"STITCHES" - Gut-bustlingly, hilariously, and outrageously funny. The story depicts the overall comical day-to-day lifestyles and hustles in adjoined small cities in the back woods of Alabama. Lottery-playing addict, Boogey Johnson and his trouble starting, first cousin, Winton take you on a daily ride in their lives which are comical, pain staking and sometimes down-right rude as they find themselves mixed up with crocked law officials and a gang of mobster-type misfits. Rev (Reverend) Ronald, an ex-gang member, turn born again Saint, spends his day educate others on life through the Word but finds his past haunting him as he is continually visited by his fleshly and spiritual demons. Boogey finds himself united with a friend turn rival; the king of pranks and mastermind of deception, Melley, who deceptively plots against Boogey for revenge. Boogey and Winton are unable to distinguish their professional demeanor from everyday play, as well as their co-workers, whose non-stop, childish behavior spills over into the workplace as they delight other workers and constantly piss off their bosses. Financially struggling, Boogey and wife Nattie embark on a shopping spree after pranked into thinking they are mega jackpot winners but find themselves in even deep trouble with creditors and old school gang members. As for Winton, if making enemies with a corrupt sheriff is not enough, he turns around and get caught up with a notorious, dangerous, country drug lord who stops at nothing to punish those who cheat him. STITCHES is a laugh-out-loud comedy written with a solid storyline and a myriad of funny twists and turns. If you simply enjoy comedy, this is a must read. If you love hilarious comedy, then spend a quiet afternoon with this one. There are all sorts of knuckleheads in life. Every is affiliated with atleast one but these comical idiots are not uncommon; however, STITCHES' cast has and exceptionally higher concentration than most in this small community. It is a masterpiece that melds a little of everything: crazy humor, romance, and outrageous, hilarious comedy, with escalating comical events about day-to-day living in these surrounding small, country cities. Excerpts: 1. The brick silently glides high, in slow motion from her drunkenness, fading into darkness until reappearing in the light from the back of the general store, reflecting against the house in a flash. Kaboomaloomaloomaloom! The brick tumbles... 2. The sheriff does some more fancy legwork, then leans forward, hauling back and slapping Melley face as hard as he can with an open hand, and blood instantly rushes from... 3. Boogey brother& face frowns without delay, realizing he been stomping poop when frowning worse while still holding Boogey shoulder when hopping, trying to... 4. Nattie finally registers the heavy popping and finds Boogey shielding his face from the grease and steam when dropping the turkey and jumping back, quick, smiling. Dangit, Boogey! Run for the hills, yawl! Run for your lives! Nattie screams... STITCHES , by Azreay'l, is a distinctive novel that interweaves a narrative style reminiscent of Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction with the colorful setting of the American South, evoking comparisons to films by Jonah Hill. The story revolves around protagonists Boogey and Winton, whose escapades range from tense encounters with revenge-seeking club-goers to dangerous clashes with Hank, a notable local crime figure. Azreay'l adeptly crafts Boogey and Winton as complex characters, enabling readers to engage with their human intricacies. This fluctuates between eliciting support for their endeavors and concern for their self-destructive paths, adding a compelling layer to the narrative. A notable aspect of STITCHES is its humorous depiction of workplace dynamics. The blurring of professional and personal boundaries leads to comical scenarios that many can relate to, particularly in office environments. Additionally, the subplot involving Boogey and his wife Nattie, driven by a mistaken belief in a lottery win, introduces an ironic commentary on financial challenges. The author balances humor with a cohesive storyline, crafting a world of relatable yet over-the-top characters. The vivid descriptions of characters and places immerse the reader in the world of Azreay'l's characters. This combination renders STITCHES an engaging read for those who appreciate comedic elements grounded in reality. The novel's fusion of romance, humor, and life's everyday hurdles creates a narrative that is not only entertaining but also reflective of life's unpredictability and charm. Set against a small-town backdrop, STITCHES emerges as an enjoyable comedy that transcends mere humor, offering readers a vivid exploration of life's absurdities and complexities. It is an ideal choice for readers seeking a story that is both light-hearted and thought-provoking. Rating: 5 Stars - April Pulliam