If you like your horror in smaller bites, The Hungerprovides a menu worth perusing. This is a collection of short stories and poetry provided by the Utah Chapter of the Horror Writers Association (website). All of the inclusions are from Utah writers, and most have a dash of local flavor enhancing the fare.
The Hunger is presented in a menu format, providing three courses of consumption. As the reader, you have 24 selections you can work through by finding particular items appealing to your appetite. Or, like me, you can be gluttonous and devour everything from start to finish.
Entree
There are 14 entrees. The selections range from 3 to 19 pages, providing something fitting for anyone looking for anything from a small plate to a full serving. The range of tastes is also quite exquisite. Each is titled to give a hint of what it brings to the table. But, to get the full enjoyment of the plate, I suggest you just dig into one. And, then have a serving of another.
Intermezzo
Here we have 6 pieces of poetry providing palate cleansing. As the diner, you may choose to intermix these smaller delectables between your selections of entrees. Some prefer these selections together so they may savor the flavoring of witty word play.
Digestif
Four items are available and this section concludes the menu. Here we have those which the talented staff have selected to help in the final consumption of the meal you have been enjoying. The choices range from 4 to 14 pages and each leaves a different taste.
Overall
The range of topics around the title theme, The Hunger, is broad enough to appeal to just about every taste of horror consumer. There will always be a favorite, and one that just didn’t go down right. But, as they are placed together, they make a good menu.
The Hunger does contain some stories parents might not consider suitable for their younger eaters. Young adult diners may have already encountered some of the ideas presented and I leave that to the discretion of the adults managing their diets.
The authors include some with collections of short stories and books already on the market to new ones earning their earliest publications. It is a nice mix of established flavors and new tastes. All fit in well and are stories fitting with the theme of the completed work. This isn’t a vanity work, but a collection highlighting talented Utah authors.
I’m glad I picked up a copy of The Hunger at a recent event in Salt Lake City. After satiating the pangs welling up from the depths of my being, I am looking forward to trying some of their other servings. I am also looking forward to the after dinner discussion with friends to find out which ones they enjoyed the most.
The Hunger is edited by Caryn Larrinaga (Managing Editor), Johnny Worthen, Callie Stoker and Terri Baranowski and published by Twisted Tree Press.
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