01/13/2026 Besonen Breakdowns

Today's breakdown is for "Nightmerica: Corruptions Of The American Dream" Edited by Amanda Worthington

Sometimes you read a piece of work and immediately know that it is more than just entertainment because of the importance of its content. I felt like this powerful collective is one of those types of books.

C.S. Magnuson kicked off this collection with a Botanical Horror piece that will make you think twice before serving eviction papers.

Dan B. Fierce was next up with an important tale about misconceptions, and hatred getting its due.

K.M. Bennett then dropped a short story that was outrageous and gave me Clive Barker vibes in a way.

Sumiko Saulson offered up a strong one about the struggles of the poor and pregnant.

Joe Koch brought out an interesting take on the cost of freedom.

Larry Hinkle and Valeria B. William followed with one about karma and the despicable greed of the American Healthcare system. I didn't like the ending but otherwise felt it was very good.

Donna J.W. Munro came next with a powerhouse of a story.

Lucy a Snyder fired off two poems about people victimizing others, while L Marie Wood's poem showed us the leech system that seems to be the American way.

Austin Gragg followed with a story that was very interesting but left me with many questions.

Lindsey Beth Goddard, Anton Cancre, and TK Brave each had poems that were smart and makes you stop to think. I love being provoked into contemplation.

Ken Hueler brought an interesting character and plot about the price of dreaming.

Angela Yuriko Smith kicked me in the face with a tale about hopelessness at the hands of prejudice.

Shane David Morin left me feeling several emotions about the unfairness of custody battles and their outcomes.

Rocky Colavito delivered a brutal one that was full of truth bombs about the facade of the education system.

Xavier Poe Kane ended this one with a powerful narrative that foreshadows what the future could look like if we allow it to.

Overall, this book felt not only unique but also crucial in these uncertain times we are living here in America and abroad. None of us are alone in our fights, so put a copy of this collective in one hand and raise the other in the air and make a fist. This is resistance in literature form, and it serves to reminds us that it's okay to stay in a state of discontent and hopefully encourages each reader that picks it up to lift their voice.

5/5 stars

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