every short story in it is like an epic novel
589211
What an incredible book, every short story in it is like an epic novel. I have read this book of short stories twice so far,
and will do so again in the future. I just recently bought a second copy to have as my "lending" copy.  If you want to be
moved to tears and or laughter, pick up one or two copies of this book!
2508480
This book has so many different stories and themes that there is something for everyone
Short stories that really grab your attention and you find hard to put down
2243476
The characters in the stories are so real its haunting.  Each story is like peering into someone else's life or at times looking back on your own slice of reality.  This collection of stories has a little something for every kind of reader.  The author spares you nothing by exposing the emotional roller coaster that makes up everyday moments.  Each small story is its own little world where the characters compel you to keep reading.  It's real, it's beautiful and it's honest.  I anxiously await the author's debut novel.
2112496
The Things They Carried is a collection of connected short stories about a group of soldiers in the Vietnam War. The stories follow the same group of men from Alpha Company, and they flow like a novel, yet the stories are strong on their own if read individually.

I felt transported, like I was there with these men. I felt their homesickness and heartache. Though a pacifist myself, I understood how a person who didn't necessarily agree with the war, could feel bound to fight in it.

The Things They Carried is everything a book should be. It is well crafted, transports the reader, evokes emotion, and elicits thought. I think it has something to offer for everyone. If you are interested in the craft of writing, this is a must read.
4523834
Impressions is Dan Groats collection of short stories that can fill any persons ideal narrative. These stories range from very short to about ten to fifteen minutes long, so it is most definitely a variety of stories that will spark many different emotions within readers. Groat incorporates everything one could imagine into the stories he has created, whether it is comedic or making someone question their basic philosophy. It is very impressive how he was able to capture a reader so quickly and then leave them so satisfied in a matter of pages. I just really enjoyed reading this collection because I could stop whenever I needed because of how short and sweet these stories are, but I am just as able to go and pick up the book when I need it. They are well written stories and everyone can find something to look forward to with this collection.
2352977
This is the best science fiction I've read in at least twelve years.  Matthew tackles grand transhumanist concepts and articulates them clearly; seemingly effortlessly.  The stories are so personal to each character, yet the overall arc is epic and breathtaking.  Matthew's prose and skillful diction make this a truly exciting read; several passages sent literal shivers down my spine.

The suggested reading order for these stories is wonderful.  With each you are brought deeper into the world of Atopia.  As my eyes opened, so did my brain and my heart, culminating into a story I could not put down; one that stuck with me in my dreams and at idle times during the day.  These stories and ideas will stay with me for a long time.

Books like these are why I read.  I highly recommend this collection to everyone.
2841729
I adore this novel. Its nearly epic in scope, and the tale it weaves is fantastic and magical. The characters are incredibly well written, and even relatable. Kali is a teenager whose biggest problem is high school. That is, until she starts to change in highly unusual ways. Rayne is an enigma in his own right, with more than a few secrets to keep hidden. It moves extremely fast, and has more twists and turns than a crazy roller coaster! The story was actually left open, allowing for the sequels that have been written. Im very eager to read the next part of Kali and Raynes adventures in life, love, and the craziness that pursues them both. I did receive a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.
4577831
From the fist page to the last, every single character, every single villan, every single battle and adventure is just marevelous, there are just very few books that can include fantasy, romance, adventure, personal conflicts, real character interactions in which each of their decisions and actions have an impact on the rest of them and the story as a whole. You'll just get thrilled with this great fantasy novel and you won't stop reading it until you're done, and I guarantee it will be no more than a couple of days.
3072882
The Witching Hour #1 is an anthology of short stories in graphic novel format, but this review is only for one of the stories in the collection: "Mars to Stay," by writer Brett Lewis and illustrator Cliff Chiang. I've just read it, and if I could pick up my jaw from the ground, I'd whisper just one word: "Brilliant." But I'm about to utter many more after I take a moment to catch my breath. It's. THAT. GOOD.

Without giving away any spoilers, the plot just on its own is quite intriguing, as we learn the fate of settlers abandoned on Mars. What truly blows me away, however, is the writer's impeccable execution. This is a stark and brutally powerful depiction of the unraveling of the trappings of civility as the ugly, base nature of humanity is revealed, and it is astonishing how much emotion Lewis is able to evoke in the reader with so relatively few words. By the end of the eight pages, I actually felt ice-cold at my very core. And loved every quivering moment of it.

