Review by dtb -- A Second, Less Capable Head by James Hanna

[dtb]

[Following is a volunteer review of "A Second, Less Capable Head" by James Hanna.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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A Second, Less Capable, Head: And Other Rogue Stories is a collection of short stories by James Hanna. Hanna has drawn on his experiences as a probation officer in San Francisco, time spent in Australia, and as a prison counselor in conjuring the characters and situations in his stories. The title story, A Second, Less Capable Head, is also the first story and sets a surreal tone. It is an absurd story of a male Tea Party activist who grows a second head from his neck. His doctor will not remove the head because it would be akin to murder and the man must deal with the impact of the head on his life and his marriage. Many of the stories that follow are darker and more disturbing. The other stories included in the collection are: The Guest, Exposed, The Stalker, Fruits, The Outback, The Sicilian, Breaking Vials, Honey Bunny, Jimmy Likes Mermaids, The Dress, Hunting Bear, Cheating the Jail Out of Time, The Break, The World Baseball League, The Wall, Hunter's Moon, Another Will Take Your Place, and The Body in the Bay.

I enjoyed Hanna’s writing style, particularly his descriptive flair. For example, in Hunter’s Moon, when describing a man’s courtroom demeanor, Hanna wrote five efficient words that convey a lot about the defendant; “Ryan grins like a rattler.” In describing the actions of a military school cadet in The Wall Hanna wrote: “Your rifle, at these times, would pause in midflight, cracking your palm before whirling like a baton twice windmilled in the gleaming black mirrors of your shoes.” Hanna’s distinctive style is an excellent pairing with the subject matter in his stories.

At times the book made me uncomfortable because I while I was enjoying the writing I was sometimes quite disturbed by the content, but I think that is the point. Hanna’s stories are not about comfortable situations or quaint observations of human nature. This collection of stories explores themes of selfishness, hypocrisy, insanity, criminality, and violence. It looks at the limited ways in which society is dealing with these issues and the people on the front lines of law enforcement.

I enjoyed the peculiar qualities present in many of the stories. At times I wondered if events in a story were only occurring in a character’s imagination. All of the stories had an element of surprise and often took an unexpected right-turn at the end. The characters were believable and well developed considering the length of the stories. They have remained on my mind.

This book is not for sensitive readers, although if you are a reader of thrillers and crime novels nothing in this book will be a shock to your sensibilities. What is unique is the way Hanna tells the stories. They are at once surreal and realistic.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. There were two very minor typographical errors, but they didn’t distract from the enjoyment of the book. I will (after some time has passed) re-read this collection of stories. Hanna offers a lot of food for thought and asks the reader to consider some important aspects of our society. He does so in a way that is quirky and unsettling.

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A Second, Less Capable Head
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Like dtb's review? Post a comment saying so!

[dtb]

I'd love to hear what you think of my review or of this book. Please leave a comment.

[Ashiyya Tariq]

The author has covered many harsh realities in his book. You're right that such dark themes are demand of this book. I am glad you enjoyed this book. Thanks for your comprehensive review.

[dtb]

The author has covered many harsh realities in his book. You're right that such dark themes are demand of this book. I am glad you enjoyed this book. Thanks for your comprehensive review.

Thank you for taking the time to comment on my review. It's true that this book is full of harsh realities. That's a good way to put it.

[Dael Reader]

Nice review! I also read this one and was thrilled with it. I don't particularly like short stories. But some of these reminded me of The Twilight Zone. And who doesn't like a good rogue tale once in awhile. I'd love to hear what you think about my own review. (hint, hint)

[dtb]

Nice review! I also read this one and was thrilled with it. I don't particularly like short stories. But some of these reminded me of The Twilight Zone. And who doesn't like a good rogue tale once in awhile. I'd love to hear what you think about my own review. (hint, hint)

I don't usually read short stories either. He gave just the right amount of information and plot in these. I don't think any story in the book would have been better if it were longer.

[alisonedgee]

good review, sounds like such an interesting read, will give a go if i have the opportunity.

[Dael Reader]

Nice review! I also read this one and was thrilled with it. I don't particularly like short stories. But some of these reminded me of The Twilight Zone. And who doesn't like a good rogue tale once in awhile. I'd love to hear what you think about my own review. (hint, hint)

I don't usually read short stories either. He gave just the right amount of information and plot in these. I don't think any story in the book would have been better if it were longer.

I completely agree! Thanks for commenting!

[Dael Reader]

good review, sounds like such an interesting read, will give a go if i have the opportunity.

I hope you'll enjoy it. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.

[vicmwas]

The stories are very intriguing and interesting to read.

[Diana Lowery]

Your use of words such as dark, disturbed, and uncomfortable made me hesitant to read this book, but your ending where you talked about the author's goals in writing the book make me rethink my decision. I enjoyed your honest review.