In The Spirit of Elmer’s Woods" by Dennis Corcoran
BOOK SUMMARY
“In the Spirit of Elmer’s Woods”
Elmer’s Woods is set against the larger landscape of good and evil, heaven and earth and human nature, through the character of the reclusive but principled Elmer.
“Don’t Be Afraid”
Inspired by the author’s Grandsons, “Don’t Be Afraid” includes twelve scary stories for children who are old enough to listen, and young enough to have their imagination stirred. Are they made up stories from Pop-Pop, or could they be real?
From encounters with strange creatures to chilling experiences, each chapter presents a tale of suspense and intrigue.Each story unfolds against a familiar setting—a frozen lake, a dimly lit basement, or a fog-shrouded graveyard—heightening the suspense as the characters confront mysterious phenomena. From the haunting presence of a monstrous frog to the unsettling voice from behind a basement wall, the narratives are rich with tension, drawing readers into a world where the line between reality and the supernatural blurs. Through spooky encounters and unsettling twists, this book offers a thrilling exploration of the unknown, leaving the characters questioning what lurks in the shadows and what lies beyond the realm of ordinary perception.
“Which One Are You?: Identically Different”
Which One Are You? is a collection of short stories and poems devoted to the author’s twin grandsons. The stories are inspired by observing the activities and events that, while normal for all children, are special and unique for twin brothers. The stories are centered around the theme of what it must be like for twins to encounter the natural reaction of the people they meet, wondering, “Which one are you?”
The title is credited to a childhood friend of the author, also a twin, who would respond to the often repeated question, “Which one are you?” with his own question in return: “Which one are you?”
“Biophilia – Nature and Human Nature”
This book is dedicated to an appreciation of nature combined with the impact it has on human life. Written poetically, it explores the imagination of what it might be like to be a bird soaring in the wind, to experience simple pleasures in life like a child climbing a tree. So special is this world we live in that it has so much to offer. Difficult to put into words, this is a humble attempt to capture bits and pieces of the wonder of it all.
Excerpts
In the Spirit of Elmer's Woods
A strange noise came from outside. Elmer ignored it at first. It sounded like an animal, and he was not concerned. He turned the volume up to drown the outside noise, but the noise persisted, and he now heard human screams. He turned the volume down and opened his door to figure out what was going on. It was clear to him that the noise was coming from the pond, a short walk from the shack. He could tell the screams were that of a dog and at least one child. This was not something he wanted to deal with, but it sounded as though they had fallen through the ice and were screaming for help. He thought about his daughter, and how he and Elizabeth had been devastated by her death. He thought about how he had missed his family every minute of his life to the point where it sometimes seemed unbearable. Who was the child, or children, and the dog? He knew all too well that a family's life could be ruined if anything happened to their children. He lit a cigarette, grabbed his axe, his blanket, and a six-foot length of rope. He walked briskly toward the pond. As he got closer, the screaming began to subside. Fearful that it might be too late, he flicked his cigarette butt and began to run, something he had not done in years.
Excerpts
Hermit on the Hill
Fifty years ago, your grandparents lived in a cozy house in the woods, surrounded by trees. One evening, a loud crash
interrupted their peaceful night, caused by a pickup truck colliding with a tree. They discovered that the truck belonged to
the reclusive Hermit on the Hill, who mysteriously vanished after promising to return each year on his birthday. The eerie
event repeats annually, haunting the area with the hermit’s chilling promise to return.
ABOUT
Dennis Corcoran
BOOK REVIEWS
Following are some of the comments from readers who have read and reviewed “In the spirit of Elmer’s Woods.”