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Collecting Feathers: Tales from the Other Side
In Collecting Feathers, Daniela I. Norris blends pitch-perfect storytelling and a keen spiritual awareness to bring us a beautiful and haunting set of tales from the beyond. A feast for the heart, mind and soul, each story is layered with unfolding intrigue, and each one will stay with you long after the pages have been turned.
104 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2014
About the author
Daniela I. Norris
19 books52 followersDaniela is a former diplomat, turned political writer, and with age and wisdom - now spiritual author and speaker.
On Dragonfly Wings - a skeptic's journey to mediumship (Axis Mundi Books) and Collecting Feathers: Tales from the Other Side (Soul Rocks Books) were out in 2014, followed by a trilogy of inspirational novels: Recognitions (2016), Premonitions (2019) and Precognitions (2020). The series is a Literary Classics Gold Award winner.
www.danielanorris.com
On Dragonfly Wings - a skeptic's journey to mediumship (Axis Mundi Books) and Collecting Feathers: Tales from the Other Side (Soul Rocks Books) were out in 2014, followed by a trilogy of inspirational novels: Recognitions (2016), Premonitions (2019) and Precognitions (2020). The series is a Literary Classics Gold Award winner.
www.danielanorris.com
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
February 13, 2015
Short stories collection about The Other Side, supranatural, mystical, or whatever you named. Those eleven short stories have connections with death, mostly predictable mysteries, although some turned out into something we couldn’t imagine.
First story, A Reason to Go On, is the longest and a nice opening for the book. The beautiful prose brought me into mystical nuance without being too dark. It also has deeper character and conflict that I enjoyed. The story about insanity and a reason to live, to go on, no matter what we lose or what we couldn’t get back.
Other stories have similarities about meeting deceaded person, or when their affairs collide. However, there is one story, that became one of my favourite, that turned out being a science fiction, which is so interesting to be developed into a longer story.
In general, by reading this book, I realize that mystical stories are indeed better be short stories. Because the interesting thing about them is the mystery. They don’t need any explanation to make us believe, nor to make those stories logical. And one thing I need to highlight about this book is, it might be predictable, but it was written beautifully, that I felt like I should enjoy it bit by bit.
http://bacaanbzee.wordpress.com/2014/...
First story, A Reason to Go On, is the longest and a nice opening for the book. The beautiful prose brought me into mystical nuance without being too dark. It also has deeper character and conflict that I enjoyed. The story about insanity and a reason to live, to go on, no matter what we lose or what we couldn’t get back.
Other stories have similarities about meeting deceaded person, or when their affairs collide. However, there is one story, that became one of my favourite, that turned out being a science fiction, which is so interesting to be developed into a longer story.
In general, by reading this book, I realize that mystical stories are indeed better be short stories. Because the interesting thing about them is the mystery. They don’t need any explanation to make us believe, nor to make those stories logical. And one thing I need to highlight about this book is, it might be predictable, but it was written beautifully, that I felt like I should enjoy it bit by bit.
http://bacaanbzee.wordpress.com/2014/...
July 22, 2015
A collection of beautifully written, atmospheric short stories. So why only 3 stars?........ These are beautiful stories that pull you in from the first, the author then builds the emotive stories which are very enjoyable building to the endings and for me that is where they go wrong. Most of the stories have a very sudden ending, leaving you unfulfilled and disappointed. Some endings are literally one sentence, abrupt and over. If all the stories ended well and as thoughtfully as the rest of the story I would have given 5 stars and recommended this author to everyone, but sadly they were not and therefore I cannot give more than 3 stars. If the rest of the writing wasn't so good it wouldn't matter as much, I felt with the endings as they are the author let herself and her stories down. I will read more from her, in the hope she gives endings as much thought as she does the beginning and middle. Really sorry I can't give more stars, as the stories other than the ends really are beautifully written, full of atmosphere and emotion. Many delicately delectable and bittersweet.
August 25, 2014
Death rarely comes alone. In our human experience, it is usually accompanied by pain, or suffering. Generally speaking, we are conditioned to greet the phenomenon with fear and dread.
For me, this collection of thought-provoking tales presents the reader with a more gentle aspect, shading in the space so often perceived in black and white, evoking subtle shifts in consciousness around the subject.
Each story in this collection is a sole feather floating graciously to the ground.
Whether the context is the unexpected warp of classic, Swiss time in ‘Clockworks,’ or set amongst the garden shadows of a stately hospital facility in ‘A reason to go on’, there is a comforting sense of the blurring the edges between life and death, of softening the sense of finality that death often brings to the grieving. The author’s attention to detail in ‘Train’ lulled me into false sense of reality, before artfully transporting me to an alluring state of liminality.
