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Steve Stred
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The Color of Melancholy: An Examination of Andrew Pyper’s Novels as Intersected Through My Life Hardcover – July 2, 2023

by Steve Stred (Author), Christy Aldridge (Illustrator), Don Noble (Illustrator),
4.9 out of 5 stars 15 ratings
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It’s just a book, right?

To some, this is true.

But what if an author’s work has made a tangible difference in a reader’s life?

Steve Stred came from humble beginnings, born and raised in Burton, BC, Canada – population approx. 75. Through the years, he’s battled depression and the fight between his small-town boy fear of the larger world and his inner self desperately wanting more; to see more, do more, experience more. Over his life, Steve’s sought out challenges – being the first in his family to graduate from university. Pursuing weight-lifting, shotput and bobsled, all with the ultimate goal to make it to the Olympic Games.

But how does one pick themselves up when failure continuously rears its ugly head?

A chance purchase in 2014 changed everything and set in motion a relationship between the books of his favorite author and key moments within his own life.

Featuring a powerful foreword from Andrew Pyper, Steve Stred’s ‘The Color of Melancholy: An Examination of Andrew Pyper’s Novels as Intersected Through My Life,’ uses a mix of humor and seriousness to describe his upbringing, his challenges and how he fell back in love with writing, while also discussing how Andrew Pyper’s novels have woven their way into the fabric of his own history – and how a friendship was born.

Steve Stred is a 2X Splatterpunk-Nominated author of more than a dozen releases.

Andrew Pyper is an Arthur Ellis Award-Winning and Shirley Jackson-Nominated author who has been awarded The Grant Allen Award for his contributions to Canadian crime and mystery literature. He is the author of ten best selling novels and the smash hit ‘Oracle,’ an Audible audiobook release.

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  1. Print length
    226 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    July 2, 2023
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    1990260284
  6. ISBN-13
    978-1990260285
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Black Void Publishing
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 2, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 226 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1990260284
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1990260285
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 14.2 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.7 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 out of 5 stars 15 ratings

About the author

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Steve Stred

Steve Stred

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An award-winning author, Steve Stred lives in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, with his wife and son.

Known for his novels, ‘Mastodon,’ ‘Churn the Soil,’ and his series ‘Father of Lies’ where he joined a cult on the dark web for four years, his work has been described as haunting, bleak and is frequently set in the woods near where he grew up. He’s been fortunate to appear in numerous anthologies with some truly amazing authors.

His novel ‘Mastodon’ will be translated into Czech and Italian over the next few years.

His novel 'Churn the Soil' won the 2024 Indieverse Award for Best Horror Novel.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
15 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the memoir honest and fascinating, with one review noting how it takes readers on a journey through the author's life.

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5 customers mention "Honesty"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's honesty, with one review noting how it takes readers on a journey through the author's life.

"...This is a true story about Steve, his memories growing up in Canada, the work he put in over many of those years to be on the Olympic bobsledding..." Read more

"The best memoir I’ve read in years. Steve is brutally honest and holds nothing back, and the book is the better for it...." Read more

"...Loved learning the inspirations, struggles, triumphs, and overall background of Steve's life...." Read more

"...creativity, perseverance, and family, these pages bring to life an honest telling of one writer’s journey...." Read more

5 customers mention "Inspiration"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book inspiring, describing it as an amazing memoir and fascinating read, with one customer highlighting its exploration of creativity.

"...I know I have. This was an excellent journey through his younger life, a good way for the reader to get well acquainted with the author...." Read more

"...His connection to Pyper’s work is interesting to read about and the whole thing comes off as inspirational, rather than something that could have..." Read more

"...Loved learning the inspirations, struggles, triumphs, and overall background of Steve's life...." Read more

"Steve Stred's book, The Color of Melancholy, delves into his life, the defining experiences that have shaped him, and his deep connection with the..." Read more

