I killed the man who wrote this book

I Killed The Man Who Wrote This Book: Theodore Ficklestein

The unique poems within this collection by Theodore Ficklestein tell their own stories about something dark, sinister and scary that happen on Halloween. Each poem gives you an insight to what the author thinks, feels and professes about different events and elements of Halloween. The poems present the viewpoint of someone trying to make you understand what happens when you as in the first poem decide whether you are really afraid of The Scary Place. Imagine someone creating a place that needs its own identity and name but no one can seem to create one. Suggestions are given like “The Dark Dungeon,” or even Screamville.” But, unless it has a great name it might not open but the author thinks that it might have a chance if you call it: That place on the corner of that road with a broken red light, that is across the street from the bank.” Well maybe you should give him your thoughts! Do It on Halloween follows.” Do It On Halloween describes what the author relates what would happen if he decided to murder someone on Halloween because maybe they disagree, or maybe that person needs to pay for something he did. The author continues with just how he might do it and hopefully get away with it but ends with: Because I’m Not A Monster. If you want to know why: read the poem. The author rants about something related to scary events on Halloween, or something that bugs him about the day as he tries to make readers understand the rationale behind his complaint you might say about a day when everyone wants to dress up, scare people and of course get some good candy. The poem about the candy was hilarious as he could not understand, or the speaker could not understand why he had to go out and get candy from other people that did not compare to the candy he had at home. This poem is titled: Worst Candy and for anyone that has ever gone Trick or Treating you just might identify with the author.

You Mean I Wasn’t Supposed To Eat the Insides follows fear of a Haunted House: if you want to know what insides read the poem on page 19. Halloween in June talks about the author writing his next poetry book title The Scary Place hoping to make it fun and filled with Halloween traditions. However, since it is the middle of June he is not going to write it since no one is thinking about Halloween right now except the author of course.

A unique thought in Be You tells the reader that when you go out Trick or Treating just be yourself. Imagine not wearing a disguise or a costume. Even though he does not exactly compliment the person he might be talking about it still might be better because as he states: That is scary enough. Each poem expresses an emotion, a feeling and directs the reader to a new perspective about Halloween. Jack’s Not Dull starts off with the sentence: I am insulted eluding to the fact that poor Jack or the person telling the story is dull because he works hard all day and all work and no play. Work Ethic: more people should have one and working hard should not be a bad thing except for those that are not model workers. But, since Jack is not happy you have to read the last line to decide if you want to mess with him. You might think twice!

Don’t Split Up warns you if you are in danger stay with someone else. So, the next time you go into a scary forest, chased by a man in a mask or even anywhere dangerous – DON”T SPLIT UP! The author continues to explain why which in order for you to be safe you have to read what he tells you to do and not do yourself on page 35. Another candy poem which I can identify with as the mother in the poem or story is buying candy for children in the neighborhood and our young man wants to know why bother when they have better candy at home. Well think about this: If she gives out the other candy maybe you get the good stuff! Parent Problems is hilarious as why would a parent or adult like Halloween? According to the author they would have a problem. But, what fun it is to pretend to be someone else and just because you are an adult what difference does it make if you get dressed up in a disguise. Think about being someone else for a short time and your troubles and problems might disappear as you take on the personality and appearance of something or something else. I have to agree with the author Halloween is more than just candy and costumes. I still love pretending to be a witch. But, if you really want to know about what the author thinks about Halloween and his take on it read My Confession. That’s all I will say about that the rest he will confess to you when you read it.

The second half of the book focuses on Part 2 the Night it Happened and the final part a glimpse at his first book. Monster Therapy is my favorite: For those people in need of therapy and help you might want to read this poem and get to know the Boogeyman and others: Where are the scared Kids? Where do they go> Well check out the information about my favorite character Dracula and learn more about what he has to say about being scared and scared kids? Read about Frankenstein and learn even more. Next up was the Werewolf with all of his fur and the ghost for all to see yet can you really see a ghost or all of these in a therapy session? But, the question remains unanswered after all the monsters left: WHERE ARE ALL THE SCARED KIDS? WHERE DID THEY GO? The final contribution is titled a Preview of My First Novel: Day in the Life: so learn what he says are the parts of a story and how you create them and the characters too. Understand the different types of humor, sarcasm and more that goes into writing. Understand the problems that narrators have when they spout off on stuff that is not important. He doesn’t quite say it that way but this review is rated G. He critiques vocabulary, page breaks, length and more but his concluding statement will explain to the reader on page 69 how you should handle what he is trying to say. Better yet read the book and find your own meaning for each story and story poem and realize that sarcasm, humor, irony and a unique way of reminding us that Halloween can be scary, fun, uplifting and has different meanings for everyone. As you read each story poem the author relates a different message that he hopes you take from his rants, raves, brags, jokes and just plain hilarious humor. Halloween: can you tell us where the scared kids are?

Fran Lewis: Just reviews/MJ magazine