Prepare to be taken on a most unexpected journey!
Helen Noble, author of 'Scorpio Moons'; 'The 49th Day' and 'Tears of a Phoenix.'
For me, this collection of thought-provoking tales presents the reader with a more gentle aspect, shading in the space so often perceived in black and white, evoking subtle shifts in consciousness around the subject.
Each story in this collection is a sole feather floating graciously to the ground.
Whether the context is the unexpected warp of classic, Swiss time in ‘Clockworks,’ or set amongst the garden shadows of a stately hospital facility in ‘A reason to go on’, there is a comforting sense of the blurring the edges between life and death, of softening the sense of finality that death often brings to the grieving. The author’s attention to detail in ‘Train’ lulled me into false sense of reality, before artfully transporting me to an alluring state of liminality.
Prepare to be taken on a most unexpected journey!
Helen Noble, author of 'Scorpio Moons'; 'The 49th Day' and 'Tears of a Phoenix.'
November 1, 2014
This is an interesting and gentle collection of short stories with mainly ghostly or spiritual themes (although my favourite story, Clockworks, was more akin to Science Fiction). Fans of the genre will find some subtle twists on familiar stories. I particularly liked the first story, A Reason To Go On, and the title story, Collecting Feathers.
As always, Daniela Norris writes lyrical prose and some of her phrases are chillingly meaningful. For example, on describing fair-weather friends: "they drank my chance of happiness on the rocks with a little coloured umbrella"; or the coldness of parents after a failed suicide attempt: "they were awfully upset about the mess I'd made of the artisanal sink"; or on exploring the home of a mysterious new acquaintance: "a small rug...lay at my feet. I turned the corner up and peeked underneath, but if there was any shame there, it was well-hidden".
Ghost stories with a difference!
As always, Daniela Norris writes lyrical prose and some of her phrases are chillingly meaningful. For example, on describing fair-weather friends: "they drank my chance of happiness on the rocks with a little coloured umbrella"; or the coldness of parents after a failed suicide attempt: "they were awfully upset about the mess I'd made of the artisanal sink"; or on exploring the home of a mysterious new acquaintance: "a small rug...lay at my feet. I turned the corner up and peeked underneath, but if there was any shame there, it was well-hidden".
Ghost stories with a difference!
November 13, 2014
I was asked to read and give an honest review of 'Collecting Feathers: Tales from the Other Side'. A captivating and fitting title for this book. With such a busy lifestyle most people have, it's nice to have a collection of short stories to read while on the go. These stories entwine around mystery, beliefs, and intrigue. My favorite story was 'Recognition' but all were enjoyable. Well written which sets nothing aside by the sustained realities (if a believer) of what lies beyond. An unexpected state of the subconscious and a sense of tranquility with food for thought around every corner. A warped sense of time within this world and into the next that most people secretly wonder if indeed, we 'Collect Feathers'.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
November 18, 2014
This collection of short stories explores the themes of time, life and life after death. The ghosts of those who have left this life stalk the pages of this book, at times seeming more substantial than the living. Outside the dimension of time, they remain as they were when they died, for various reasons unable to shake off their worldly ties. Daniela Norris confidently conducts the reader around a multi-dimensional world, to locations with which she is clearly familiar, giving us food for thought while we work out which is the discarnate character! Throughout this journey she manages to uplift as well as entertain, which, for me, always ensures a most satisfying reading experience.
January 14, 2019
This is a beautifully written book... Most of the time para-normal stories hold no interest for me but it came highly recomended. The first story was about a person with mental illness... I was hoping that the story would continue and then discovered this is a collection of short stories... the beautiful (almost poetry-like) writing held my interest throughout the book. Having enjoyed it as an audio book I appreciated the excellent reading of the stories in addition to their linguistic beauty...I would recommend this book for something off the beaten path yet very enthralling.
November 16, 2014
I won Collecting Feathers in a giveaway and received it a few days ago, and, boy, am I happy I did. This book was really good! After reading each story I put down the book and thought about what I’d just read and then rated the story. Each story got between 5 and 4 stars, and the average ended up being just below 4,5, so my rating ended up being 4 stars, even though several of these amazing short stories deserve 5 stars…
I’ve just recently discovered an interest in short stories, I used to connect them with school and assignments (school not being a good thing), but for some reason my mind flipped and I now love short stories, so this win has excellent timing. But since my love is still quite new, I do not have that much experience with short stories, but this is what I felt…
The theme of the stories really intrigued me, I’ve always had a fascination with death, being an atheist the idea of heaven and a heavenly afterlife seems unlikely… But these stories, though some a bit creepy, gives hope of an afterlife from the viewpoint of different people, which I quite enjoyed.
