew him well, to scratch me off his hit list, and he did. Subsequently, a few of his boys inadvertently jumped me anyway. I then began boxing for a local gym. Five months later, I won a local Golden Gloves championship. Most of the guys in this gang ended up dead or doing a lot of time in the penitentiary.
AR: What are your future writing/publishing plans?
HN: Futuristically, I intend to publish a local newspaper in Seattle. This newspaper will revolve around the lifestyles of beautiful women with Asian, Italian, and Eastern African descent.
AR: Do you have a website where our readers can learn more about you and your writing efforts?
HN: Readers can find out more about me by going to www.authorsden.com
AR: How can they contact you directly?
HN: My email address is: kareemkhaliq@yahoo.com
AR: Any final thoughts you'd like to share?
HN: I really want to thank Miss Wendy Paulson for her expertise and very thorough interview, and I want to give a very special thanks to you, Miss Genevieve Wilson.
AR: Thanks again, Harold, and best of continued success to you in all your endeavors!
This book is about Poetry. Many different kinds of fables, short stories about life experiences, laughter, drama, children, humor, love, inspiration and some urban styles of poetry.
This book is about Poetry. Many different kinds of fables, short stories about life experiences, laughter, drama, children, humor, love, inspiration and some urban styles of poetry.
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