In Ruins of the Mind, Jason Statlander examines friendship, love, family, tragedy, and American culture throughout this collection of contemporary short fiction. His poignant words touch on-and make us question-what it means to be human, the ups and downs that connect and affect us all, and how family is the rock that will get us through. Highlighted stories include: Feathers in the Wind: Jake boards an airplane for a fateful flight while traveling home to make his daughter's birthday. The Ter'roc: Fourteen-year-old Heidi seeks adventure and makes the discovery of a lifetime when she follows her curiosity through a storm drain. Surviving the Messengers: Ashley and her father Chris are dealing with the loss of her mother and need to find the strength to battle a fantastical foe. In the Shadows of a Moment: Five-year-old Frankie sets off for a birthday party on a rainy day with his father Howard, and the ensuing day leads to a shocking discovery. Downward Spiral: In this moving commentary on the American economy, Dominic loses his job and his family, sending his life into a tailspin. Springtime Roses: Rose goes to a routine doctor's appointment and receives shocking news that changes her and her family's life. Other stories in this collection: The Lantern, The Glass Pyramid, Chance-"Don't Lose Your Head," The Sheadroch, The Talasum, and The Journals.