Text: The New Book of Masks Book

Creative people have asserted throughout history that masks are an undeniable fixture in our everyday lives. Whether it is a different face we put on in certain social situations, a building whose exterior conceals the purpose of the interior, or stereotypes which hide the unique and wonderful truths of people and places, our world is one of masks.

Forrest Aguirre's anthology "Text: UR - The New Book of Masks" collects stories around this theme. As mentioned above, the masks presented come in all shapes, sizes, locations, and targets. No one style dominates, instead the concept is examined from all angles.

The selections for this dense, yet thoroughly enjoyable anthology do not disappoint. From a character that travels between books in search of his creator (Toiya Kristen Finley's "The Avatar of Background Noise"), to a city that is tearing itself apart (Joe Murphy's "Bitter Almonds and Absinthe"), the fantastic visions of the featured authors are at times thought-provoking, horrifying, surreal, and always a pleasure to read.

Each story invites you to peel back the facade, whether it is the character, the setting, or the plot. The truths revealed are in a word amazing, and the incredible craftsmanship of the tales are indescribably beautiful. "Text: UR" is a fantastic display of the many masks we create for ourselves and the universe around us.