As I said before I did not used to like short stories, which was mostly because of the lack of character in the stories. One of my favorite things in fiction is character and character development and there isn’t much of that in short stories. But somehow Daniela Norris mastered the art of capturing the reader within a few lines and making me instantly feel for the character. So I applaud you, Daniela Norris, for proving me wrong and shattering my prejudices.
Not all of the stories spoke to me equally, but all were good. My favorites include A Reason to Go On, The Day of the Dead, Recognition, The Café and The Year Spring Turned into Winter, and, of course, they all received a five star rating from me, the rest got four well-deserved stars.
This book was sweet, it was hopeful, it was haunting, it was creepy and so much more. And I know that it was good, because as soon as I had read it, I started looking forward to time passing so I could read this with a different and further aged mind. So I look forward to revisiting this book in a year or two, and maybe I’ll find new favorites, who know…
I’ve just recently discovered an interest in short stories, I used to connect them with school and assignments (school not being a good thing), but for some reason my mind flipped and I now love short stories, so this win has excellent timing. But since my love is still quite new, I do not have that much experience with short stories, but this is what I felt…
The theme of the stories really intrigued me, I’ve always had a fascination with death, being an atheist the idea of heaven and a heavenly afterlife seems unlikely… But these stories, though some a bit creepy, gives hope of an afterlife from the viewpoint of different people, which I quite enjoyed.
As I said before I did not used to like short stories, which was mostly because of the lack of character in the stories. One of my favorite things in fiction is character and character development and there isn’t much of that in short stories. But somehow Daniela Norris mastered the art of capturing the reader within a few lines and making me instantly feel for the character. So I applaud you, Daniela Norris, for proving me wrong and shattering my prejudices.
Not all of the stories spoke to me equally, but all were good. My favorites include A Reason to Go On, The Day of the Dead, Recognition, The Café and The Year Spring Turned into Winter, and, of course, they all received a five star rating from me, the rest got four well-deserved stars.
This book was sweet, it was hopeful, it was haunting, it was creepy and so much more. And I know that it was good, because as soon as I had read it, I started looking forward to time passing so I could read this with a different and further aged mind. So I look forward to revisiting this book in a year or two, and maybe I’ll find new favorites, who know…
June 4, 2015
The book Collecting Feathers, by Daniela I. Norris, is a collection of eleven short stories about people who have passed over to the “other side”. But long after they've gone, the deceased still linger within the land of those still living. Each story explores the themes of life, time, and death while offering a glimmer of hope for those left behind living with grief. This book is a great read and flows easily. The author does a terrific job of casting the hook, and reeling the reader in.
In the first story, the main character, “Ollie”, was finally being released from a mental institution after many of years. Ollie was planning on killing himself with sleeping pills which he had been storing up for some time. But then, as if by fate, he met a kind, old women. He carried her suitcases home, and was invited in for tea. He soon learned that the woman's son and father had killed themselves in the same way that he had planned. He fell asleep on her couch and “met her son” in a dream. Her son asked Ollie to take care of his mother until she passed away, giving Ollie a reason to live.
Another great story in the book is a story called “Clockworks”. It is an inventive story where watches made in Switzerland begin slowing down due to physic experiments going on at a collider at CERN.
The best story in the book was “Repent” It is a great story about a character named Paulo who tries to dig himself out of a proverbial hole which he's dug for himself.
The stories span many time periods and cultures, and the author does an amazing job bringing these stories to life. It is clear that a lot of research went into achieving these great stories.
Collecting Feathers is highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
In the first story, the main character, “Ollie”, was finally being released from a mental institution after many of years. Ollie was planning on killing himself with sleeping pills which he had been storing up for some time. But then, as if by fate, he met a kind, old women. He carried her suitcases home, and was invited in for tea. He soon learned that the woman's son and father had killed themselves in the same way that he had planned. He fell asleep on her couch and “met her son” in a dream. Her son asked Ollie to take care of his mother until she passed away, giving Ollie a reason to live.
Another great story in the book is a story called “Clockworks”. It is an inventive story where watches made in Switzerland begin slowing down due to physic experiments going on at a collider at CERN.
The best story in the book was “Repent” It is a great story about a character named Paulo who tries to dig himself out of a proverbial hole which he's dug for himself.
The stories span many time periods and cultures, and the author does an amazing job bringing these stories to life. It is clear that a lot of research went into achieving these great stories.