And yet, despite the cataclysmic events described, I still feel that Lewis wove in a frayed thread of hope. As he expertly exposes bits and pieces of the main character's thoughts as a stream of her consciousness, Tally begins to seem that she isn't like the other settlers. She honestly considers her actions, and doesn't just react. She may go through the motions, but she still has objectivity. She didn't want to fall headlong into the abyss, but was forced to make that choice in the end. She is not a heroine, but she has the strength to stand alone. Maybe I'm overly optimistic, but I still see all of that as a positive thing. This is perhaps supported by the few bits of unexpected humor that punctuate the darkness.

Chiang's impressive visual interpretation of the story is just as appropriately abbreviated. In this bleak world, only a few well-placed splashes of bold Martian red effectively call attention to the action at hand, in sharp contrast to the shadowy austerity that cloaks the other characters. Then, gradually, the red begins to take over until it envelops the final panel, save for the last living spot of white. Chiang's attention to detail is also remarkable. In each panel, I kept finding new little gems, from the subliminally familiar sponsorships emblazoned on the American suits to the faceless shields and red suns that distinguished the Japanese contingent. It is rough, raw, and wild...and deliberately so.

The most fascinating thing about reading this story for me, however, is just how much I found myself relating to it, which I think is the truest test of any writer. It goes beyond genuinely caring about what happens in this whole other world on the page, and even beyond letting go and losing yourself in the momentary experience of the story. Lewis MAKES you feel things that you weren't planning to feel. As a result of having read "Mars to Stay," I actually learned new things about myself. By nature, an artist must have an audience, and perhaps the best way to hold that audience captive is to lead them back into themselves. My favorite, most haunting line is: "There's a loneliness of a certain, oncoming end." Just like that, Lewis conjures everything I've personally felt whenever I've contemplated what the experience of dying must be like. But I think the line that surprised me most is: "Some might argue THAT as an important trait of explorers--dissatisfaction." It had never occurred to me before now that that may actually be my prime motivator. In my own wanderings of the galaxy, I'd always assumed it was just curiosity and easygoing open-mindedness that constantly led me into novel experiences that may or may not morph into episodes of thrillseeking, but perhaps I've been wrong all this time.

In summary, "Mars to Stay" is absolutely stunning. I highly recommend this to anyone who can appreciate the beauty in thoughtfully exploring the darker side of (their own?) human nature. I cannot wait to see more from these talented young artists.
4323933
This book is a compilation of stories in chapters of the book using the same main characters. Each short story builds on the story of the next. Each plot building onto and into the story after it. Building to a brilliantly written whole.

These stories are really fun to read and tho short, they are each complete in themselves. In reading them you will find yourself transported to Victorian London. The stories are peopled by gentlemen of leisure; scientists; thieves; and whores. As well as ghosts with evil dispositions; golems and demons. The evil spirits torment and attempt to maim and dismember and/or kill the humans by means most foul. Something called the Aether is linked to some deaths and some other questionable activities. It is possible that it may be part of another dimension and/or a doorway or perhaps a portal directly to the spirit world.

All of this chaotic death and drama seems to be leading up to a major conflict between the forces of good, against the forces of darkness. A climax of epic proportions appears to be on the cards. Can our main characters prevail? Who is the person known as N'yotsu? Where has he come from? Can science explain all of the strange occurances that have been going on?
Read it and find out.
4437918
This is a beautiful collection of eight well-told, powerful stories. Really enjoyed reading it. The collection is short. Its a fast read. But you might want to read it more than once. Theres a lot to glean from each story, each character, each line. There is an emotional bond achieved between narrator and reader which is spellbinding. I couldn't put it down and kept coming back for more. Read it! Solid stuff.
3693709
Nicholas The Naked Sicilian and Other Stories is an amazing short story collection written by a truly gifted writer. It is replete with characters that are zany and unforgettable. There are men who dream of loves they've lost and women they have known. There are artists who hide their talents behind the artifice of the mundane world; nightmare scenerios converge with the commonplace and it all makes for a fictive world that quivers on the edge of a dream. And yet the author pays his respect to the everyday absurdies through his wonderful prose and minute attention to details.
For instance, in The City Of New Beginnings he describes one of his finest characters, Miss Lena thus: "Yes, Miss Lena had transformed herself. She had become a lone planet, a mass of bright, then darker colors, a revolving planet where birds and butterflies, snakes and spiders came to life with her every movement, her every breath. Then the music stopped, and a siren cut through the blind. When the doorbell rang Miss Lena dressed herself in a hurry, and as I watched her I thought to myself that hers were the most beautiful, the most timeless scars that I would ever see."
On reading this book I had the uncanny feeling that I was being pulled into a mad theatre of strange tales and unusual dreamscapes that were like the paintings of Dali or Borsh. Yet it's all there to behold in the powerful prose of Militello, who is indeed a great new force to be reckoned with. For he has burst upon the tepid literary scene like a streak of lightning through storm laden sky.
I look forward to reading more from this writer, until then I'll just go on reading and rereading this fascinating book.
4137138
Ok, I can honestly say that I love the Stormlight Archive and it's my favorite fantasy/sci-fi epic, which is hard to say, since I've loved some other great stories (LotR, Sword of Truth, Malazan Books, GoT, Hitchhiker'sGttGalaxy, Mistborn, etc) but these are the books Brandon Sanderson was born to write. I mean, these books will be a continuing legacy in the world of literature for years to come.

