This is an admirable collection of highly sophisticated and introspective stories. Congratulations to Antonio Hopson for managing to mirror certain aspects of life so skillfully.

Each story is like a jewel—finely crafted, multi-faceted, and something rare indeed in the literary world. Mr. Hopson has the gift of capturing something about people and how they relate to others that many writers lack.

This is a refreshing and soul-searching collection of beautifully written short stories that is a pleasure to read. I was able to attend a reading by the author, and I encourage everyone who can to do so. It improves these stories even more.

Remarkable.

~ Weston G.

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I enjoyed this book immensely. Not only did each short story paint a different picture of Seattle, but each captivated me. I cried when the storm of the mid-west killed a widower and left his daughter an orphan. [I]laughed at the man who ordered a flaming drink and got his beard burned off, and my opinion on motorcyclists was changed when I read the story of the biker goddess.

Although there may not be as much sophistication as I like in short fiction, the powerful words of this talented writer deeply moved me. I only hope that his next collection is longer, so I can savor the words and the stories for more time.

~ Emily W. Neilson

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I treasure this book very highly, I received it in April from a friend and read every story carefully, and it meant so much to me. I really appreciate the gift, and I want to congratulate [the author] on his fabulous book of short stories, they were very personal and symbolic of Seattle, and really reflected a beauty about Seattle that many don't see. I can't wait to read more.

~ K. Pasciuto

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Delicious.

Like a rich three scoop ice cream cone Hobson's stories are varied and uniquely delicious. I read them slowly the first time-reluctant to reach each ending. The second time thru-same thing. Very sexy, scary, interesting and so Seattle-except for the bone chilling mid-west storm. Now I want to find more of Hobson's work. You will love these.

~ Mary J. Ryan


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I heard about The Vernal Equinox of Death and Kisses from a friend who doesn't usually recommend short fiction, so I picked up a copy. From the first story, about a biker goddess and man's need to worship the unattainable, I was hooked. I can only describe Antonio Hopson as a work-a-day romantic. His language moves seamlessly from dive bar to speakeasy.

Hopson's stories celebrate the beauty of folly and speak to his acute connection with the world around him. Even when comparing himself to the stag sea lion and the octopus who finds safety in being alone (in "I think of the Octopus"), he nods to the idea of connection. He writes of various sea creatures, "...together in a tide pool each rely on one another to form a dynamic balance." My favorite story from this collection is without a doubt the heartbreaking "Hans Christian Andersen's The New Tempest". Again, just when you think Hopson is finally turning cynical, the South Wind saves the daughter from death. That she's the only survivor is evidence of Hopson's rare ability to take the reader on emotional journeys without a hint of sentimentalism.

I highly recommend this book of short stories. Read them alone when it's raining and you have nothing to do all day but curl up in a cozy blanket.

Highly recommended.

~Ramona M.

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