Customer Reviews

Forever Friends: Stories and Poems about Love and Friendship

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"Love is only temporary...but friends are forever."
Kelly Wheeler

This quote, which opens the moving new anthology Forever Friends, is a perfect summation of the contents to which readers will be treated inside. Edited by Shelagh Watkins, administrator of [...], Forever Friends offers a poignant, profound - and oftentimes amusing - look into the various layers of friendship, as well as those who explore them. Featuring poems, short stories, and commentary from authors all over the globe, the anthology serves as a stark reminder that, though we may differ in our cultural approaches to relationships, the emotions with which we experience them are quite universal.

Compiled in various sections, ranging from "Family Friends" to "Lost Friends" to "False Friends" to "Spiritual Friends," the literary offerings contained therein just as equally travel the full spectrum of friendship, covering all imaginable ground in-between. There is reminiscing over childhood heroes, protectors of the four-legged ilk, and gracious musings over friends who were - quite literally - lifesavers. There are also poems that wish for the spreading of global goodwill, as well as verses rendered in homage to friends that are gone, but not forgotten. For added contextual flavor, preceding each section is an insightful blurb helping to foster within the reader a greater understanding of what that particular facet of friendship is really all about. Consider, for example, this literary jewel that precedes the "False Friends" section:

"False friends are like our shadow, keeping close to us while we walk in the sunshine, but leaving us the instant we cross into the shade."
Christian Nestell Bovee

Among its numerous virtues, perhaps the most salient aspect of Forever Friends is its ability to communicate universal truths about life, love, and the frailties of the human heart in such a realistic way that the reader does not have to have experienced the specific episodes recounted within its pages; the passion and inspired delivery of each contributing author provides the reader with the benefit of a vicarious ride through the depths of their seasoned souls. Such an ability does not come easily, and it speaks volumes of Editor Shelagh Watkins' innate sense of discernment to have selected such an eclectic mix of talented authors with the skill to pull it off.

An engaging and appealing read, Forever Friends will surely move the hearts and minds of readers of all ages, guaranteeing that you'll see the world around you - and even yourself - in a different light by the turning of the final page.

Linda Waterson
Apex Reviews

Forever Friends
By the writers at PublishedAuthors.org
Mandinam Press © 2008
ISBN 978-1-4092-3290-2
(ebook)

This compilation, which I received as s free e-book, contains short stories, poems and a song about friends and friendship. These short, short stories cover a range of ideas, some humorous, some that tug at your heart, some of adventures in the writer's life.

All by published authors, a few are not as well written as most of the tales, but are still enjoyable. The book is a nice diversion when you need something to pass some time.

There is quite a variety of lovely poetry and good short stories in this book. The stories are very entertaining, and I liked that the poetry was easy to read because of the short lines in the verses. This is a well-written book with something for everyone.

Carole McKee, Author

This book is filled with heartwarming stories and poems from more than 40 members of the Published Authors Forum on the World Wide Web. The book is, in itself, a testament to the friendship and love between writers who share a common passion.

This book is a terrific and uplifting read. Read it for yourself, or give it to someone you care about.

A lovely collection of poetry and short stories that cover every angle of friendship and love. A must-read.

This book has something for everyone. Short stories and poems with drama, comedy and emotion leaves the reader wanting more.

A wonderful Christmas present for anyone who likes to read. Many short stories and poems to warm the heart. Friendship is precious. Read all about it.

Forever Friends edited by Shelagh Watkins offers a global perspective on friendship. The anthology format offers readers the works of many authors in one book. The stunning cover of this anthology conveys the love of writing that is shared on the pages of this unforgettable expression of friendship.

The variety of well-written stories and creative writers make this book thoroughly enjoyable from cover to cover. Each story and poem is an excellent read and leaves you wanting more.

This anthology encompasses different styles of writing and a variety genres adding to the aspects of the friendships one develops. Great reading material! An international delight for readers everywhere.