Review: Nice combination of scary, curious and inspiring
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 12 29, 2012
The white alligator of Alligator Lake, ridden by its mystical blue-eyed rider, might just be another mermaid legend created to scare the kids and amuse the unwary. But the stories in B. J. Robinson's short book grow together like branches laden and twisting in the swamp. A sense of fear might be the beginning of wisdom, and the promise of hope might lead to grace and mercy.I love the author's descriptions, beautifully matched to point of view, from questions that "popped into his mind like bean sprouts" to ominous black clouds blocking out the sun, and a hauntingly evocative lake in the rain. There's just enough history and mystery to give this tale weight and depth, despite its short length, occasionally choppy redirections and multiple threads. It's a pleasing book for bedtime or lunchtime or that moment in the afternoon when you need a hot chocolate to keep you going; and its promise and hope will awaken and inspire.Disclosure: I was lucky enough to buy a free ecopy of this book.