Collecting Feathers is highly recommended and has earned the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.
June 19, 2015
This is a Readers' Favorite review: https://readersfavorite.com/book-revi...
Collecting Feathers by Daniela Norris has this serene way of showing glimpses from the border between the living and the dead through its eleven short stories. Each plot is skillfully developed, gripping the reader and not letting go until it delivers the punch line, thus teaching a lesson about love, living, family or remorse. Some things run so deep that they go on beyond death. The characters are as diverse as the places in which these “feathers” are found. There is a “feather” about a suicidal Parisian ex-banker in his thirties, who finds a reason to postpone the day he will die, another about a young thief in Luanda who is cursed for stealing a blind witch’s bag, another about a cafe where you were not welcomed back if you stayed more than two hours, and the list goes on. The stories take place all around the world, from Europe to Africa and South America. Even if the events are set during modern times, there are moments in which time seemed to have been captured in objects, places and even people, causing past and present, dead and living to collide in surprising ways.
The smooth flow of details and actions portray the power and depth of each story in the collection. It is the mark of skill when a single description tells much more than its words say. These “feathers" are a welcomed lesson for anyone since they bring a sense of balance, peace and humbleness that make you see there are more important things in life than the trivial, everyday quarrels that obscure people’s perspective. Awesome "feathers"! Great writing. Great emotions.
Collecting Feathers by Daniela Norris has this serene way of showing glimpses from the border between the living and the dead through its eleven short stories. Each plot is skillfully developed, gripping the reader and not letting go until it delivers the punch line, thus teaching a lesson about love, living, family or remorse. Some things run so deep that they go on beyond death. The characters are as diverse as the places in which these “feathers” are found. There is a “feather” about a suicidal Parisian ex-banker in his thirties, who finds a reason to postpone the day he will die, another about a young thief in Luanda who is cursed for stealing a blind witch’s bag, another about a cafe where you were not welcomed back if you stayed more than two hours, and the list goes on. The stories take place all around the world, from Europe to Africa and South America. Even if the events are set during modern times, there are moments in which time seemed to have been captured in objects, places and even people, causing past and present, dead and living to collide in surprising ways.
The smooth flow of details and actions portray the power and depth of each story in the collection. It is the mark of skill when a single description tells much more than its words say. These “feathers" are a welcomed lesson for anyone since they bring a sense of balance, peace and humbleness that make you see there are more important things in life than the trivial, everyday quarrels that obscure people’s perspective. Awesome "feathers"! Great writing. Great emotions.
November 23, 2015
Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world, a door opens to let in more light - Vera Nazarian
This quote says a lot about Collecting Feathers. The way some stories make you see things in a whole new perspective, really makes you wonder what the author was thinking at the time of writing the story and whether you got the right intended gist of the story or not. Collecting Feathers is a collection of the short stories which bring so many things into perspective. Each story brought out a different emotion in me, which I captured while reading.
That is about the story. Now, coming to language and flow of the story. There are some reviews in some sites which say that the stories have abrupt endings. Yes, that is true, but I feel it is more left to the perception of the reader. That makes the story more interactive and forces the reader to use their imagination. It might not work for all, but it definitely worked for me.
The cover of the book is very captivating. The bunch of feathers surrounding the Title gives a slightly ethereal but intriguing look to it, which makes the book even more tempting to read. The different types of characters introduced in different stories bring the book to a different league of complexity. It is complex enough to make you want to know more but simple enough to understand where the story is going. Daniela is a wonderful narrator, enough to engage the audience throughout the book without even a single slack anywhere in the book.
There are very few books which have touched my heart the way this one has.I would really recommend it to everyone. It has something for everyone.
This quote says a lot about Collecting Feathers. The way some stories make you see things in a whole new perspective, really makes you wonder what the author was thinking at the time of writing the story and whether you got the right intended gist of the story or not. Collecting Feathers is a collection of the short stories which bring so many things into perspective. Each story brought out a different emotion in me, which I captured while reading.
That is about the story. Now, coming to language and flow of the story. There are some reviews in some sites which say that the stories have abrupt endings. Yes, that is true, but I feel it is more left to the perception of the reader. That makes the story more interactive and forces the reader to use their imagination. It might not work for all, but it definitely worked for me.
The cover of the book is very captivating. The bunch of feathers surrounding the Title gives a slightly ethereal but intriguing look to it, which makes the book even more tempting to read. The different types of characters introduced in different stories bring the book to a different league of complexity. It is complex enough to make you want to know more but simple enough to understand where the story is going. Daniela is a wonderful narrator, enough to engage the audience throughout the book without even a single slack anywhere in the book.
