Taboos and Transgressions is a literary anthology of stories and memoirs focused on breaking rules. Whether societal or moral, legal or personal, these taboos affect us all. The individuals in these stories and memoirs break the taboos by choice or circumstance and face the consequences.
The anthology was inspired by Joyce Carol Oates and her comments on breaking taboos in her Masterclass. She states events "considered vulgar or awful or unnatural" still have readers who have experienced these things and need these stories.
It is a gritty anthology with a look at prostitution, child abandonment, drug addiction, murder, trafficking and other moments of the worst of our world. The list, though, does not look at the humans caught up in these experiences. Therein is the goal of this anthology. The very real individual.
The anthology offers work from noted writers and novices. There is new work by Pam Houston, Kim Addonizio, Soniah Kamal, J.C. Sasser and Bonnie Jo Campbell. The book also includes work by Joyce Carol Oates, Lee Zacharias, Molly Giles and many others.
Taboos and Transgressions is a literary anthology of stories and memoirs focused on breaking rules. Whether societal or moral, legal or personal, these taboos affect us all. The individuals in these stories and memoirs break the taboos by choice or circumstance and face the consequences.
The anthology was inspired by Joyce Carol Oates and her comments on breaking taboos in her Masterclass. She states events "considered vulgar or awful or unnatural" still have readers who have experienced these things and need these stories.
It is a gritty anthology with a look at prostitution, child abandonment, drug addiction, murder, trafficking and other moments of the worst of our world. The list, though, does not look at the humans caught up in these experiences. Therein is the goal of this anthology. The very real individual.
The anthology offers work from noted writers and novices. There is new work by Pam Houston, Kim Addonizio, Soniah Kamal, J.C. Sasser and Bonnie Jo Campbell. The book also includes work by Joyce Carol Oates, Lee Zacharias, Molly Giles and many others.
This anthology speaks to the human or individual behind the darker elements of life--our taboos. Who breaks the rules, whatever they may be, and why? What are the consequences?
I cannot provide a sample from the book because of reprint rights. I hope you'll read anyway.
Taboos and Transgressions Stories of Wronging is a must-read
The Anthology category is often a misunderstood form. The name blares, for Academics only,  and is happily passed over by mainstream readers. Stop right there. Tada!  I am pleased to announce that âTaboos and Transgressions Stories of Wrongdoingsâ has bridged that divide. Readers from all sides of the aisle can pick this up and find an excellent short story to read. The Anthology itself was inspired by author Joyce Carol Oats who gave a master class on the art of the short story. And to the editors sitting in her class, Joyce imparted the wisdom of successful Hollywood producers;
âThere is a built-in audience for subject matter that is controversial, vulgar, awful, or unnatural.â
 That is because a lot of people can relate and need an outlet for their personal taboos.  And so this Anthology was born and well-edited by the very talented Luanne Smith, Devi S. Laskar, Kerry Neville, and winners judged by  Maurice Carlos Ruffin, author of We Cast A Shadow. The stories are not as edgy as the title infers. I was not disgusted, nauseous, or filled with dread. If it took me there, I would have put the book down.  It was a wise choice to edit the Anthology that way, so hats off.
The cover by Jacqueline Davis is dynamic and matches the theme. It will stand out in your messy library and remind you of something good to read.Â
Short story collections by the same author are always a good choice, especially for Ms. Oats. Still, with an anthology, you get a plethora of rhythmic patterns, and putting those patterns together into one large Sonata is the editorâs challenge; the order of things, the blending. A good anthology is like listening to a talented DJ. For the most part, I believe that was achieved. However, I think anthologies, in general, have to be more forward-thinking in terms of presentation if they want to capture a mainstream audience. And that will be reflected in my star tally, not the quality of the work itself.Â
As a reviewer, it is disheartening for me to try to pick and choose one story out of a group of extremely talented writers with so much diversity in background and psychological makeup. But I will throw out some random titles: I Still like Pink, Goatmartie, Stroller, What was Ours, The Kiss, Lover. I wish the writers would have been encouraged to spend more time on their titles. âThe Alcoholic Alphabetâ stands out, and yes, a story is judged by its title, especially in anthologies. The title is the draw. Thatâs why I picked this up in the first place.
Overall, the content exceeded expectations. This is a perfect addition to your library. You can pick it up, flip through, and enter a world that you thought might existâŚand is taboo!