Words of Radiance hits just as quick as The Way of Kings and I could barely put it down. Unlike other epics with multiple storylines where I'd find myself aching to get back to my preferred characters, every single story arc in these books captures my interest and imagination.

Another word about Sanderson's writing in these stories for you voracious readers: you'll find he doesn't spoon feed you answers like many authors, nor does he make following the characters and story so difficult as Malazan books (half the time I'd have to reread to keep up with what was happening there), but instead, there's a perfect balance between mystery and truth. I'd give these books 6 stars if I could.
137971
You can finish this set of stories in one sitting because that's how much you keep wanting to hear from these little bizarre worlds that Pappas creates, or you can let the characters of each story sit and fester with you, like I did over the course of a month.  In just a few sentences each new story had me immediately transported and all at once shaming or celebrating the next protagonist.  And I say fester in the best way. Even with short glimpses into their realities - like in The Will, my favorite story - you know that there is a whole back story, upbringing, or world calamity that has caused a particular turn of phrase used specifically at the moment by that character.  The intentionality of this writing is wonderful and will keep you reading.
3739861
These 4 short stories are told with such realism you can smell the characters and feel their surroundings.
 The magnitude of the irony at the end of each story is unbelievable!
Read it.
Now.
Hurry!
1366853
This is one of the most interesting books I've read in years. I recommend it highly to anybody interested in good fiction--both avid readers and those who have let too much time slip by since their last read. Perfect pacing and control of revelation and suspense allow you to lose yourself in the delight of a good story.

There's music in the language and complexity in the characters and the plot lines. As a bit of a history buff, I'm often let down by this sort of novel. I was astounded by the accuracy with which this book brings a historical world alive.

The book is funny at times, and tragic, like our lives. The human relationships in the book are all so real I was often deeply shaken.

Of all the book's many admirable qualities, though, what I would say was the most rewarding to me as a reader (and RE-READER) is the this book's innovative form.

Like any great work of art, the form of this book honors our long literary tradition and renews, adds to, or deepens that very tradition through innovations so subtle and yet so fascinating that their meanings unravel only slowly--a strong brain-satisfaction lasted on long after I had finished reading.

It's a collection of stories that intricately interconnect. The gaps make the world of the book enormous; the overlapping makes it real. Characters from earlier stories turn up later fully grown, with their lives already lived, so that what I take away is the most amazing twist of the Postmodern "fragmentation" theme yet to be written: diverging plots and wandering characters somehow converge again because our lives are not only hellish at times and lonely and hard but magnificent--and mysteriously whole.
194193
Incredible.

This was my first novel by Sanderson, and it proved to be a journey truly of epic scale! I am very fond of fantasy epics along the lines of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series and such; in general, I found the story as a whole to be a gradual 1000 page ascent to the climax, where the last 200 pages flew through my fingers in a rapid succession of twists, turns, action and suspense - all described in fluent detail and amazing imagery that made me forget I was just an onlooker!
Though I did feel the story was gradual for the majority, it was well worth it in building the world, characters and plot - and with such talented storytelling- that the reader is well invested into the lives of the main and sub  characters.

I'm no lover of over-poetic and wordy literature for the sake of the words themselves.  But I also can't get into a story where the writing seems 2 dimensional and lacking descriptive ability.  This was writing at a level I've rarely seen, where the balance Brandon Sanderson has struck creates a real-world feel, bringing characters, cites, magic, the very terrain itself to life with such prose that you fall in love with it.

Definitely worth it! Can't wait to start on the second!