Steve Stred must be protected!
5 out of 5 stars
Steve Stred must be protected!
I had a suspicion that Steve Stred was a gentle giant. Reading this book proved me right......but make no mistake....he will not think twice about sending you into the shadow realm if you cross him! Lol humor aside... getting to know one of my favorite authors was amazing. Steve feels like someone I would definitely be BBFs with. It's amazing to know that we had similar experiences and feelings even though we literally live in different countries. Also.....i must now buy more Andrew Pyper books. If your a fan of Steve Stred, then reading about him is a must. We're long distance besties now. :D
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Maryanne Chappell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Honest and Captivating!
    Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I finished The Color of Melancholy by Steve Stred last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a true story about Steve, his memories growing up in Canada, the work he put in over many of those years to be on the Olympic bobsledding team and the injuries that took a toll on his body from it. He trained in so many other sports at the Olympic level and it blew my mind how the hell he went through what he did in that pursuit. But it's told through the lens of one of his favorite authors, Andrew Pyper's novels and how Andrew's work touched each part of his life, hus accomplishments and his failures (that he unabashedly writes about). And haven't we all had that one author that saw us through the most precarious points in our lives that we can relate to? I know I have. This was an excellent journey through his younger life, a good way for the reader to get well acquainted with the author. Highly recommend!
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  • James M. Pare
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing memoir
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The best memoir I’ve read in years. Steve is brutally honest and holds nothing back, and the book is the better for it. His connection to Pyper’s work is interesting to read about and the whole thing comes off as inspirational, rather than something that could have been cheesy. I was already a fan for life, but this book cemented Steve in my top 5 writers ever.
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  • Jeremy Hepler
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read
    Reviewed in the United States on August 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I'm a huge fan of Steve's fiction writing and really enjoyed this one as well. Loved learning the inspirations, struggles, triumphs, and overall background of Steve's life. So many aspects of his story connected and resonated with me on a personal level. Well written and highly recommend!
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  • Franco the Harmful Monkey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Refreshingly Honest and Inspirational
    Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Steve Stred's book, The Color of Melancholy, delves into his life, the defining experiences that have shaped him, and his deep connection with the writings of Andrew Pyper (whom Stred calls his Stephen King). Stred invites readers into his metaphorical open house, granting them access to every room, even the uncomfortable ones. He recounts his various roles as an athlete, bouncer, pedorthist, writer, and self-proclaimed superfan of Pyper's work. Throughout, he illustrates the strong synchronicity between his own path and the work of the author he so admires. In doing so, he illuminates not only his own literary influences but also the vital thread that links author and reader. An exploration of creativity, perseverance, and family, these pages bring to life an honest telling of one writer’s journey. By the end, you will know Steve Stred a heck of a lot better. I know I do. And perhaps, you’ll add some stories by Stred and Pyper to your bookshelves as a result.
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  • Brian Bowyer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Memoir!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Stred covers a lot of ground here, and it's a fast-paced and fascinating read. Highly recommended!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Alexia-Ashford
    5.0 out of 5 stars Steve Stred must be protected!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I had a suspicion that Steve Stred was a gentle giant. Reading this book proved me right......but make no mistake....he will not think twice about sending you into the shadow realm if you cross him! Lol humor aside... getting to know one of my favorite authors was amazing. Steve feels like someone I would definitely be BBFs with. It's amazing to know that we had similar experiences and feelings even though we literally live in different countries. Also.....i must now buy more Andrew Pyper books. If your a fan of Steve Stred, then reading about him is a must. We're long distance besties now. :D
    Customer image
    Alexia-Ashford
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Steve Stred must be protected!

    Reviewed in the United States on August 11, 2023
    I had a suspicion that Steve Stred was a gentle giant. Reading this book proved me right......but make no mistake....he will not think twice about sending you into the shadow realm if you cross him! Lol humor aside... getting to know one of my favorite authors was amazing. Steve feels like someone I would definitely be BBFs with. It's amazing to know that we had similar experiences and feelings even though we literally live in different countries. Also.....i must now buy more Andrew Pyper books. If your a fan of Steve Stred, then reading about him is a must. We're long distance besties now. :D
    Images in this review
    Customer image
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  • Emily
    5.0 out of 5 stars Melancholy
    Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    The author Steve Stread takes you on a journey through his life. The highs and lows. The heart-stopping moments where you think, oh my gosh. Lossess and heartache. But he shows how the love of an authors work helped him through it all. Heart touching read.
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  • Lisa (Vyxxee)
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023
    What a fantastic memoir! I felt the full gamut of emotions ranging from laughter at the funnier parts to tears while reading the tougher sections. My favorite part of this book though was definitely the epilogues (yes epilogues plural) when Steve described meeting his favorite author. It put the biggest smile on my face. Two thumbs up!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Terry and dog
    5.0 out of 5 stars What an inspiring, heartfelt story.
    Reviewed in Canada on July 22, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Who knew the Steve Stred memoire would be a body horror story!?
    Wow, this starts with such feeling and drama, it's incredible. It just sucks you in. I devoured this in one sitting. A wild ride for sure, a life that has evolved so much. Not many people have had all these experiences and come out a better person, and so tenatious. I am so happy that I somehow discovered this talented, thoughtful and kind man. He deserves a round of applause for baring his soul.
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  • N1
    5.0 out of 5 stars Works as tribute, criticism, and memoir
    Reviewed in Canada on August 23, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    An indie-horror U&I: both a warm and complicated memoir and a tribute to the works of Andrew Pyper. Vivid details of a tiny-town BC childhood, an unexpected byroad into Olympic ambitions, and the constant threads of writing, family, and work make for a pretty unique and certainly very readable and fun book.
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