Book Review: Was It Really My Fault?

Was It Really My Fault?: A Collection of Stories by Young Authors (The Camp Ink). K.B. Jensen, Self-Published, December 9, 2022, Paperback and eBook, 140 pages.

Reviewed by Barbara Belford.

Was It Really My Fault? is an anthology of short stories by young writers in middle and high school who attended a virtual writing camp offered by My Word Publishing. The camp was first instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic to help kids cope when summer programs were canceled. Since then, campers have continued to attend the summer Youth Writing Camp and hone their craft via Zoom. The writing camp’s first two anthologies won awards for juvenile fiction, and this new anthology is another treasure trove of well-written stories in all genres—fantasy, horror, crime, and life-altering events. 

Although these writers are in the beginning stages of their writing journey, it would be a mistake to think of them as fledglings. They’ve taken to the skies and are already soaring—their stories are multi-layered and complex. While one story may snatch your breath, another will bring tears, and the next will still confound you days later. 

Each of these young authors brings their unique style and voice to the genre they’ve chosen, and it’s astonishing to see them tackling such heavy topics with the skill of seasoned writers. I applaud both the writers and the mentors who poured passion and long hours into creating this work of art. As with all writers, growth will continue with practice—clearer arcs, tighter exposition, more defined point of view, and consistent mechanics, but for now, these stories need to be read, enjoyed and shared. 

The anthology format adds to the depth of the stories, with a dedication at the beginning and a short bio at the end—giving some insight into the author’s personality and interests. Teachers of young adult writers can use this anthology as a mentor text for inspiration and instruction.

Some specific notes about each individual story:

·         “Hungry for Power” has well-drawn characters with a clever premise of two assassins going for the same target. The full circle ending creates potential for sequels or the development of a novel. My favorite line: Greed is not a reasonable man, Nessa, do not listen to his regard. My mother had told me many wise things, but greed paid well, and I needed the cash. 

·         The description of the unique fantasy setting in “The Guardians of Majestic: The Twins” adds to this multi-perspective expansive story when a shared dog becomes the central target. My favorite line: I looked at the frozen lands outside, thankful I was indoors, selling books, in a rustic, cozy bookshop.

·         If life was suddenly altered, how would someone’s mind react? In “What Would it Feel Like Not to Feel” the character battles nightmares of a paralyzing event and, when therapy doesn’t work, finds a way to outsmart his dream. This story has aspects of the movie Inception as it moves between reality and dreams. My favorite line: I would have to do a header, and as I realized this, I got a nervous feeling and my stomach was queasy, but for my team’s sake I would do it.” 

·         Be prepared for horrific horror in “Her Fondness for Violets.” The sensory details and exceptional description give the reader the disturbing sense of being in the room with the murderer. My favorite line: I could still make out the faint mark from her deep pink lipstick that was stained into the porcelain. 

·         “A Slip Up” reads as smoothly as any police procedural published today. The author seamlessly switches between dialogue and exposition like a seasoned writer. Using a device of inserting news articles to give the reader information adds to the effect of a true crime narrative. The main character is believable and complicated, and if you’re reading the stories in the anthology in order, you’ll appreciate the appearance of a victim and a murderer from another story. My favorite line: Maybe she shouldn’t have killed Matthew. Maybe she should have. It didn’t matter now.

·         In “Never Let Go,” the narrator portrays a realistic description of a person experiencing loss of consciousness and the gradual sensation of returning to himself surrounded by loved ones who will sustain him. The brilliant comparison of illness to a foreign invader who can choose to exploit or show mercy reveals the helplessness humans have against such assailants. My favorite line: It wasn’t the risk of life and death, but rather the suffering in between. 

·         The premise of “Book of Fears” continues to haunt me days after reading it. Followers of Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero’s Journey” will find the reluctant hero’s archetypes on a quest to find a magic book that contains all the fears of all the people in the world. The characters are nuanced, and I loved their comradery and determination to complete the mission. There’s a ticking clock for the protagonists to find the book before anyone else can steal it, and internal tension as readers anticipate whether they will defy the order not to open the book. Beneath the surface is the evergreen theme of whether authorities can be considered trustworthy guides and advisors. My favorite line: The only reassurance we have that we are not in an infinite loop of our own vacant minds is the sun moving across the sky. 

I hope there will be many sequels to this anthology and that I will have the honor of reading the works of more future authors. As Phillip Pullman writes, “After nourishment, shelter, and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”