The novella, "Cornfield Laughter," is an interesting parody, and tale of the lives of a number of characters, in particular, two: Shannon O'Day, a retired labour worker in the Midwest (a man direct, with little social trappings), who seems to have led an arduous life of drinking, brawling, to a point, womanizing. And Poggi Ingway, past-middle age, a foundry worker; it is 1966. Both are searching for contentment in life. Shannon thought he had it, until his wife left. Poggi seems to have left it in San Francisco, in an afternoon affair. For that matter, all the characters in the story are seeking in one way or another, that same ingredient, contentment. Yet Poggi anticipates suicide. The story ends as all the characters are drawn together, a glimpse of their lives are given to the reader...to include the promiscuous young Annabelle and her co-worker Maribel, Old Josh the diner cook, Jake and Zam-Zam (a tap dancer).
Included in the book are ten short stories; four in English and Spanish: "In the Eyes of the Bull" (Seville, 1998); "Hills like Green Iguanas," (Vietnam, 1971); "A Toucan against One" (from the Amazon); "The Book Story" (a spoof, of sort); and several others.
About the Author: Dr. Dennis L. Siluk, author of 40-books, has now published his most interesting, "Cornfield Laughter." The story is a parody, taking place in Minnesota, it is the best of all his works, and will make you laugh and cry. He has started writing poetry at the age of twelve years old. Published his first book in 1981; writing his first two short stories in 1983 "The Little Russian Twins," being his first one, and in 1990, he wrote three short stories of "Arizona Blue," a gun fighter, and since, have written 350-short stories. He traveled worldwide, was in the Vietnam War, among going to four universities studying psychology, etc., and going on archeological adventures. While he was doing all these activities, he continued writing articles on psychology, for a counseling magazine, along with his poems and short stories for such magazines as "Swiftt" a magazine out of Australia, and "Leaves" a magazine out of India. He has 40-websites, and has over 150,000-readers a month. His poems, articles, tales, etc., can be read on over 400-websites, worldwide. He has recently edited and translated with his wife, Rosa, the poetry of Juan Parra del Riego, the most skilled poet Peru has ever produced in the past, the first time to be put into English, and now the poet has produced a book "The Windmills" in English and Spanish, a book on Juan Parra del Riego's poetry. Up to date, Dennis L. Siluk has written forty books. His last eight books on the cultures, traditions and the way of life in Peru, in English and Spanish. Because of that he had received acknowledgments and awards for his work done in Peru. He has produced 2600-poems, 350-short stories and tales, 1300-articles in addition to his forty books, and 19-chapbooks (several of these poetic children's chapbooks were written in the 1980s between 1982 and 1984 and are rarely seen, if not almost extinct. Some only one hundred copies were made.) In 2008, "The Tale of Willie the Humpback Whale," was translated into Spanish, of 1000-booklets, already classic. In 2005 Mr. Siluk was nominated The Poet Laureate of San Jeronimo de Tunan, Huancayo, Peru and he has received diplomas of acknowledgment for his works on the Mantaro Valley of Peru by the University Los Andes. In 2006 he received the Grand Cross of the City of San Jeronimo de Tunan, also he had receive a diploma as the Best of 2006 for promoting culture, given by Antena Regional; likewise he has receive a diploma of Excellence as the Poet and Writer of 2006, given by Corporation of Autonomous Press (in 2007); in a like manner he had received acknowledgment for his works on the Mantaro Valley of Peru by the National University of the Center of Peru, the Continental University and by the Journalist Professional Association of Junin and Huancavelica of Peru. He also received two Columnist awards, 2004 and 2005, and one of his stories was elected story of the month for October, 2006, by 'The English Magazine'. In August 2007 Dennis L. Siluk was nominated Poet Laureate of the Mantaro Valley of Peru. In addition, in November 2007 he was awarded, or nominated Poet Laureate of Cerro de Pasco, Peru, for the third nomination as Poet Laureate. On December 1, 2007, Dennis L. Siluk was awarded the Ed. D. (Doctor of Arts). In October 2008 he was awarded "Honorary Member" of the Journalists Professional Association of Peru (The Journalists Professional Association of Peru granted Dr. Dennis Lee Siluk Honorary Membership and authorizes him to practice the profession in the Peruvian territory. Lima, October 1st, 2008) Dennis L. Siluk lives with his wife Rosa Peñaloza in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA, as well in Lima and Huancayo, Peru.
