This is my second opportunity to review one of the five books by the aforementioned. He always delivers whether it be as a story writer, stand up, actor or rapper, yes, even rapper. Ask Matt about Lil Cronnie.

Matt Nagin’s “The Book of Outcasts” is a collection of short stories that plunges readers into the lives of individuals teetering on the fringes of society, sanity, and conventional morality. With a darkly comedic and often surreal touch, Nagin crafts narratives that are as unsettling as they are thought-provoking, exploring themes of alienation, obsession, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels absurd.

The strength of the collection lies in Nagin’s ability to create memorable characters who are deeply flawed yet strangely compelling. From the vengeful wife in “The Flames of Nirvana” to the desperate gambling addict in “Valley of Darkness,” each protagonist is driven by a unique set of circumstances and desires, leading them down paths that are both tragic and darkly humorous. Nagin doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human nature, delving into themes of violence, betrayal, and madness with unflinching honesty.

The stories are diverse in their settings and subject matter, ranging from the mundane realities of a failing marriage to the fantastical realms of alien abduction and dystopian societies. Nagin seamlessly blends elements of realism and surrealism, creating a world where the ordinary and the extraordinary coexist, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined. This stylistic choice adds to the unsettling atmosphere of the collection, leaving the reader questioning the nature of reality and the boundaries of human experience.

While the collection is united by its focus on outcasts and societal misfits, each story offers a unique perspective on the human condition. Nagin explores the pressures of conformity, the allure of rebellion, and the consequences of succumbing to one’s darkest impulses. The characters in “The Book of Outcasts” are often trapped by their own desires and circumstances, struggling to find a sense of purpose and belonging in a world that seems increasingly hostile and indifferent.

The book as a fun group of short stories is without many flaws. The tone is very even at with some stories leaning heavily on shock value or relying on stereotypes. The metafictional “Nagin vs. Nagin” is interesting in concept, annd its execution  self-indulgent but adds to the overall impact of the collection. But this book!!!!

“The Book of Outcasts” is a compelling and unsettling read that will stay with you long after you’ve finished the final page. Nagin’s unique voice and his willingness to explore the darker corners of the human psyche make this collection a worthwhile addition to the contemporary short story landscape. It’s a book that challenges readers to confront their own assumptions about normalcy and to consider the lives of those who exist on the margins of society.

Connect with Matt Nagin

WEB: mattnagin.com

TWITTER: @naginplease

IG: @naginplease

IMDB: imdb.com/name/nm4263194/

YOUTUBE: @naginplease

WRITING::amazon.com/Matt-Nagin

GIGSALAD: gigsalad.com/matt

THE BASH: thebash.com

CAMEO: cameo.com