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Local author Doug Shields has released a collection of comedic short stories titled “Benjamin Golden Devilhorns.” The book is available at Nightbird Books and Amazon.com.
One of Fayetteville’s greatest hidden treasures is a magical creature named Doug Shields, author of Benjamin Golden Devilhorns, an incredibly witty collection of short stories. He is an astronomer, physicist, poet, comedian, artist, and possibly the kindest set of electrons orbiting this solar system.
Although Doug spent years of his academic life researching how the universe functions, it seems he devoted an equal amount of time studying how humans work. He has documented his findings in a prolific body of poetry, and published in this joyful book.
I have been a nonfiction political writer for over a decade, but have always felt that the most powerful persuasive communication is comedy. Difficult truths seem most effectively conveyed to those that do not understand if you can disarm them with laughter. As Mary Poppins once said, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.” Unfortunately, literary comedy was not my gift.
Thankfully, Doug does not share my handicap. In Benjamin Golden Devilhorns, he not only delivers a carefully researched social commentary on American culture and beyond, but does so in a manner that can only be described as a giggle fest. Brace yourself for a shockingly weird joy ride, and watch sparks fly off the page.
His archetypal characters come to life in strange, yet familiar themes. From high school bully Jock Masterson to Bible-pushing Jesus Jill, all the key roles are cast. However, be prepared for alien ideas too, as you meet a telepathic bowling ball with powers akin to Professor Xavier of the X-Men.
As a reader, I have always been drawn to writings with meaning, and this playful fiction promises abundant whole grain nutritional fiber to fill your mental tummy. However, please read the book before you eat it. You will discover a gold mine filled with nuggets of social microscopy.
For example, meet the homeless and insightful social reject Skizzy, who wishes he was a tree with shocking defense mechanisms. He goes on a Facebook meme-making adventure that leads him to Dreadlock Dave selling Redwood walking sticks, derived from 2,000-year-old corpses. Spoiler alert: Skizzy’s final meme entails his saving the local library’s soul by a fiery exorcism of sorts. ‘Tis a dank meme stash indeed!
My personal favorite is of the professional thief Carney Banks. Jump in the car with Carney when he takes his enamored apprentice on an exciting thrill ride as they hijack a billionaire during his gay rendezvous. The oligarch gives Carney insightful advice on how to be a proper criminal, and sums up our broken system. He says, “I like you, son. Your instincts are sharp…(and) You’re ruthless…(However, you) just risked becoming a slave to the prison system for less money than I spent on my date tonight. Breaking the law is a commoners game. I don’t break the law. I write the law to my advantage. I use it to take what I want.”
America is like someone unconsciously grasping a needle in a rubber life raft lost at sea. We own every object under the sun, except one: a mirror. With a mirror, we can see we hold the needle that is plunging the rubber. Thus, anything that helps us to see our reflections can help us grow, evolve and not sink, individually and collectively.
With Benjamin Golden Devilhorns, Doug has sculpted a fine mirror and nothing less than a precious work of love.
You can support this local author by visiting Nightbird Books or Amazon.com.
