The Hanging Of Cousin Charlotte by Talia Haven

The Hanging of Cousin Charlotte

The Hanging of Cousin Charlotte by Talia Haven
Illustrated by Sylvia Sheehan
Kindle Edition, 14 pages
Published October 20th 2015 by Sheehan and Haven

Justine seeks to solve a mystery. Why doesn't Charlotte like sleeping in her own room?

My thoughts about The Hanging of Cousin Charlotte ~~

This newest book by Talia Haven is another quick read that leaves the reader in awe of the impact so few words can have while telling a compelling story. I was left pondering the meaning and had a 'what just happened?' kind of reaction. I found myself sitting for bit when I finished the book, just thinking about what I read and absorbing it all.   

Charlotte doesn't like sleeping in her room, but only on one particular night each month. 

'Why was she having these dreams and why only one night a month?'

Is she having nightmares? Or is this all real and something she really should be afraid of? 

'"Please...not again." She scotted sideways along the wall in what looked like an attempt to move away from an unseen advancing person. "You're just a dream."'

The following excerpt caught my attention and made me wonder how this story was going to end. Think about it a bit and you may see what I mean. 

'They file out in the hall and up the stairs. The landing creaks in protest from a dozen feet pressing against it. I'm the last one up. No one notices that the landing doesn't make a sound.'

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Mama Cried by Talia Haven

Mama Cried

Mama Cried by Talia Haven

Kindle Edition, 12 pages
Published January 9th 2015 by Sheehan and Haven

Jenny was enjoying herself on the swings when Azula, one of the guardians of the playground came to take her away.

Together they journey to a cinder building where Jenny must make a powerful decision.

My thoughts about Mama Cried ~~ 

'I lean back, leg and arms stretched straight, hair streaming behind me. Part way throught the arch forward, I bend my arms, pull my body upright and pump my legs harder.' 

This is the opening line from Mama Cried. Just reading that took me back to my childhood where I was imagining myself swinging high on our old swingset. So I was hooked. Mama Cried is a very interesting short story and I am always amazed when authors are able to put so much into so few words.

'So many children have come and gone with their puppies over time. It seems like the playground is always getting new arrivals. Some stay for a awhile; others leave soon after they arrive. Now one of the guardians has come for me.'

Hmmmm. This story didn't go where I thought it was going to go. I like stories like that, ones that surprise me and keep me thinking about it after I am done.

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