ReReaders reviews from Amazon:

G. Hugo

5 stars- Emotional rollercoaster - a must read

Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2024

He has done it again – this book takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. You are drawn into a world where you experience all the emotions – grief, tears, laughter, happiness, fear, anger, and ultimately faith and hope.

His ability to create such a connection with his characters is amazing, you find yourself fully immersed in their lives and are unable to put the book down.

If you are looking for a book that will touch your heart and soul, this is a must read!

B. Rogers

5 stars-5.0 out of 5 stars Relateable!

Reviewed in the United States on March 27, 2020

This book is so easy to relate to for most people who have struggled with their beliefs and outlook on life. It contains a very good description of small town, rural America and its people. I felt strongly attached to many stories in the book and kept rooting for the main character to turn things around. A great read that I highly recommend.

My softer side of story telling is under the pseudonym em pope 

E.M. Pope’s compelling narrative, The Way It Happened, unfurls the layered life journey of Erin Marie, a 40-year-old protagonist from the close-knit community of Ellijay, Georgia. Erin is beautifully portrayed as a devoted mother, cherished daughter, dependable friend, and a woman with a fervor for love. Her tranquil existence, however, careens into turmoil when her husband abruptly abandons her for a younger woman. Her ordeal intensifies with a cancer diagnosis that leads to surgery.

    This captivating tale showcases the transformative power of literature as Erin discovers refuge from her melancholy in the extraordinary prose of Ray Piper. With the unwavering support of her 15-year-old daughter, Melony, Erin immerses herself in Mr. Piper’s Facebook fan group, finding a beacon of hope amidst the despair… 

    With its intoxicating blend of love, passion, clandestine secrets, vividly drawn characters, insightful, whiskey-soaked conversations, and tender moments of laughter, The Way It Happened earns a place in fans of women’s literature bookshelves. Pope delivers an engrossing read that successfully engages readers in an emotionally rich and intellectually stimulating exploration of life’s complexities.

Literary Titan-5 Stars

A Cage For Magpie by Eli Pope opens on a frigid day in Missouri, introducing us to a grief-stricken young girl named Maggie Mae DuVane, affectionately known as Magpie, as she attends her grandfather’s funeral. Magpie is in shock, struggling to cope with the sudden death of her beloved grandfather, David Duncan DuVane. David, an admired and rising fiction writer, had been descending into darkness before his untimely demise. His final novel, NEVER CAGE A MAGPIE, eerily seemed to foreshadow the events that unfolded, as if he had written it to hint at his tragic end. Connor, David’s closest friend, felt compelled to read on, seeking to uncover the causes of David’s madness. Meanwhile, David’s wife, Coraline, was left heartbroken and questioning the dark angels that plagued her husband’s mind. For Magpie, the loss was compounded by her desperate longing for the return of her mother, who had abandoned her.

    Pope’s writing style is both intriguing and captivating. His premonition-like hints and deliberate word choices engage the reader, creating a mysterious and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the pages turning. Like Connor, readers are driven to understand what led David to his tragic fate. The secrets haunting David’s mind and compelling his actions become a central focus, with readers eager to uncover the truth. The character development in A Cage For Magpie is commendable. Pope’s characters are realistic and relatable, each imbued with compassion and depth. As a reader, I felt a personal connection to Connor, Coraline, and young Magpie, with a particular empathy for Magpie’s plight.

    A Cage For Magpie is a riveting and emotionally charged novel that showcases Eli Pope’s talent for creating suspenseful and meaningful fiction. The book’s intricate plot, rich character development, and poignant themes make it a standout read. It is a story that not only entertains but also invites readers to reflect on the complexities of the human psyche and the enduring power of love and resilience. Whether you are a fan of mystery and psychological drama or simply enjoy well-crafted literature, this book is a must-read.

Literary Titan-5 Stars

Not every story culminates in the expected rainbows, sunshine, and a fairytale ending. Instead, there are instances where the conclusion takes an unexpected turn, leaving the reader wondering about the fate of the characters. Crafting an anthology of short stories that evoke a sense of melancholy is a challenging feat, but one that Eli Pope has successfully accomplished.

    An Anthology from the Padded Room by Eli Pope is a compilation of short stories that range from poignant to downright peculiar. Each story has a distinct length, yet each one packs a powerful punch by the end. Pope has created compelling tales, from inexplicable happenings surrounding a silo on a farm to insects fighting back. Every narrative draws readers into the characters’ aspirations, fears, and nightmares. Of particular interest is a second-person point-of-view story that portrays a woman seeking vengeance against her abusive partner. The reader internalizes the protagonist’s emotions as she contemplates taking extreme measures. My favorite story in the collection is titled The Firefly Wars. The initial two chapters may seem disjointed but gradually become intertwined as the story progresses. It is a tale of retaliation and the uncertainty of which of God’s creatures possess souls. The meandering prose in some of the stories effectively immerses the reader in the characters’ bizarre encounters.

    An Anthology from the Padded Room is a gripping collection of short horror stories that venture into psychological fiction. Every story in this anthology fits perfectly with that theme and adds to the intrigue. I recommend this collection to anyone who likes their novels a little weird and supernatural.

Literary Titan-5 Stars

Eli Pope’s Behind the Facade plunges the reader into a world of visceral storytelling, psychological exploration, and an unsettling confrontation with human darkness. The novel intertwines tales of personal turmoil, societal critique, and haunting violence. From the first chapter, where the protagonist narrowly avoids a catastrophic encounter with a falling body, Pope establishes a tone that is as unpredictable as it is unnervingly immersive.

    Pope’s writing crackles with energy, painting vivid, sometimes grotesque imagery. For instance, the opening sequence, with its description of blood misting upward, is both shocking and magnetizing. It’s the kind of scene that demands the reader’s full attention. Pope’s prose doesn’t shy away from discomfort. This rawness helps build an atmosphere where anything feels possible, making the novel gripping yet challenging to digest at times.

    The protagonist’s internal monologues are a striking mix of cynicism and sorrow, giving life to themes like the loss of individuality in an increasingly technological society. Passages such as the critique of modern connectivity and its alienating effects resonate deeply, though they occasionally veer into heavy-handedness. The character’s disdain for societal decay is balanced by moments of moving vulnerability, like their reflections on lost love and shattered dreams.

    Pope’s exploration of identity is another highlight. The author deftly examines how trauma and grief can reshape a person. The protagonist’s increasing detachment from reality symbolized by vivid dreams and unsettling acts feels both horrifying and tragic.

    Behind the Facade, by Eli Pope, is a bold and unapologetic work that explores humanity’s hidden depths. It’s a challenging read but deeply rewarding for those who appreciate gritty, thought-provoking fiction. I’d recommend it to readers drawn to psychological thrillers with philosophical underpinnings and a taste for the unsettling. It’s a book that stays with you, whether you want it to or not

Literary Titan-5 Stars