• Foreword by Mary Helen Washington Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Foreword by Mary Helen Washington offers a reflection on the significant transformation in how Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God has been perceived since its original publication in 1937. Upon its release, the novel struggled to find its place in the literary world, especially among critics who emphasized works that focused on the hardships and suffering of African Americans. Prominent male critics like Richard Wright dismissed Hurston’s work, calling it superficial and accusing it of…
    • Five Little Indian Brothers Cover
      by LovelyMay In the heartwarming tale "Five Little Indian Brothers" from "Buttercup Gold and Other Stories," we journey into the lives of five inseparable siblings dwelling in Farmer Lane's barn. These brothers, alongside many others, led a secluded yet joyful existence, their play confined within the barn's vast expanse. Their adventures often concluded at a corner crack through which they glimpsed the external world, a view predominantly filled with Farmer Lane tilling the soil, heralding the advent of spring. One…
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      Epilogue

      Epilogue Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Epilogue opens with a vivid image of a man laboring under the soft glow of dawn, tirelessly working across a desolate, empty plain. Armed with a two-handled digging tool, he strikes the ground with great force, causing sparks to fly and igniting the stones buried within the earth. As the man works, figures can be seen moving behind him, their mechanical and monotonous pace giving off an eerie sense of detachment. These figures wander aimlessly, some actively searching for bones while others simply move…
    • Dolly Dialogues Cover
      by LovelyMay Dolly Dialogues by Anthony Hope is a collection of witty and humorous vignettes, published in 1894, featuring sharp exchanges between the charming Dolly and her admirers. The book captures the nuances of Victorian society and relationships with clever dialogue and satire.
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      Curly Locks

      Curly Locks Cover
      by LovelyMay In "Curly Locks," the poem ponders over the innocence of a child, Curly Locks, questioning what knowledge the child might hold about the world's complexities, pains, and joys. It reflects on the untouched purity and the potential awareness of a future that includes both happiness and trouble, wondering whether the child can grasp the experiences that lie ahead. "Baby's Got a Tooth" narrates the joyous moment a father learns his baby has grown a tooth, transforming an ordinary day into one of delight.…
      Fiction • Poetry
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      Chapter XXXVII

      Chapter XXXVII Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXXVII takes a reflective turn as it focuses on the protagonist’s family life, especially in the aftermath of a traumatic event that has deeply affected Poppa. Although Poppa is gradually recovering from the accident that left significant marks on his memory and behavior, there is still a sense of fragility in the air. This chapter highlights the quiet strength of the family as they navigate the complexities of their new reality. The protagonist, now fourteen years old, celebrates her birthday on…
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      Chapter XXXVI

      Chapter XXXVI Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXXVI opens with the Beaumont family gathered in the quiet, sterile environment of Poppa’s hospital room, a space filled with tension and heartache. As they approach his bed, the weight of the situation presses down on them, each family member holding onto someone else, finding comfort in shared strength as they inch closer to Poppa. The sight of Poppa—unrecognizable with his bald head wrapped in bandages and numerous medical devices connected to him—sparks a deep emotional reaction in each…
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      Chapter XXXV

      Chapter XXXV Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXXV brings the Beaumont family to the heart of Salina Hope Hospital, where tension and emotion fill the air as they step into the critical care unit. The family’s arrival is marked by a somber atmosphere as Momma gathers her children—Rocket, Fish, Samson, and the protagonist—into a tight embrace. With visible concern, she expresses her anxiety over Poppa’s condition, holding her children close as she processes the fear of what’s to come. While she is focused on Poppa, Rocket, in a…
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      Chapter XXXIV

      Chapter XXXIV Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXXIV begins with the journey toward Salina, which brings a stark contrast in the landscape as the terrain shifts from rolling prairie to lush farmland. The bus ride follows the unsettling discovery of Samson behind the wall in Carlene’s trailer, a moment that slowly alleviates the storm of distress that had overtaken Fish earlier by Tuttle Creek Lake. Despite the warmth of the spring sunshine that bathed the landscape, my mind remained consumed with worry and anxiety over Poppa's condition, the…
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      Chapter XXXIII

      Chapter XXXIII Cover
      by testsuphomeAdmin Chapter XXXIII begins with Mibs feeling completely overwhelmed by the emotions swirling within her as she sits alone on the floor, separated from her family, with her father in the hospital. The absence of her father’s comforting presence has left her feeling unsettled and unsure, and the weight of the moment causes her anxiety to rise. Her brother, Will, notices her distress and, along with a caseworker named Bill, steps forward to offer her comfort. Bill, recognizing how deeply affected Mibs is, speaks…
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