Ready for a riot?

Strap in for a fast, sharp, funny, savory romp from one of America’s underground scribes. With more than 80 original works, Thick, Thin, What the Dragon Let In: Stories, Rhymes, and Reveries offers a bouillabaisse of unconventional stories, poems, lyrics, and ideas.

From sad sack vandals, broken down hoods, and an assassin fighting tooth decay to deep sea ventures, breezy lullabies, and enchanting dreamscapes, this captivating and surprising collection will have you bursting with laughter one minute, haunted moments later, and wondering what unexpected turn Doworth Howard will deliver next.

Doworth Howard started as an artist known for his wire sculptures of people before taking up the pen. Twenty years on, he’s shaped a new approach to books.

Check out Fierce Plum Asks 10 Questions with Doworth Howard.

What others are saying!

“If you enjoy collections that are like a mirror reflecting the complications of life and a door into the lives of others, you will love Thick, Thin, What the Dragon Let In.” Readers’ Favorite

Full review by Courtnee Turner Hoyle for Readers’ Favorite:

Doworth Howard’s Thick, Thin, What the Dragon Let In is a collection that blends poetry and prose, delivering narratives, rhymes, and thought-provoking musings. The themes range from crime to peculiar relationships, and readers are invited into intimate moments, witnessing characters at critical crossroads in their lives, whether they are aware of it or not. The poems touch on unique topics, such as Afro-Brazilian martial arts and dance, and amusing verses offering both humor and wisdom. Howard’s stories, like “This Dirty Old House” with its layered meanings, and the random musings scattered throughout the book occupy the mind while leaving room for reflection on life’s absurdities, challenges, and tragedies.

His ability to reveal delicate tipping points and uncover darker aspects of human nature makes Doworth Howard’s work move past creativity into a term not yet defined. His writing feels alive and layered, producing reactions from laughter to surprise and horror. The musings often have a Dr. Seuss-like charm, mixing whimsy with adult themes and providing glimpses into Howard’s unique perspective. His exploration of pivotal moments allows readers to put themselves in the place of the characters and ponder the characters’ fates after the story. With narratives that show the intense and brief nature of human experience, Howard combines unavoidable truths with hints of imagination. Readers will contemplate what they might encounter as they walk through life and wonder what Howard sees of human nature as he walks along the beach with his dog and gathers ideas for his work. If you enjoy collections that are like a mirror reflecting the complications of life and a door into the lives of others, you will love Thick, Thin, What the Dragon Let In.

Loved it! 😍
There is something in this book for everybody. Definitely give it a go

Full review by Connor Parkinson on Reedsy:

I thought this would be a really good opportunity to start diving in to short stories as I cannot say I have read that many previously. It was a delight to enter a book with over 80 different stories inside. This is the first short story book that I have read in a long time and I really enjoyed my time with this.

As expected, some stories are more enjoyable than others but they all provided a really entertaining few hours of reading. Some were a bit odd and left me confused as I felt like they didn’t lead anywhere, but maybe that was the point?

Random if you don’t know VI.5 is among my favourites. This one is so short but amusing, entertaining and fun. It’s a beautiful message that I won’t spoil but encourage people to read.

I feel like this story in particular is the one that spoke to me most. It contains a different look on grief, loss and a positive outlook that made me change my thoughts and perspectives on these topics, in simply two lines.

I do not know how something like that is possible but this story really stuck with me and has become a favourite story slash quote of mine.

But then you go from this to a story called backpacking, which is again short but contains a lot of whimsy and fun and provides a feeling of adventure and positivity and enthusiasm. The range of emotions you feel going through these stories is definitely a whirlwind as you can read something so profound that makes you stop and ponder aspects of life before reading something that makes you chuckle, then one that makes you confused, then one that is just fun.

Overall, I had a really good time with this read and it is definitely one to give a go. There’s something in here for everybody that is for sure.

More books coming soon