Review of Before The Storm

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Bertha Jackson
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Review of Before The Storm

Post by Bertha Jackson »

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Before The Storm" by Charles Wendell Jones.]
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4 out of 4 stars
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Before The Storm: A Diverse Collection of Short Stories by Charles Wendell Jones is a 115-page book that contains 12 different stories that focus on various aspects of life involving good and evil. Many of these stories deal with darkness involving serial killers, mental illness, multiple personalities, betrayal, captivity, abuse, giant spiders, and arson. These stories are mixed with stories that focus on the good in the way of fortune, hope, faith in oneself, revelation, and diversity. An example of what you will find in this book is the story of a serial killer who has the perfect plan, but something goes wrong. Another story is about a man who runs away from his life, what he encounters, and what he does about it.

This book has many positive aspects. Charles Wendell Jones has taken his time with each of the stories and fully developed the characters. In each of the stories, all of the characters appear to be someone that could be living next door to you or in your community. Each of the stories evoked some emotion from me. Some of them made me want to cry, some made me want to laugh, and some made me feel empathy towards the villain or the victim. These stories are arranged to change your emotions with each story. I found this refreshing with the darker stories. I needed something to lighten my mood after reading them.

The only negative aspect of this book was that some of the stories’ endings made me stop and reread the story to make sense of them. I think this was the author’s intention to make the reader stop and think about what they had read.

This is an exceptionally well-edited book that has no errors and has been edited by a professional editor. There is absolutely no reason for me not to give this book 4 out of 4 stars. Charles Wendell Jones has done an excellent job with this book.

There is some mild sexual content and borderline profanity in this book, so I recommend it to older teenagers and adults who enjoy books that contain both darkness and light. The stories are unique and not connected, making it possible for readers to choose not to read offensive sections. I usually avoid books that contain short stories, but I am glad I selected this one. It is a fast read and kept me turning the pages for more. I did not want the book to end.

******
Before The Storm
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Ada Ling
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Post by Ada Ling »

This sounds like a book that you need to take a deep breath before flipping the pages. Thank you for the nice review!
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Post by Lauren Hanna »

I like that there is a mix of both good and evil in these stories. I also enjoy how the author created his characters to come across as people who could be living in your community. This sounds like an interesting read. Thank you for your great review.
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Post by Tochukwu Sunday »

It's Really an interesting book to read,
Thank you.
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Post by adriana+28 »

it sounds like a book where you need to clear your mind before reviewing
nice review
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Post by Sakshi Singh1 »

Thank you for your insightful review of 'Before The Storm' by Charles Wendell Jones. Your thorough analysis of the book's diverse themes and emotionally engaging characters is much appreciated. It's great to hear how the stories made you feel, ranging from empathy to lighter moods, and how they provoked thought through their endings.
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Post by Brendan Creason »

This book appears to be one of those rare finds in which you’ll be required-to prepare yourself to read. Take a deep breath before, before yiu begin to relax and flip through the pages, engulfed by each one. You’ll find once you’ve started reading book it will be near impossible to put down!
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Post by Sarah Zain »

Different stories mean diversity ,The review explained the details of the book in a wonderful and organized manner . Congrats on BOTD
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Sushan Ekanayake
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Post by Sushan Ekanayake »

A brilliant balance of darkness and light, with each story evoking powerful emotions. Some endings truly make you think! A compelling read that challenges the typical short story format. Congratulations on being BOTD!
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Post by Victory Ositaorah »

A story involving serial killers, mental illness, multiple personalities, betrayal, captivity, abuse, giant spiders, and arson would not be a bad one to read. The author is also a skilled writer to be able to pull this together.
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Post by Talib Esmial »

This book has many positive aspects. Charles Wendell Jones has taken his time with each of the stories and fully developed the characters. In each of the stories, all of the characters appear to be someone that could be living next door to you or in your community. Each of the stories evoked some emotion from me. Some of them made me want to cry, some made me want to laugh, and some made me feel empathy towards the villain or the victim. These stories are arranged to change your emotions with each story. I found this refreshing with the darker stories. I needed something to lighten my mood after reading them.
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Post by Sakshi Patel 1 »

"Before The Storm: A Diverse Collection of Short Stories" by Charles Wendell Jones is a 115-page book comprising 12 unique stories that delve into various aspects of life, exploring both light and dark themes. The tales cover a wide spectrum, from serial killers, mental illness, and betrayal to hope, faith, and diversity. Jones has masterfully developed the characters, making them relatable and evoking a range of emotions in the reader. The stories are thoughtfully arranged to take you through a rollercoaster of feelings. While some of the endings may require a second read for clarity, this deliberate ambiguity encourages contemplation.

One notable strength of this book is the absence of errors, demonstrating professional editing. With its mix of darkness and light, "Before The Storm" offers a unique and engaging read. It may contain mild sexual content and borderline profanity, so it's best suited for older teenagers and adults who appreciate diverse narratives. Although I typically avoid short story collections, this one was a pleasant surprise, keeping me eagerly turning the pages, reluctant for it to conclude. I'm giving it a well-deserved 4 out of 4 stars. Charles Wendell Jones has crafted an exceptional book.

~~~~~
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Post by VickyLenya »

I love your conclusive review of all the books all at once.Charles Wendell did good in balancing the stories in a balanced emotional situation.Good job
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Post by Richeal Streetor »

Before the storm is an interesting read. The kind that moves at a leisurely pace, but almost impossible to stop reading. The author did a great job in adding details at just the right places and the official review of the book was fantastic!! Great work.
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Post by Margi zuu202 »

Collection of uplifting tales and glimpse of depravity that tries to illuminate and contrast the event happening I like the book
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