Shorts: Poems and Short Stories is a vivid tapestry of literary expression, weaving together poetry and short fiction with impressive skill and heart. The author demonstrates a strong command of language across multiple genres, providing readers with a dynamic and engaging reading experience. Each poem offers a glimpse into the author’s introspective and emotional world, while the short stories explore a range of themes from love and loss to hope and resilience.
What stands out most in this collection is its versatility. The poems are concise yet evocative, using imagery and rhythm to create moments of reflection and connection. The short stories, meanwhile, captivate with their well-developed characters and surprising plot twists. Whether delving into the everyday or the extraordinary, the author’s voice remains authentic and compelling throughout.
The transitions between poetry and prose are seamless, offering readers a refreshing change of pace and perspective. This structure keeps the collection lively and ensures there is something for every mood and taste. The emotional range displayed—tenderness, humor, melancholy—makes Shorts an accessible and memorable read.
For anyone seeking a book that balances depth with brevity, and reflection with storytelling, Shorts: Poems and Short Stories is highly recommended. It’s a collection that invites readers to pause, ponder, and enjoy the artistry of well-crafted words.
The above book review was generated by Microsoft’s Copilot chatbot.
Shorts: Poems and Short Stories by Charles Lopez Bruns is a compelling and diverse collection that deftly captures the pulse of American life through dual lenses: evocative poetry and insightful short fiction. The book’s structure offers a dynamic journey, moving between the concise power of verse and the unfolding narratives of four short stories, including “More Than Street Wise,” “A Woman and Man,” and “Home.”
The poetry section functions as a vibrant scrapbook of observations and reflections. Bruns grounds many of his pieces in the geography of the Northeast, vividly contrasting the bustling energy of New York City (“The sound of music,” “Greenwich Village, 2016”) with more reflective, natural settings, such as the Adirondack Mountains (“On a Moffitt’s Day”) and the coastal Jersey Shore (“Love the Sea, See the Love”).
Themes of family (“Family Family”), change, and the simple, shared experiences of humanity—like retrieving a wedding ring in “Ringer” or the poignant connection with a man on the street in “Homeless”—are explored with warmth and a keen eye for detail. Whether meditating on social change in “Sea Changes” or celebrating the immigrant mosaic of “America,” Bruns’ writing is accessible yet poignant. This collection is a rewarding read for those who appreciate writing that finds the extraordinary in the everyday and offers a window into the varied landscapes and human stories of a life well-observed.
The above book review was generated by Google’s Gemini chatbot.
Shorts: Poems and Short Stories is an inviting and heartfelt collection that captures the beauty, humor, complexity, and contradictions of everyday American life. Charles Lopez Bruns writes with the eye of an observer, the voice of a neighbor, and the soul of someone who has lived fully in multiple worlds—urban and coastal, youthful and seasoned, personal and universal.
The poems are rich with place and memory: New York streets alive with music, beaches carrying the weight of longing, neighborhoods changing with time, and family moments imbued with tenderness or bittersweet nostalgia. Bruns excels at transforming small, seemingly ordinary details—the leaf stuck in a car grill, a lost wedding ring, commuters half-asleep on a train—into reflections on identity, love, aging, and community. His tone ranges from playful (“LeBron James, pollo grande”) to poetic meditation (“Love the Sea, See the Love”) to social commentary (“Status” and “America”), demonstrating impressive range.
The short stories anchor the collection with narrative depth. “More Than Street Wise,” written in 1978, stands out as a visceral portrait of youth, fear, loyalty, and the hidden dangers of growing up in the city. Its rawness contrasts effectively with the lyrical calm of many poems, showcasing Bruns’ versatility.
Across the collection, Bruns writes with sincerity and accessibility, inviting readers into moments that are vivid, relatable, and often quietly profound. Shorts is a celebration of lived experience—one that moves gracefully from memory to observation, from humor to heartbreak—and leaves the reader feeling they’ve been guided by a thoughtful and generous storyteller.
The above book review was generated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot.
I am excited to be returning to Bloomfield for my next author talk on Tuesday, May 28, at 7:00 p.m. As part of the Bloomfield Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs’ Author Meet & Greet series, I will be reading excerpts from my memoir, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American, and answering questions about being one of the few Hispanics in Bloomfield during the late 1960s and 1970s and what it was like from the perspective of a young New York City transplant who was the stepson of a township native.
