Stumbling (a Poem)
I stumble, dizzy,catch myself on the counter,wait for it to pass.
Welcome to Underground Bookshelf!
This website is dedicated to celebrating diversity in literature! If you like to read work by new writers, please visit Short Stories & Poems. To lcheck out book reviews and to learn about the history of exclusion in film, television, literature, and comic books, visit Essays. On the Resources page, you will find a vast array of articles to help you explore new books and new ways of reading as well as a few articles for the writers among us. All are welcome to participate in the monthly writing contests. Visit Writing Contests to find out this month's theme and to find out how to participate. Visit the Submissions page if you would like to submit your work to be featured on this platform. And if you are an indie, self-published, or up-and-coming author or poet, consider contacting me about being featured in one of the Author Q&A posts or for your book to be included in the Book Release Radar. Underground Bookshelf is on Patreon for those who would like to help me keep this project going. You're also welcome to subscribe to the monthly newsletter to receive regular updates. May you find your next favorite book or author! Happy reading!
Third Place Winner (April 2025) "Hymn to the Eternal Waters"
From the brooding womb of storm-clad clouds,The silver veins of heaven spill,A mother’s touch on parched earth’s brow,A sword that cleaves the granite hill.
Second Place Winner (April 2025) "Mountain Stream"
Crystal spring-fed streamFlowing down the mountain sideLike a springtime dreamOver rocks and boulders slide,Gurgles on its wayTo the valley far below.Silver minnows play’Leave behind the frigid snow.Down to sheltered vale,Carries life upon its breastWhere plants and beasts availNew life and on the banks shall rest.
First Place Winner (April 2025) "When I Loved You the Most"
For so long, I’ve searched for the right words,To capture what I lost when you slipped away.Like waves, pulling at the shore, grain by grain,Your absence erodes parts of me I cannot name.
May Writing Contest Submissions
All forms of poetry are welcome (under 2,000 words). However, I do not put an age restriction on these contests, so I ask everyone to, please, refrain from egregious sexual or violent content and let me know if there is an important content warning.
April 2025 Writing Contest Awards
Thank you to everyone who participated in the April Flash Fiction and Poetry Contest. I was so excited to welcome some new folks to the contest, as well as our regulars and some folks who returned after several months away.
Reviewing The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey is a science fiction exploration of self-determination, free will, and fate through gene expression. It's a fun psychological thriller with interesting women characters and plot twists going in every direction.
Third Place Winner (March 2025) "Time: Part Two"
Genre: Poetry
"Costume" (a story)
Genre: Horror (paranormal activity, blood, cult practices)
Second Place Winner (March 2025) "Shattering Time"
Genre: General Fiction
Bashful as Clouds (a poem)
floating across
Amulet of Samarkand: A Banned Book Review
The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud was banned in Lackawanna County, New York over concerns that it could attract children to the occult. The decision was later reversed when parents and teachers complained of censorship. I've read this book for myself and use this video to explain some of the issues I have with the book as well as things that I think this book does well.
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