The extraordinary debut short story collection from the award-winning author of Family and Life is Short But Wide. "In its strong folk flavor, Cooper's work reminds us of Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston ... It is a delight to read." —Alice Walker, Pulitzer Prize winner and bestselling author "The label 'short' story is a woefully inadequate description of these intensely, explicitly moral tales. 'Parable' is more appropriate. Cooper's stories are rich in wisdom and insight." —Belles Lettres

This book contains different poem pieces that I've written throughout my life. I tried to find a way to express my feelings and thoughts so that those who choose to read it can relate. Metaphoric mazes and heartfelt moments are placed within these pages, it's up to those who read the book to see if they can decode my mind. Maybe amidst these puzzles, you can unlock something within your own mind.

From Mega Nerd to Super Stud. Justin Case and women do not mix. Man boobs, a love of Kings and Castles, and being tight with the "nerd" crowd certainly don't win him any points either. After rescuing Katie, his crush, it turns out she might not be the girl he thought she was, while Elyssa, the school's Goth Girl, turns out to be more. Can high school get any more confusing? Determined to improve himself, he joins a gym and meets a sexy girl that just oozes a "come hither, Justin" vibe. Until she attacks him in the parking lot, and Justin realizes she's no ordinary girl but a being with supernatural speed and strength. After a narrow escape and an excruciating migraine headache, he wakes up with supernatural abilities all his own: speed, strength, and the ability to seduce every woman he sees. While that might sound like the perfect combo for any hormonal teen, Justin is a hopeless romantic who wants his first time to be special. Is that too much to ask for? But he doesn't know what he is or how to stop his carnal urges. One thing is clear: If he doesn't find answers there are other more sinister supernaturals who would like nothing better than to make him their eternal plaything and do far worse than kill him.

Everything she loved could so easily be lost. The end of World War II should have brought joy to Gwen Mullen. But on V-J Day, her worst fear is realized. As celebrating crowds gather in Times Square, a soldier appears on her doorstep to claim Mary, the baby abandoned to Gwen one year earlier. Suddenly Gwen is on the verge of losing the child she has nurtured and loves dearly. With no legal claim to Mary, Gwen begins to teach Lieutenant John McKee how to care for his child, knowing that he will ultimately take Mary away. What starts as a contentious relationship, however, turns into something more, and Gwen must open her heart to learn that love means taking chances. While You Were Mine paints a vivid portrait of 1940s New York and tells an enchanting tale of the nature of love and trust.