Review: Selfish love- love the reality of it.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 20, 2014
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful…Bull****.Love is selfish, love hurts, love is demanding, love wants to have its way without reason…Every time I read the thoughtful words Morgan Parker puts to paper, I find myself battling with my idealistic and my realistic views on life, specifically love. This isn’t to say that I’m a cynic or don’t believe in fairy tales but his words truly bring some thoughtfulness and personal insight into the way I view the world around me. All that from a work of fiction—huh? Who knew? And for that reason, I absolutely love reading Morgan Parker’s stories.I am not a fan of novellas as there is too short a time frame to fit in all the emotions, all the actions, while trying to maintain the fluidity of the story without condensing some pivotal moments. In my opinion it is nearly impossible. That’s not to say that some don’t come close but I always feel a tad bit lost after reading one. Almost like I have to fill in the gaps or answer my own questions that otherwise would have been answered had it been a full-length novel. Novellas may very well have their place in a series as they give insight to a bigger story and obviously with the full length stories that go along with them, the full story is usually told.His stories though filled with humor that have you laughing (or in my case snorting) out loud, are filled with sincerity and honesty. His novella HOPE, is no different. In only 17,000 words he managed to pull me in and keep me there. Go figure and it’s a novella. A day later and thoughts of these characters still swirl around bugging me to think for a moment, “What if…”I will say when I got done reading HOPE—Oliver and Olivia’s story, I was ticked off with them. Many will read their story as a beautiful love story. Not me. It was a true love story. A true love story isn’t necessarily rainbows and unicorns. Things happen. Plans don’t happen as predicted. More than just emotions guide a true love story. Along with all the hearts and flowers, true love can get ugly, be sad, words and actions can defy love and contest love’s motives. Oliver and Olivia’s true love story did just that. Their story pulled me in many directions. Their love was empowering, it was doubtful. It was beautiful. Their story? Well I suppose you will have to read it to decide what you think.HOPE is a definite 5 star read for me but not because it made me feel all warm and fuzzy. It provided honesty, sincerity, thoughtfulness, and reflection. Morgan Parker has written a well developed ‘smart’, witty and beautiful story.D 5/5