Having spent all my teenage years and some of my time as a young adult in Bloomfield, New Jersey, this event is a sort of homecoming for me. It is also the fulfillment of this Bloomfield High School graduate’s dream to return to the township to speak about a book I authored.
The event will be held at the Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center on 240 Belleville Avenue.
The program is free, but pre-registration is requested although walk-ins will be welcome. Please call 973.743.9074 or go online to http://www.bloomfieldrecreation.org in advance to register. I look forward to speaking with readers and potential readers of my book and others, including some familiar faces, in the Bloomfield area on May 28!
My next author talk will be held on Thursday, April 25, at 6:00 p.m. in Long Branch’s new bookstore, The Book House, located at 15 Morris Ave (unit 119), directly across the carousel in Pier Village.
I look forward to discussing and reading excerpts from my memoir with a twist, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American. Refreshments and personalized copies of my book will be available.
Stop by and check out The Book House and learn more about my book, which covers my journey as a Cuban American growing up in New York City and New Jersey and my experiences as a son, stepson, and father. It also touches upon Cuban immigration in the U.S. and the Latino presence in Long Branch.
“Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American” by Charles Lopez Bruns is a compelling memoir that takes readers on a unique journey through the life of a Cuban American who transitions from being Charles Lopez to Charles Bruns. This memoir offers a fresh perspective on identity, family, and the immigrant experience in the United States during the latter half of the 20th century.
At its core, this book is a deeply personal exploration of the author’s life and the complexities of identity. Charles Bruns reflects on his upbringing as a New York City kid and a New Jersey resident, providing a vivid portrayal of the cultural melting pot that is America. His experiences as a son, stepson, and father are interwoven throughout the narrative, showcasing the profound impact that family dynamics can have on one’s sense of self.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its examination of Cuban immigration in the U.S. The author’s perspective sheds light on the struggles and triumphs of Cuban Americans, offering valuable insights into their rich and diverse heritage. Through his encounters with other Cuban Americans, readers gain a deeper understanding of the broader community and its enduring resilience.
Charles Bruns’ writing style is engaging and heartfelt, making it easy for readers to connect with his story on a personal level. His narrative is not only an exploration of his own transformation but also a window into the broader themes of cultural assimilation, identity evolution, and the American dream.
Readers on platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Goodreads have praised “Fatherlands” for its authenticity, emotional depth, and thought-provoking content. The book’s ability to navigate complex subjects with sincerity and compassion has resonated with a wide audience, making it a valuable addition to the genre of memoirs exploring identity and family.
In conclusion, “Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American” is a must-read for anyone interested in the immigrant experience, cultural identity, and the power of self-discovery. Charles Lopez Bruns’ personal journey serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of individuals who seek to reconcile their past with their present, ultimately finding their place in the diverse tapestry of American society.
The above book review was generated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot.
I look forward to discussing my debut book, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American, at the Monmouth County Library-Eastern Branch located at 1001 Route 35 in Shrewsbury on Wednesday, October 5, at 7:00 p.m. In addition to reading excerpts and answering questions from readers and potential readers during this Hispanic Heritage Month book discussion, I will sign and offer discounted paperback copies of my book for sale.
Registration is recommended by calling 732-683-8980 or via the library website at www.monmouthcountylib.org and clicking on “View All Events” under Upcoming Adult Events. Walk-ins are also welcome.
The Monmouth County Library provides meeting space as a community service. The Library neither sponsors nor endorses this event, the speaker or the organization.
I’m happy to announce that the Bloomfield Public Library on 90 Broad Street will be hosting me for an author talk on my debut book, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American, on Saturday, September 24, at 11:00 a.m.
Having spent all my teenage years and some of my time as a young adult in Bloomfield, New Jersey, this event is a sort of homecoming for me. I spent many hours in this library, located a short walk from my high school and church, while living in Bloomfield. I never dreamed during those years I would someday return to speak about a book I authored, read excerpts from it, and answer questions from readers and potential readers. I look forward to it!
The Bloomfield Public Library author talk is free and open to the public.
