Review of Intersections
Posted: 23 May 2024, 13:20
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Intersections" by Andrew Spink.]
Numerous individuals have utilized rideshare services and hold varying perspectives regarding their brief interactions with drivers and fellow passengers. Andrew Spink recounts his experiences engaging with passengers during his tenure of over three years as a rideshare driver. He has encountered individuals from diverse nations, speaking various languages, with a wide array of life experiences. These encounters have prompted him to explore the profound depths of human emotional capacity.
The book has three distinct sections: Water, Earth, and Fire, each containing three poignant and introspective narratives derived from genuine encounters with rideshare passengers. While the foundational elements of these narratives are rooted in reality, the author embellishes them with contextual depth, drawing from personal perspective and imagination. The author aptly describes these stories as true fiction. These narratives elicit profound emotions of astonishment, sorrow, and pure joy.
One story tells of Ami, who felt a connection and helped a suicidal Jian on the other side of the planet. Another story depicts Aimee and Clint, deeply in love, navigating life's challenges together. There's also a touching tale of forgiveness and reconnection with family. There is another narrative about a young person navigating their sexuality and seeking inner peace. The last story shares the poignant decision of a couple to celebrate life despite facing its fragility. Each story is compelling, making it impossible to pick a favorite from the nine heartfelt narratives.
I can sense the deep impact of these unique experiences on our lives. Every day, we come across numerous interactions that have the power to teach us, inspire us, and offer us new perspectives. Andrew Spink's genuine curiosity, willingness to listen, and openness to learning or unlearning have allowed him to absorb the wisdom from these shared experiences, which he beautifully shares in his book, Intersections: Short Stories from Rideshare Passengers. His words have inspired me to cherish and savor every interaction in life. Pick a copy to experience the magic!
The writing is undeniably amazing, skillfully weaving magic with words and the sequence of events in each story. The stories are brimming with intense emotional moments and just the right amount of humor and suspense. As a reader, I was fervently rooting for the characters and yearning for a specific outcome, only to be blindsided by a twist, as exemplified in "Secrets" and "The Skeptic." I assume the author has mastered this expertise of connecting with his audiences through his experiences as a solo show performer and public speaker and has applied the same to his books.
I have absolutely no negative remarks about any aspect of this book. I particularly adored the short-story format and the captivating, warm writing style. The cover and the title are perfect as well. The editors have done an exemplary job, as I found only a couple of minor errors. Therefore, I rate this book a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. I also see the potential for web series based on these stories and more.
This book is a must-read for lovers of short stories and anyone who enjoys delving into human connections and emotions. The thought-provoking nature of the stories will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, encouraging you to reflect on life and recognize the overlooked but valuable moments that bring magic to our existence. However, due to the presence of profanity, this book is best suited for mature readers.
******
Intersections
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Numerous individuals have utilized rideshare services and hold varying perspectives regarding their brief interactions with drivers and fellow passengers. Andrew Spink recounts his experiences engaging with passengers during his tenure of over three years as a rideshare driver. He has encountered individuals from diverse nations, speaking various languages, with a wide array of life experiences. These encounters have prompted him to explore the profound depths of human emotional capacity.
The book has three distinct sections: Water, Earth, and Fire, each containing three poignant and introspective narratives derived from genuine encounters with rideshare passengers. While the foundational elements of these narratives are rooted in reality, the author embellishes them with contextual depth, drawing from personal perspective and imagination. The author aptly describes these stories as true fiction. These narratives elicit profound emotions of astonishment, sorrow, and pure joy.
One story tells of Ami, who felt a connection and helped a suicidal Jian on the other side of the planet. Another story depicts Aimee and Clint, deeply in love, navigating life's challenges together. There's also a touching tale of forgiveness and reconnection with family. There is another narrative about a young person navigating their sexuality and seeking inner peace. The last story shares the poignant decision of a couple to celebrate life despite facing its fragility. Each story is compelling, making it impossible to pick a favorite from the nine heartfelt narratives.
I can sense the deep impact of these unique experiences on our lives. Every day, we come across numerous interactions that have the power to teach us, inspire us, and offer us new perspectives. Andrew Spink's genuine curiosity, willingness to listen, and openness to learning or unlearning have allowed him to absorb the wisdom from these shared experiences, which he beautifully shares in his book, Intersections: Short Stories from Rideshare Passengers. His words have inspired me to cherish and savor every interaction in life. Pick a copy to experience the magic!
The writing is undeniably amazing, skillfully weaving magic with words and the sequence of events in each story. The stories are brimming with intense emotional moments and just the right amount of humor and suspense. As a reader, I was fervently rooting for the characters and yearning for a specific outcome, only to be blindsided by a twist, as exemplified in "Secrets" and "The Skeptic." I assume the author has mastered this expertise of connecting with his audiences through his experiences as a solo show performer and public speaker and has applied the same to his books.
I have absolutely no negative remarks about any aspect of this book. I particularly adored the short-story format and the captivating, warm writing style. The cover and the title are perfect as well. The editors have done an exemplary job, as I found only a couple of minor errors. Therefore, I rate this book a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. I also see the potential for web series based on these stories and more.
This book is a must-read for lovers of short stories and anyone who enjoys delving into human connections and emotions. The thought-provoking nature of the stories will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact, encouraging you to reflect on life and recognize the overlooked but valuable moments that bring magic to our existence. However, due to the presence of profanity, this book is best suited for mature readers.
******
Intersections
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon