Tag Archives: novel

As 2020 Unravels, Grab a Book…

Posted on August 28, 2020 by Joel D. Hirst

As this year unravels, as the stories of tragedy and mayhem stack themselves up one atop the other in the cementing pressure of misery which we will carry with us, oh probably forever, I was thinking about the last 15 … Continue reading →

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The Unraveling

Posted on August 17, 2020 by Joel D. Hirst

Introducing my 5th novel, “The Unraveling”. As I endeavor to make new acts of creation with each one, this book – which took me 4 years to write – is by far perhaps the most literary; and it feels like … Continue reading →

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“It Can’t Happen Here”? — Nope, Not Like That

Posted on November 1, 2018 by Joel D. Hirst

Some books are supposed to be good. And then they are not. Some authors are supposed to have mastered that special ability to put pen to paper and end up at the end of 80,000 or so words with a … Continue reading →

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“One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich” – A Book Review

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Joel D. Hirst

Have you ever pondered a crust of bread? Or stopped to consider the ‘thickness’ of a bowl of soup? Have you thought about food in terms of ounces? The exact number of pinches necessary to fill a hand rolled cigarette? … Continue reading →

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“Lady Chatterley’s Lover” – A Book Review

Posted on March 13, 2017 by Joel D. Hirst

The story goes that DH Lawrence and Earnest Hemingway were friends of sorts. The Belle Époque was raging; Paris was full of artists and dreamers. Brawling and drinking and dreaming – and writing. Hemingway was a “man’s man” who would … Continue reading →

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Bad Books Crowding Out the Good Ones

Posted on January 18, 2017 by Joel D. Hirst

Most writers live in their own little utopias. I suppose that’s what differentiates a good writer from a mediocre one – the good writer builds a world for himself where he’d rather be; drama and passion and violence and purpose … Continue reading →

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Our Belle Époque Blows

Posted on January 6, 2017 by Joel D. Hirst

This last summer I was passing through Washington DC on my way out west; and during my layover I took a few hours to visit with an old friend. It was a warm summer morning as we sat on the … Continue reading →

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‘Gabo’ and Total Control

Posted on October 27, 2016 by Joel D. Hirst

Those of you who pay attention know how feel about Gabriel Garcia Marquez ‘Gabo’; may he rest in peace. Now I know it’s classless to speak ill of the dead – nevertheless it’s our job, we writers, to try to … Continue reading →

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New Novel by Joel D. Hirst “Lords of Misrule”

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Joel D. Hirst

With this post I am pleased to announce the release of my 3rd novel “Lords of Misrule”. Aliuf Ag Albachar, born into the noble Tuareg ancestry, is just thirteen when he crests a dune with his mother, looks down from … Continue reading →

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“The New Year” – A Book Review

Posted on March 9, 2016 by Joel D. Hirst

I’d forgotten how much I like Pearl S. Buck. Some time ago I read “The Good Earth” – her masterpiece – and found it a remarkable book. I’m going to reread it and write a review (stay tuned). Most recently, … Continue reading →

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