Transporting readers back to the vibrant era of the 90s, "Blond Boy" tells the captivating story of Sabrina Fuller, a young woman determined to break free from the shackles of her troubled past. Tired of growing up amidst her alcoholic mother's tumultuous relationships, Sabrina finds the courage to forge her own path, far away from the chaos that has defined her upbringing. Haunted by loneliness, Sabrina navigates community college and ekes out a living as a underpaid maid. Just when she believes life couldn't get any more complicated, an intriguing vampire-wannabe crosses her path, introducing the possibility of love and being loved. However, the allure of this relationship comes with its own set of chaotic consequences, leaving Sabrina torn. But fate has other plans for Sabrina when an unexpected job opportunity presents itself, promising a chance to elevate her life and find stability. As she delves deeper into her new work environment, she finds herself drawn to her enigmatic boss, while also encountering the kind-hearted barista who stirs her heart. Caught between two contrasting men, Sabrina embarks on a journey of self-discovery, grappling with the complexities of independence and the lingering echoes of her past. "Blond Boy" is a poignant coming-of-age debut, brimming with the emotional journey of a young woman discovering her own identity and the true meaning of belonging. As Sabrina seeks answers from her past, she must navigate the depths of her own heart to unearth real and lasting love. Delving into themes of family impact, personal growth, and the pursuit of genuine connection, this 90s romance captivates readers with its evocative storytelling. Join Sabrina Fuller as she navigates the challenges of love, self-discovery, and the transformative power of embracing one's true self in "Blond Boy." This heartwarming tale is a nostalgic tribute to the 90s, reminding readers that finding one's place in the world is a journey worth taking.

"Still want to go to school?" Theramar asks. Piccolo dreams of become an elite dragon mage. However, the Dragon School only takes the most gifted boys and all girls are sent to the Temple to become Priestesses. After being rejected by the school for her gender, Piccolo has a chance encounter with one of the school's Dragon Masters and Piccolo is granted permission to enter the Dragon Mage School, Cor'inthor. Upon entering Cor'inthor, Piccolo is constantly faced with gender prejudices and stinging ridicule from teachers and students, who do not want their traditions to change. Piccolo must continuously decide between allowing her own prejudices to dictate her action or push herself to achieve the higher ground and help those that are mean to her and her friends. Filled with dragons, monsters, and evil foes, this novel pits Piccolo against her deepest fears and her desire for self preservation. She must also, continually, decide between what is the right thing to do for herself and what is the morally right thing to do for others.

Based on the author's thesis (doctoral)--University of Surrey, 2003.

Atwelve-year-old Indian American boy believes he is the reincarnation of Krishna and plans to unveil his true identity at the school talent show. Meet Kiran Sharma: lover of music, dance, and all things sensual; son of immigrants, social outcast, spiritual seeker. A boy who doesn’t quite understand his lot—until he realizes he’s a god . . . As an only son, Kiran has obligations—to excel in his studies, to honor the deities, to find a nice Indian girl, and, above all, to make his mother and father proud—standard stuff for a boy of his background. If only Kiran had anything in common with the other Indian kids besides the color of his skin. They reject him at every turn, and his cretinous public schoolmates are no better. Cincinnati in the early 1990s isn’t exactly a hotbed of cultural diversity, and Kiran’s not-so-well-kept secrets don’t endear him to any group. Playing with dolls, choosing ballet over basketball, taking the annual talent show way too seriously…the very things that make Kiran who he is also make him the star of his own personal freak show . . . Surrounded by examples of upstanding Indian Americans—in his own home, in his temple, at the weekly parties given by his parents’ friends—Kiran nevertheless finds it impossible to get the knack of “normalcy.” And then one fateful day, a revelation: perhaps his desires aren’t too earthly, but too divine. Perhaps the solution to the mystery of his existence has been before him since birth. For Kiran Sharma, a long, strange trip is about to begin—a journey so sublime, so ridiculous, so painfully beautiful, that it can only lead to the truth . . . Praise for Blue Boy “Compassionate, moving, funny, and wise, Blue Boy is one of the best debut novels I have read in years.” &mda

The Folded Leaf, first published in 1945, is a classic American coming-of-age novel. In the suburbs of Chicago in the 1920s, two boys initiate an unusual friendship: Lymie Peters, a skinny and somewhat clumsy boy who always gets good grades, and newcomer Spud Latham, a star athlete and mediocre student. Spud accepts Lymie’s devotion without questioning it, but once high school ends and the boys enter college, tensions begin to arise between them. Lymie is the first to meet Sally Forbes, but she will fall in love with Spud, and this will mark the beginning of the rift between them. But this rupture will be more than Lymie can bear. William Maxwell provides the reader with a moving portrayal of adolescence and the shift from youth into adulthood.

PJM Publishing presents the winning entries in the inaugural Southern Gothic Shorts writing competition. Enjoy the best new writing in the Southern Gothic style.

Welcome back to the mountains of Occitania! The next generation is already arriving. At the same time, however, the status quo seems more endangered than ever. The secret committee of the empire decides to liquidate Luciano. Has his time run out? Will he soon be nothing but history? He has to defend himself against an assassination attempt. Will he succeed in reorganizing his empire or will it be destroyed? And will Luciano finally manage to let go of Viktor, his dead lover from his youth?