Review by Syhrh09 -- A Second, Less Capable Head
-
Syhrh09
- Posts: 11
- Joined: 17 May 2019, 22:05
- Currently Reading: The Fox
- Bookshelf Size: 18
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-syhrh09.html
- Latest Review: A Second, Less Capable Head by James Hanna
Review by Syhrh09 -- A Second, Less Capable Head
[Following is a volunteer review of "A Second, Less Capable Head" by James Hanna.]
A Second, Less Capable Head and Other Rogue Stories is a compilation of short stories written by James Hanna. It comprises nineteen short stories written in various genres ranging from crime to science fiction. The author's experience during his twenty years career in criminal justice inspired most of the stories written in this book. Hanna focused on the themes related to mental health and crime, which often go hand in hand for a majority of the short stories.
For readers who enjoy psychological and crime fiction, this book is among one of the most thought-provoking books around. A few of the short stories can be gruesome and somewhat disturbing. In my opinion, one of the most unsettling and long-winded short stories in this collection is "Fruits." There are also a few others that are at par and equally fascinating such as "Hunter's Moon" and "Another Will Take Your Place."
Mental health is one of the themes explored by Hanna in this book. More than two stories included in this compilation are about stalkers told from different points of view. These stories are the most exciting and thrilling to read despite its length. Other stories touched on mental health-related to sexuality and antisocial personality disorder. The author's background in criminal justice has made these fictions more relevant, where we, as a reader can finally see and understand the views of those with mental health problems.
Regardless, a book delving into these themes can be a bit difficult to read. The author did not place importance on censorship when it comes to talking about sensitive issues, which may offend some readers, especially those who may be uncomfortable reading on crimes related to sexuality. Besides that, I found that the author tends to write vaguely in several stories. These stories are unclear with hanging endings, which might be confusing for us readers to understand and interpret. Nonetheless, this depends a lot on the readers' interpretation and interest. The author's obsession with placing too many metaphors in all of the stories can also be hard to appreciate.
Overall, James Hanna's collection of short stories is a worthwhile read. Although a considerable number of these stories are less engaging than others, it is still readable, albeit its boringness. With that said, this book is not for the faint-hearted and young readers. The theme explored in this book is dark, with most stories having a psychological thriller genre. Thus, it may not befit everyone's cup of tea. I would rate this book 2 out of 4 stars for its lack of consistency in editing and vagueness in several short stories.
******
A Second, Less Capable Head
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
A Second, Less Capable Head and Other Rogue Stories is a compilation of short stories written by James Hanna. It comprises nineteen short stories written in various genres ranging from crime to science fiction. The author's experience during his twenty years career in criminal justice inspired most of the stories written in this book. Hanna focused on the themes related to mental health and crime, which often go hand in hand for a majority of the short stories.
For readers who enjoy psychological and crime fiction, this book is among one of the most thought-provoking books around. A few of the short stories can be gruesome and somewhat disturbing. In my opinion, one of the most unsettling and long-winded short stories in this collection is "Fruits." There are also a few others that are at par and equally fascinating such as "Hunter's Moon" and "Another Will Take Your Place."
Mental health is one of the themes explored by Hanna in this book. More than two stories included in this compilation are about stalkers told from different points of view. These stories are the most exciting and thrilling to read despite its length. Other stories touched on mental health-related to sexuality and antisocial personality disorder. The author's background in criminal justice has made these fictions more relevant, where we, as a reader can finally see and understand the views of those with mental health problems.
Regardless, a book delving into these themes can be a bit difficult to read. The author did not place importance on censorship when it comes to talking about sensitive issues, which may offend some readers, especially those who may be uncomfortable reading on crimes related to sexuality. Besides that, I found that the author tends to write vaguely in several stories. These stories are unclear with hanging endings, which might be confusing for us readers to understand and interpret. Nonetheless, this depends a lot on the readers' interpretation and interest. The author's obsession with placing too many metaphors in all of the stories can also be hard to appreciate.
Overall, James Hanna's collection of short stories is a worthwhile read. Although a considerable number of these stories are less engaging than others, it is still readable, albeit its boringness. With that said, this book is not for the faint-hearted and young readers. The theme explored in this book is dark, with most stories having a psychological thriller genre. Thus, it may not befit everyone's cup of tea. I would rate this book 2 out of 4 stars for its lack of consistency in editing and vagueness in several short stories.
******
A Second, Less Capable Head
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: A Second, Less Capable Head by James Hanna