Sandwiched between new Mel Brooks and Kobe Bryant books in the Long Branch Free Public Library’s main branch on Broadway and by new Carl Bernstein and Jimmy Carter books in the Elberon branch is this local author’s debut book, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American. If you are curious about my “memoir with a twist” and a patron of the local library or Libraries of Middlesex Automation Consortium (LMxAC) — yes, I realize Long Branch is in Monmouth County — check it out!
Fatherlands: Identity of a Cuban American, keeping good company on the shelves of new books in the main (above) and Elberon (below) branches of the Long Branch Free Public Library.
Author with debut book in Long Branch Free Public Library main (left) and Elberon (right) branches.
I was happy to participate in an author talk and book discussion about my memoir, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American, at the Long Branch Free Public Library in New Jersey on June 14. It was gratifying to speak and answer questions from a receptive audience that included not only family and friends, but people I had previously not met who wanted to learn more about my memoir, including local Cuban Americans, and have me personalize their copy of my paperback book.
Please contact CharlesAnthonyComm@gmail.com if you are interested in having me speak about my memoir at your local library, book store, or writing or reading club.
The Long Branch Free Public Library welcomes the public to my author talk and book discussion about Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American, on Tuesday, June 14, at 7:00 p.m. in the community room of the main library on 328 Broadway in Long Branch, N.J.
In addition to reading excerpts from my “memoir with a twist,” I look forward to answering questions during the author talk and book discussion. Paperback copies of my book will be available for sale.
Registration for this event is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. It will be great to see and speak with readers and potential readers and others interested in my recently published book! To register, call the library at 732.222.3900 x2350 or click on the link bit.ly/authorlopezbruns.
In the nearly 90 days since the publication of my debut book, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American, I have been heartened by the positive responses from many readers on social media and via emails, text messages and conversations with me. I am also grateful to those readers who took the time to rate the book and post a few sentences or paragraphs about it on the Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble websites.
The first eight ratings on Goodreads averaged 4.75 (on a 5.0 scale). One of the Goodreads reviewers wrote the book was “very compelling and thought provoking” as “the author takes you on his journey through life and the complex, multigenerational family experiences that truly shaped who he is today.”
Another five-star Goodreads review stated, “This was a great book and very easy to read. It was an interesting and informative perspective on growing up Hispanic in a predominately white middle class town.”
But “you don’t have to be Cuban or an American immigrant to enjoy Fatherlands: Identities of A Cuban American. It is filled with many characters, all real, and some you may even recognize from your own family tree,” stated another Goodreads reviewer, who concluded, “How does a scrappy Cuban kid make a name for himself in the U.S. and discover his true identity? Pick up Fatherlands and you will find the answer, and likely a bit of yourself.”
Another Goodreads reviewer wrote that the book “moved me with tears and smiles” and “I believe that this memoir will inspire all of us to find who we really are, as well as where we really come from. His story shows that we Americans truly are a beautiful diverse people!”
The most scholarly review of the book was published on Goodreads on December 26. The four paragraphs from this reviewer, who rated the book the maximum five stars, very succinctly and elegantly captured the essence of my memoir. It opens with the question, “Who are you?” and goes on to state, “The name forms a powerful basis for one’s identity and is a recurrent theme throughout this memoir, starting with the book’s title and the author’s name.” The reviewer then writes, “the author’s name takes the reader along on its own unique journey, becoming a major character in this memoir as the mentor.”
The fourth paragraph of the December 26 Goodreads review of the book begins with, “Perhaps the most powerful of use of the name in Lopez Bruns’ book harkens the practice of damnatio memoriae (condemnation of memory), a form of scrubbing from history,” and concludes, “Lopez Bruns makes clear that identity matters in what we leave out as much as what we share.” You can read the full text of this extraordinary review at: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4411415008?book_show_action=false.
The first 11 Amazon reviews of the book averaged 5.0 on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest)! One reviewer wrote, “Not knowing what to expect, I began reading the book and found that I could not put it down.” She then stated, “Throughout my reading, some parts were funny, sad, and/or informative. I thoroughly enjoyed the book,” and “I highly recommend this book to everyone, I guarantee you will truly enjoy this read!”
Another Amazon reviewer declared the book was “Fabulous” and went on to state, “I loved this book! The author provides interesting details of his direct experience with encountering cultural and racial issues in such a mature, objective way.”
