The Lost Children: A Charity Anthology [Formato Kindle]

THE LOST CHILDREN is a collection of 30 stories that is noteworthy for two reasons: First, the quality and theme of the stories are powerful and important; Second, the proceeds from this undertaking all go to two worthwhile charities--PROTECT (The National Association to Protect Children @ (...) and Children 1st Scotland @ (...). If you are unfamiliar with either of these organizations you should follow the links and check them out.
The collection of stories presented here came about as a challenge issued by editors Thomas Pluck and Fiona Johnson on Ron Earl Phillip's (the third editor of this anthology) Flash Fiction Friday website. Pledges by Pluck and Johnson for each story submitted resulted in an initial $600 being generated for these worthy causes. The idea for this follow-up anthology soon materialized and THE LOST CHILDREN is the result. The haunting cover by Sarah Bennett Pluck and Danielle Tunstall instantly sets the tone and the flash fiction-style stories that follow are equally haunting and powerful and as painfully timely as today's headlines. The stories are not pleasant and few punches are pulled, but the message driven home again and again demands to be heard: The abuse and neglect of our young is not only horrific and damaging to them as individuals but, unchecked, it threatens the fabric of our souls and our future as a so-called civilized society.
Buy a copy, spread the word, help two very worthwhile causes!
Highly recommended!

The stories in this anthology are disturbing, thought-provoking, and will make you angry--angry enough, it is hoped, to want to do something about the abusive treatment received by far too many of the young and vulnerable in our world today. If the suffering of these victims isn't enough in itself, the irrefutable fact that some of them will go on to become monsters preying on victims of their own ought to be. The next tier of victims might include someone close to you--perhaps even a child or close relative.
Monsters are made, not born. That is the central theme of these tight, tough, powerful stories. The style is what is called "flash fiction"--length no greater than 700 words. But the impact of each of these lightning-fast tales is like the punch of individual rounds from a machine gun.
To keep all of this from being too grim, perhaps even depressing, it is important to know that all of the proceeds from this collection of stories will benefit two fine organizations--PROTECT (The National Association to Protect Children) and Children 1st Scotland--devoted to aiding and protecting these "lost children". Here is where your anger can be put to good use. You can support these organizations with the purchase of this anthology, and then you can check them out further in order to find out how else you may be able to participate.
Highly recommended for the writing and the stories. Doubly recommended for the cause it represents

This collection of intense stories is intended to drive home the horror of abuse toward the young and vulnerable in our world, and to support two organizations that have been formed to fight such practices.
The stories are diverse and well written, all quite short but nonetheless powerful. The authors are an international mix of known and not-so-well-known names, but each tells a strong tale that drives home the central message: We must halt this poisonous mistreatment of our young or pay the consequences.
All proceeds from purchases of THE LOST CHILDREN go to PROTECT (The National Association to Protect Children) and Children 1st Scotland. Readers are also encouraged to check out these organizations further to find out other ways they can support their worthy causes.
This is a commendable effort by the editors and authors and is recommended both for the reading experience and for the cause it champions.