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I do not want you to leave, By Jacinta Bunnell, a short-story litzine

I do not want you to leave, By Jacinta Bunnell

    I do not want you to leave is a high-production value litzine with several well told short stories.  These aren't the sort of stories you and just blow through and zip, you're done, these are stories where it's clear the author has taken a bit of thought and has a bit of practice in writing, which is always refreshing to see in a litzine.  Jacinta's introduction explains the title's name, odd as it is.  The interior pages are well laid out, and the binding is hand down with embroidery thread of various colours.  Of the stories therein, I personally was drawn to "Coke Tricks" which, while initially is a story about the properties of Coke on automotive paint is actually a deeper discussion about the priorities of friendships and gender issues.  I also enjoyed, "Fruit Stripes" having consumed many sticks of the gum in question as a youth.  It ends with an interesting, albiet surreal story entitled, "Scratch".  I liked the variety of stories in this zine, and would like to see an even greater diversity in future.  24 pages, Black and White, photocopies, Digest sized $2.00


I Should Have Been a Long Distance Truck Driver
    Blossom's second book is every bit as clever and entertaining as the first. With these five short stories, we see the new adventures of Lacy Gasper and family. In the classroom, Lacy's innocent commentary provides a substitute teacher with a hysterical outcome, to the point where she's no longer able to function. Lacy's intimate, humourous discussions with his grandfather invite us into his world, and allow us to see things from the third grader's perspective. With further character devolpment in this series of short, succint stories, TJ Blossom never fails to make you smile, and think about the young people in your life. An excellent book well worth the purchase.

 
I Sold My Sisters on E-Bay
 
Blossom's initial foray into the Children's Market is a delightful romp into a non-traditional family.  Our main character, Lacy is supported and loved by his mother, grandparents and siblings, and takes no greater delight than to make, 'innocent' third-grade mischief.  With Blossom's clear, consise writing, this one's going to do well.  AUTOGRAPHED COPIES AVAILABLE.  Additional notation from back cover:  "This refreshing children's story appeals to the child in each of us. Whether you're a parent, teacher, child, or mere adult, this witty, well-written tale is for you. In a genuine and humorously direct manner, this story--through smart dialoge and action--illustrates the politics of getting along and the incentives that motivate both good and bad behavior. Blossom's vivid details and sensory language successfully paint clear picturesd for his readers: "fourteen eight-and nine-year old boys came charging in from the swimming pool. Water dripped from their swimming trunks, hides, and heads. On this third day of their swimming lessions, the screetching and taunting and nit picking was particularly obnoxious.' " Ellen Tanner Marsh, 5-23-04  Available directly from the Author at: www.isoldmysisters.com

It takes all kinds #1
It takes all Kinds #1:   It Takes All Kinds, with its color cover is a very healthy zine in a classic vein, containing some brilliant poetry and prose and lots of interesting cartoons..  I enjoyed it’s concept from the beginning, attempting to solicit and be as inclusive as possible, with an interesting commentary from the inside page regarding the name of the zine itself.  ITAK has a huge volume of contributors as well as bios of each one – it’s format is two columns in digest size, smaller fonts.  Layout is easy to read, with good use of white space for poetry and good delineations.  In all, I feel this is really one of the better litzines out there.  There’s just so much stuff in there, but it doesn’t give you this, ‘cramped’ feeling.  I really liked Terror at Oakwood By Michael D Vizard (very Lovecraft) If you like a litzine with lots of variety this is defiantly a must-have.  Tastes like: A buttery croissant – light and fluffy, but very satisfying and you really want to eat another one.  Three bucks. 

It takes all kinds #2:

It takes all Kinds #2
 Issue number two, follows in the same vein with #1.  I was particularly drawn to the cityscape cover; the mix of bright colorful buildings on top with the underground tubes and things below gave me a sense of encompassment, which follows throughout the issue.  In this issue is a solicitation for the International cartoonist Conspiracy, an advert for the Rice Print Shop and then leads into the initial article, The Sacred Book of Coffee.  From there it’s one good piece after the other.  A personal favorite is Misty O’Brien’s, “You keep-a knocking but you can’t come in: Door-to-door ministry at its best (or worst).  Lots of poetry, more articles (Experiences in Retail Cashering in a Thrift Store, Reason #6245 why I’m not sure that my husband is straight, There’s gotta be something more / something more than this), and a heaping helping of cartoons round out the issue.  Tastes like: A good cup of coffee with cream and sugar.  Three Bucks


 
I wish I had a Penguin friend (vol 1, Summer 2006)

I wish I had a Penguin Friend is a compilation of cartoons by Morgan Kessler.  Printed on high-stock paper, witha  nice ribbon binding, this first compilaton by Morgan tells of a variety of experiences.  She talks a lot about body image, in a simplistic, yet poingnant manner, and of aspects of dorm life in a more humourous manner.  The illustraitions are simplistic, and make good use of black, white, and greyscale.  For an initial offering, it's a pretty good read.  You can also see her work at www.iwishihadapenguinfriend.com
$4.00 



Just That Good #12

Just that Good No. 12 centers upon an event that affects everyone’s life a little differently, high school graduation.  Becca’s collection of images and thoughts are sound, and well thought out.  She includes a Table of Contents (something that I’m seeing more and more of in zines of all varieties – and it’s welcomed) containing a number of insightful, interesting articles all about the rituals and concepts of graduation.  The collage work is both clear and meaningful; I found it very appropriate that a couple of key pages were collaged over the sheet music to, ‘pomp and circumstance’.  I liked the half page, ‘Some things I know’ which was toward the front of the work, and is backed up by, “The graduation thing is a scary business.”  I liked the honesty about the fear when the writer talks about breaking her routine, being forced to pay for credits – things of that nature.  Of particular power is four pages – almost a mini-zine within a zine, “we would like to ask for a moment of silence.”  Very poignant text there that I feel is good reading for just about anyone, high school or not.  I found of particular interest, “Graduation Blurb” by Andi Kay Rogers, which refers to High School Graduation from the perspective of College Graduation.  Poems, reviews and short prose follow.  A nice handwritten blurb near then end with a snipped from No. 9 of the same series, and then the issue winds down with “The Stupid Files Case #8, the case of the stupid senior year.”  The work ends with contact information, and an interesting little side note.  A solid read, especially if you’re in high school.  24 pages, ½ (digest) sized.  $2.00