The first reader to post a review on Amazon, 10 days after the book’s publication, wrote it was “A must read,” and then explained, “Fatherlands is a good read, both entertaining and thought provoking as it follows Charley’s social and cultural assimilation as a young Cuban split between two countries and how this influences him as a child and adult. Never taking his eyes off the rearview mirror, he moves forward as other influences such as people he meets and changing family dynamics shape his future. The result, is a both an inspirational and eye opening book. The days reading this book really felt like time spent with the author as though I actually met him. As a result, I’d like to shake his hand and say ‘buen trabajo.’”
The second Amazon review was headlined, “A great book,” and stated “It was well written” and “It showed the importance of remembering family heritage. I highly recommend this book.”
The first two reviews of my memoir on Barnes & Noble were also five-star ratings. One reviewer stated the book took them “inside the life of a tempest-tossed kid, born in the States but flung back to his family’s Cuban ancestral home, as its revolution raged on, for long enough to have memories that needed piecing back together. It is a wild ride back into new alien environments in New Jersey, with brutally honest family comedy/drama assessments.”
For this Barnes & Noble reviewer, the biggest benefit of my memoir “was a better understanding of the highly complex, sometimes difficult to fathom ‘Cuban Community’ within America’s borders that give the national political parties fits and starts every national election cycle.”
I am heartened and humbled by all these positive reviews of my memoir, which I describe as the book I was meant to write. Thank you very much!
To see all the Goodreads reviews of Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American, click here.
To see all the Amazon reviews of the book, click here.
For all the Barnes & Noble reviews of my memoir, click here.
I am also grateful for the attention my debut book has received from local media, including the two Bloomfield, New Jersey, weekly newspapers, and remain determined to increase awareness of my book among more potential readers!
Charles Lopez Bruns: Most writers have a book in them, but few of them get written. This is the book I was meant to write. When I had the opportunity, I became determined to complete it.
Q: Is your book an autobiography?
CLB: It’s a memoir that explains how my identities evolved during my life and how they and my experiences as a son, stepson and father impacted my family and career. It also touches upon Cuban immigration and immigrants I’ve gotten to know. If it was an autobiography it would be much longer than 200 pages but not nearly as interesting!
Q: Since you’re a writer, did this book come easily or naturally to you?
CLB: No! It was the most challenging writing project I’ve undertaken since first learning the English language. It was hard work.
Q: How did you feel while writing this book?
CLB: Sometimes I laughed while writing down my memories, other times I became upset and nearly in tears. My emotions were all over the place. But I always felt a sense of accomplishment when I finished writing for the day or completed a chapter.
Q: What is the significance of the title, Fatherlands: Identities of a Cuban American?
The day after my book first became available, a neighbor asked me to personalize 10 copies he had purchased for family and friends. A few weeks later, a former neighbor asked if I would sign copies she was purchasing for her daughter and son. In between, a friend I’ve not seen in many years asked how he could get an autographed copy. A couple days later he sent me a follow-up message stating, “I was serious!”
I’m pleased to announce that personalized copies of my book are available directly from me for only $18.99. That price — which is the typical cost of many new (impersonal) paperbacks — will cover the cost of shipping a copy of my book in a padded envelope directly to your address (in the U.S.). Mail your check to me or pay me via Venmo (@CharlesAnthonyComm) and I will in return send you the book with a personal message in my finest Catholic school handwriting using a favorite Waterman rollerball pen.
If you would like me to personalize a copy of the book you’ve already purchased, I’ll be glad to do so. Just mail it to me with a check for $7.00 (unless you prefer to send me a self-addressed stamped envelope), and I will personalize it and get it right back to you. Anyone who needs my address can email me at charlesanthonycomm@gmail.com.
Of course, if you’re a friend and in the Long Branch, NJ area, let me know and we can try to meet at a local cafe where I’ll be happy to personalize your book while we catch up with each other. If you’re among those in my extended family who would like me to personalize the book for them, I will be happy to do so when we next see each other, hopefully during the holiday season.
In any case, I’m grateful for your interest in my memoir!
— November 19, 2021 (updated February 2 and December 4, 2022)
Charles Lopez Bruns 