The Kindle and print editions of my first book, a short-story collection entitled "A Rose by Any Other Name: an Alphabet of Tales About a Man and a Woman" or just "Rose" for short, was released three months ago. I am still trying to find the time to be able to have the book release party/reading/signing, but I have been awfully busy being a caregiver for a friend of mine. Such is life, art, etc....

But for the last few weeks, the stories have been slightly edited, serialized, and, more interestingly, illustrated by my friend Meital Bar Natan and appeared in the Jerusalem Post Lite. The above artist's rendition is for the fourth story in the collection, "Someone's in the Kitchen With Dinah," and it's one of my favorites so far. Am I nuts for starting to consider a later addition with the complete set of illustrations? Probably...

Signed copies of the book are available from me and from one other top-secret location somewhere in Wisconsin. Well, it's a book store, but I'm not exactly sure where, so it's a secret to me. If you're in Wisconsin, you'll probably know the place. If not, drop me a line and I can sign one, roll it up and shove it in the pneumatic tube we all have in our pantries and you can hold it in your hand. You'll be happy that you did; I will probably be happier.

Here's what a few recent reviewers on Amazon have had to say about "Rose"

Last night, I bought it and read it before going to sleep...when I finally rested, I dreamed I was the size of a brownstone, with NYC tap water running through my veins. When I woke up I had 26 girlfriends and spoke 17 dialects of English. CHECK IT OUT!

Each story had enough to suck you in. And keep you riveted. And then left you wanting. And if you know anything about seduction, well...consider me seduced. 26 times. It was lovely. I put the book down to go out into the world, and I would fantasize about coming home to read it. I can't remember the last time that happened, and certainly not with short stories.
I loved it. I'm actually weirded out by how much I loved it.
Do yourself a favor and bring this one home.

As someone who rarely ventures away from non-fiction, I am thoroughly grateful to have indulged in this quick, riveting read. Whether you're trying to get the girl or get rid of the girl (or boy for that matter) you just might learn a trick or two while being fully entertained. Mazo is quick to turn a phrase, twist a plot and tug at your heartstrings. This book is a perfect balance of what a collection of short stories should be. Only wish there were more letters in the alphabet...

Purchase for the Kindle

Purchase print edition

Thanks and happy Summer reading to you...

Brian