There are very few books which have touched my heart the way this one has.I would really recommend it to everyone. It has something for everyone.
November 23, 2014
Collecting Feathers is a collection of short stories telling various points of view of crossing over. The tales take place in different places around the world, giving the reader a sense of history and culture. The variety of settings also lends an authentic air about the stories.
The narration is beautiful. I greatly enjoyed the author’s use of prose. These stories aren't
frightening or ghoulish, but mysterious and sometimes haunting.
They give the reader something to think about when done, yet eager to continue reading on to the next story.
Each and every tale has a distinct plot which the author adheres to unfailingly. They flow effortlessly, making the stories an enjoyable and easy read.
The characters are established immediately, enabling you to connect with their plights from the first page. The author created characters that you can’t help by empathize with, yet the feelings brought out vary from story to story.
As said earlier, I wouldn't consider Collecting Feathers a dark read, but wonderfully poignant. There isn't always a happy ending, but always food for thought.
The narration is beautiful. I greatly enjoyed the author’s use of prose. These stories aren't
frightening or ghoulish, but mysterious and sometimes haunting.
They give the reader something to think about when done, yet eager to continue reading on to the next story.
Each and every tale has a distinct plot which the author adheres to unfailingly. They flow effortlessly, making the stories an enjoyable and easy read.
The characters are established immediately, enabling you to connect with their plights from the first page. The author created characters that you can’t help by empathize with, yet the feelings brought out vary from story to story.
As said earlier, I wouldn't consider Collecting Feathers a dark read, but wonderfully poignant. There isn't always a happy ending, but always food for thought.
November 18, 2014
This delightful collection of short stories is a joy to read. I read one story each evening savoring each and taking the time to think over each one. The stories are all connected in the sense that each has a paranormal aspect to it. Each story deals with the relationship between life and death; the deceased and the living. Each is a well written and captivating story set in a variety of locations around the globe with believable characters and each has a little twist at the end. Sometimes the twist is predictable and other times it is a surprise. The stories are warmly human. They appeal. I enjoyed this book a lot.
July 17, 2015
I really enjoyed this book! The stories left me with a feeling of wonder. For me, these stories show the tiny adventures normal people may encounter. They don't change the world, but they change the person experiencing it. It changes you. Quite the spiritual theme, and I really loved it. A Reason to Go On was definitely my favorite.
Not a complete 5 star for me only because sometimes the descriptions would become overwhelming. Not too much to ruin the story thought, so it was not a big deal.
This was a good and interesting read.
*I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
Not a complete 5 star for me only because sometimes the descriptions would become overwhelming. Not too much to ruin the story thought, so it was not a big deal.
This was a good and interesting read.
*I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
November 14, 2014
Beginning with its intriguing title, 'Collecting Feathers' is a collection of short stories that caught and held my attention. Daniela Norris is able to weave a magical and ephemeral web of the revealed and concealed— some stories leading us towards an ending that we hope will be possible; others remaining just beyond the grasp of the intellect, leaving us pondering the mystery of life and whatever lies beyond. A most satisfying read of tales well told.
Heather Mendel, The Syzygy Oracle and Dancing In The Footsteps of Eve
Heather Mendel, The Syzygy Oracle and Dancing In The Footsteps of Eve
July 15, 2015
I received a free download of this book from Story Cartel, thank you!
I generally enjoy stories of ghosts and visits from the "other side", especially when someone's life is saved or changed for the better because of the interaction. Most of the short stories in this book were exactly that. There were a couple stories that I didn't quite get, or didn't have that happy ending that I like. But for the most part, I really enjoyed reading the stories.
I would recommend this book to others and I would read more by this author.
I generally enjoy stories of ghosts and visits from the "other side", especially when someone's life is saved or changed for the better because of the interaction. Most of the short stories in this book were exactly that. There were a couple stories that I didn't quite get, or didn't have that happy ending that I like. But for the most part, I really enjoyed reading the stories.
I would recommend this book to others and I would read more by this author.
July 5, 2015
I like the theme of death and the ways Daniela Norris let the theme unfold such as in The Cafe; however, there was too much focus on descriptive language and many of the details were told instead of shown. I was often left curious about the characters & their development and felt cut short by the vivid telling of the world around the character. This was still an interesting enough read to keep me open to reading more by the author.
July 24, 2015
I recive a free copy from Storycartel in exchange of my review.
In general the book is well achieved and it is amusing. The histories make you meditate on the life and the consequence of our acts.
In general the book is well achieved and it is amusing. The histories make you meditate on the life and the consequence of our acts.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews