I love the unknown and hearing the stories from the innocence ...
581902
I love the unknown and hearing the stories from the innocence of children.  Opens the mind to so much!
4914434
I love to hear someone's story. This is raw vulnerability in the great outdoors. Captivating in its truth and well written form. Outdoor enthusiast or not; it's worth your time.
3219687
So many of the stories in this collection are absolute stunners that its easier to forgive the few stories that don't quite make the grade.  Reminiscent of Ms. Bergmans Birds of a Lesser Paradise  yet (in my mind) much better executed, the finest stories interweave the immutable connection between humankind and the rest of the animal kingdom.

The opening story, Terror Birds, awes with its power. Its set in an Arizona ostrich farm, told through alternating first person narrations of mother and son. When Jacks childhood security is threatened by his fathers adultery, he reflects, I had no interest in a superhero with a mind at work. I loved the ostriches  and all the other monstersfor what they were: sheer brute force, untempered by either conscience or consciousness.  These reflections are portentous and Ms. Geni keeps her readers on a tightrope as we watch how it plays out.

Dharma at the Gate has its own power, setting up a compelling triangle: an emotionally damaged teenage boy, his girlfriend who is desperate  but unable  to break away, and her loyal dog.  As she fights for possession of her own future and her own soul, she recognizes what she must give up to attain the freedom that calls to her.

The eponymous The Last Animal centers on a middle-aged woman whose husband deserted her many years ago. She sets out on a journey of catharsis to Mexico, where he had mailed her a number of letters. As she witnesses rarely seen ocean life, she discovers something important about herself: On the whole, she preferred in the realm of mystery and miracles. In the end, she preferred not to know.

Captivity is beautiful in its terseness, focusing on a 31-year-old octopus handler living with her mother and struggling to make sense of her brothers disappearance. She tells a co-worker:  When I started working here, he was furious at me. Mostly because of the dolphins. Unconscionable, he said. We had a big fight about it. I told him that at least they were alive in here. Out in the wild, they could be tuna.  Eventually, her definition of being alive shifts and changes.

And, in Flight Blight, Cosmo, a gardener grieving over his wifes miscarriage tries to come to terms with his loss, surprising his returning wife with a wild, blooming layouta strange, new living thing to give solace and a touch of hope.

The finest stories are those that most closely explore our bond with other animals; those stories are haunting and unforgettable. There are a couple of others that are less compelling, but Abby Geni is truly a writer to watch.  When shes good, shes very, very good.  In fact, shes excellent.  (4.5 stars)
1592424
I cant wait to find out what happens next. I love a good underdog story. Who cant relate to always being underestimated but succeeding anyway.
2105900
After having read all the stories in this collection, I have a more expansive view about life as an Indian, especially those living in the West. The narratives were warm, intriguing, compelling and honest. I'm glad I read it, but in nearly every story, I was disappointed that the little snippet I got from each character was all I would ever get. Each character felt as if they should have a novel of their own. I hope this author continues to produce and is brave enough to take us even deeper into her characters' lives. If she does, I predict great success for her writing and her name on my must-have reading list
43899
Reading these stories reminds me so much of myself.  Rothbart is an excellent story teller. He captures all of the phases of obsessive love from first blush to the brutal impact of reality.  It may be an idiot, but openness of the author's heart really makes up for it.
3410504
When I read the first story of this collection, I was not sure that I was going to like it - but with each page I read, I appreciated the author's perceptions more and more.  There is a calmness to her writing that belies the emotion and depth of each narrative.  The characters are well-drawn and none of the stories are ordinary.  It is a collection that I think needs to be read more than once, with a space of time in-between - one that will give new insights with each reading.  The only criticism I have is that there just aren't as many stories as I would like to explore.  A beautiful work.
2517982
When I began reading this collection of mysterious stories, I was a little puzzled.  But it didn't take long to realize what a gem this book is.  These were definitely tales with a twist, as the author promises.
If you enjoy the unusual stories that came alive in the Twilight Zone of the unique crafting of Alfred Hitchcock who said, There is no terror in the bang, only in the anticipation of it, then Tales in the Headlights will more than satisfy.  Theres that element of apprehension found in the atmosphere of old black and white noir movies.
Its almost like a nostalgic trip into a simpler time when technology didn't run our lives.  And rather than depending on the slasher mentality of much of todays suspense, many of these stories sneak up on you creating a sense of edginess and unease.
Other stories offer up questions to ponder.  When is deceit justified; when is NOT telling the truth right? Dont be too quick to answer. Is revenge really sweet or does it isolate us from trust, depleting our emotional barometer until we end up living a life of deception that strips us of relationships, leaving us human icicles. Can one mans freedom be another mans prison?  What does money buy  all or nothing?  They leave the reader questioning the characters decisions of right or wrong.
These stories may be scary or not so much, but they do lead the reader through winding and mysterious paths to places where they can almost hear the sounds and smell the scents; feel the emotions and visualize the settings.  Where the reader is no longer within the pages of a book but are enveloped in the atmosphere and ambiance of the setting. Here there is no exclusivity on love, contentment, greed, or grief; they just come in different shapes and sizes.
Tales in the Headlights offers a cornucopia of odd and unusual stories surrounded in shadows and secrets waiting for readers to uncover and enjoy.  In the end its all about storytelling and the author, Iain Edward Henn, does it well.
Readers are encouraged to refer to the book description for synopses of the stories themselves.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review."
4893819
I'd never heard of this author or these stories.  Not surprising: These are actually anthologized from The Youth Companion magazine from the late 1800s/early 1900's.  It's an absolutely charming collection of stories.  The premise is that several young people who are distantly related all end up together on a relative's farm during the Civil War.  Their adventures are reminiscent of the Little House books, with a bit of Tom Sawyer thrown in.

The stories provide a marvelous glimpse of the time, of life on a country farm, of the chores and activities of the 1860's.  They ring with authenticity -- one can't help but believe that quite a few of these events are genuine memories of the author, though perhaps embroidered a bit!

I don't know if they'll appeal to the generation that seeks the next teen vampire novel - but they will certainly appeal to older readers who DID grow up on Laura Ingalls Wilder and similar tales.  This one is going to be a keeper on my shelf.
2368395
When I read these books, I cannot help but feel like I have access to the reality of what may be occurring somewhere in the world. The story is entertaining, exciting and sometimes witty. Thank you for keeping me up into the wee hours because I cannot put it down.
794082
These stories are written with the flow of warm chocolate being poured. The descriptions are lush and sensual and the stories are full of interest. Characters have such full range of life you might expect to run into them while exploring an old house. I truly loved reading these stories, though all of the "bug talk" in the first story got a little (just a little) tiring. I can't bring myself to see the movie because I am not sure anyone could bring the experience I had to the screen. Although I read this for a graduate school exam, I could just as easily have read it for the sheer pleasure.  And as soon as I finish writing my thesis, I'll probably pick it up again.
2454495
The intimate settings and delivery of the indigenous stories is truly praiseworthy. So many times the issue is convoluted and laced with fear and unknown that this rendering is completely wonderous. Low key, respectful and informative it bolsters long held beliefs and confirmation of events that no one talks about. Thank you for being faithful to yourself and fulfilling a childhood dream so others can know and to the bravery of the people.
" those with ears to hear, let them hear."
3794262
I love to follow the character 's and the on going stories. The location sounds just delightful .wish there was a place like that somewhere
4811547
I just love reading these stories - my eyes were wet with every story.  Jesus is so loving and merciful - reading this makes me want to be used to heal hurting people too.  When I was a kid i used to mock Kathryn when she came on the radio - very theatrical voice, but as an adult I really appreciate the person she was/is.
386140
I had the privilege of hearing Chris tell some of the stories at a book signing. These stories are miraculous and Chris does a great job telling them. Looking forward to reading the rest of the stories that I haven't heard Chris tell yet.
709126
Really enjoyed reading through the stories, Real honest experiences are rarely recorded to be savored by others, Thanks for a great read,
3459107
Daniel Gabriels Wrestling with Angels is certainly an interesting collection of stories that portray many walks of life found in equally varying locations. Its divided into three parts: A-Side: Border Stories, B-Side: Shifting Gears, and the Bonus Track. His play on musical records may only blatantly tie into a few of his odd stories, but when you think about how each character whistles to their own tune, the music they decide to play, it makes much more sense.

I had the pleasure of hearing Gabriel read aloud the second story in the A-Side: Border Stories section called In the House of Mr. Poo, which is one reason why I slightly favor that story in his collection. Its remote location on an island and the bizarre situation put upon the unassuming Mr. and Mrs. Poo is sure to hold your attention throughout the story.

The Road Goes Ever On took an intriguing point of view from a hitchhiking, wandering young man. After waiting for a ride for what seems like ages to the young man, he meets an older wanderer and decides to tag along. The older man definitely portrays what the young mans future could become if he continues on his trail of having no life-lines, as the old man referred to family and connections.

I see it completely fitting that Gabriels epilogue says, For Alex and Even, to add to the stories told round the fire because thats what this collection is  stories that emit a certain mystery, darkness and intrigue, perfect for a night with friends by a nighttime bonfire in natures equally mysterious and uncontrollable air.