Mitchell Waldman

Mitchell Waldman's latest novel, THE VISITOR, is now available from All Things That Matter Press! THE VISITOR is a unique blend of science fiction, social commentary, and human drama. It stands out for its exploration of identity, alienation, and the human condition, themes that may resonate with readers of speculative fiction and literary works alike. It may appeal to readers who enjoy introspective narratives and stories that challenge perceptions of reality, much like works of Philip K. Dick or Kashuo Ishiguro’s Never Let Me Go. Its unique blend of genres and themes may make it a compelling read that stands out in the literary landscape.

His last story collection, BROTHERS, FATHERS, AND OTHER STRANGERS, deals with the subjects of family dysfunction, Adolf Hitler, work, the spirit of Kurt Cobain, an angel giving an aging alcoholic a second chance, and men seeking meaning in their lives. Of the work readers have said "Waldman has crafted a nuanced and engaging collection. His stories set us on an emotional tightrope, daring us to forgo a safety net, while seducing us to look down and discover who we are. Sometimes poignantly devastating, and other times savagely funny, he guides us through family trauma, corporate America, and faithful understanding to remind us if we can be less of a stranger to the world, maybe we can be less of a stranger to ourselves." (Josh Penzone, author of The Court of Vintage Woods: Linked Stories). Readers have also said that "Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers is remarkable for its scope, honesty, imagination, social sensitivity, and moral concern." (Robert Wexelblatt, author of The Thirteenth Studebaker, Hsi-wei Tales, etc.) And it has been said that "[I]n Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers, Waldman explores masculinity, but not stereotypical masculinity. In these stories, you will see men battling their memories and emotions as they attempt to come to grips with their pasts and make a way for their lives. Waldman sets his work in reality with a dash of fantasy and the occasional twist ending. Waldman is doing something special in the short story form, and his stories will entertain, enlighten, and elate." (Hardy Jones, author of Resurrection of Childhood: A Memoir, and Every Bitter Thing).

The Book Commentary said that BROTHERS stands out in its accomplished prose and insights into complex relationships. Waldman’s voice is compelling in contemporary literature, fearlessly illuminating the darker aspects of the human experience while inviting us to find solace in our shared struggles.

CommuterLit said that in BROTHERS Waldman’s sharp wit and observant prose offer cathartic relief — like a quick shot of hard liquor. I can easily relate to the characters’ frustrations, their rage, their alienation, and the personal losses that the sons, brothers, and fathers depicted in this volume endure.

Impspired Magazine stated that in this immersive, provocative and engaging collection, Mitchell Waldman challenges us to reflect on our own moral compass, through the experiences of the characters and their own personal battles but also situations many of us would rather try to avoid. This is where Waldman succeeds in his 'creative representation' of personal relationships, religious views, political alliances and moralistic viewpoints in this fictional canvas of the human condition, no matter who we are or where we are from. Such is the impact of this collection, that we are compelled to individually search and maybe even adjust our moral compass, as a result of the creative representation of humanity in this collection.

NewInBooks stated that Brothers, Fathers, and Other Strangers delves into family dysfunction and personal alienation through thirty-eight evocative stories, blending vivid imagination with profound emotional depth.

The Academy of the Heart and Mind in its review of BROTHERS said that Waldman does not pull punches in terms of his colorful diction and his narrative style. And that the short story collection will resonate with readers who are seeking a deep dive into how others have a massive influence on the people we are inside and out.

Another reviewer said the following: "The men in Mitchell Waldman’s strong collection share a common trait: all are provided an opportunity for self-discovery. Whether they elect to act on it is another story and that his collection acts as a kind of instruction guide, his men coming out more complete on the other side. These stories make compelling reading – adept prose at times poignant, humorous, luminous." (Dennis Donoghue, author of The Final One Eighty: A memoir).

Mitchell is also the author of the short story collection, PETTY OFFENSES AND CRIMES OF THE HEART (originally published by Wind Publications), a 2015 BookBzz Prize Writers Contest finalist. Regarding the book, one reviewer has commented that "Faulkner said that an author's job is to make the extraordinary seem ordinary and to make the ordinary seem extraordinary, and in PETTY OFFENSES this is what Waldman accomplishes." Stories in the collection include a Pushcart Prize nominated story and a First Prize winning story from 13th Story Magazine.

In addition, Waldman is the author of the novel, A FACE IN THE MOON (Writers Club Press, 2000), with regard to which one commentator has stated that "with more novels like his debut tale that demonstrates Mitchell Waldman's tremendous talent for genuine characters in real life settings, the author will not remain faceless for very long."

His stories, poetry, articles, and essays have appeared in numerous publications, including, among others, The Opiate, The Chamber Magazine, Northeast Indiana Literary Journal, Short Story Town, Bewildering Stories, The MacGuffin, Foliate Oak Literary Magazine, Fictive Dream, Spelk, The Academy of the Heart and Mind, The Magnolia Review, The Battered Suitcase, Epiphany, Foliate Oak, Waterhouse Review, Eunoia Review, The Brooklyn Voice, and Mobius. His work has also been anthologized in numerous publications, as well.

Waldman serves as Fiction Editor for Blue Lake Review,and was co-editor (with Diana Waldman) of the anthologies WOUNDS OF WAR: POETS FOR PEACE, and HIP POETRY (originally published by Wind Publications).

His book reviews have appeared at Scribes World and Midwest Book Review.

Waldman studied with Mark Costello (author of THE MURPHY STORIES and MIDDLE MURPHY) and Paul Friedman (author of AND IF DEFEATED ALLEGE FRAUD and SERIOUS TROUBLE) at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana).

Mitchell lives in Rochester, New York, with his partner, Diana May-Waldman, a journalist, editor, and poet, and author of the book, A WOMAN'S SONG.

Check out their writings at http://mitchwaldman.homestead.com