The Moment: Wild, Poignant, Life-Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous & Obscure

The Moment: Wild, Poignant, Life-Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous & Obscure, edited by Larry Smith and Suzanne Strempek Shea, is an inspiring and captivating collection of stories from 125 celebrated and up-and-coming authors and artists. This anthology aims to compile into a single book moments in life that have been life-changing and most meaningful, regardless of the scope. As the authors suggest, “The Moment... is an exploration of everything from the charged to the everyday.”

The collection contains stories that are both uplifting and heartbreaking, memories of both good and hard times. Contributors to The Moment are a mix of famous and obscure writers and artists, making the collection a compelling blend of literary styles and approaches. The 125 stories are split into the following categories: Adventure, Faith, Home, Loss & Grief, Love & Romance, Nature & Animals, and Work & Money. Each section contains unique and personal stories, revealing the power of a moment to transform both our lives and our communities.

Several of the stories within the collection come from renowned authors like David Baldacci, Deborah Tannen, and Ann Patchett. These pieces give readers an intimate perspective into how these renowned authors experience life-changing and heartfelt moments. For example, Baldacci’s piece “Being There” speaks to the sustaining power of nature and how the beauty of a setting can help put life into perspective. Patchett’s “Five Rules of Writing” details how the craft of writing has enabled her to view the world differently and to capture moments in time.

In addition to pieces from well-known authors, The Moment is full of beautifully written stories from lesser known, but equally as gifted contributors. For example, contributor Ann Marie Baldonado-Re tells a story of comfort and connection from a mother to a daughter in “A Hula Girl’s Thank You for Mama”. Likewise, Mary Judson Cook’s “Within a Memory” captures a moment when her dog Dudley brings her laughter through a joyful dance on the beach. Whether from famous writers or unknown, the stories within The Moment vividly convey with humor and wit the powerful impact of brief moments in our lives.

The Moment: Wild, Poignant, Life-Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous & Obscure is a unique and invaluable collection that speaks to the beauty of life and of moments both big and small. Through the stories of the 125 writers and artists, the collection reminds its readers of life’s fragility, but also of its resilience and joy. A must-read for any reader looking for reminders of how extraordinary moments can be, The Moment: Wild, Poignant, Life-Changing Stories from 125 Writers and Artists Famous & Obscure is sure to enlighten and entertain.