Fascinating Collection of Short Stories!
597098
Visitations is an intriguing and enjoyable collection of ten short stories that held me spellbound. I found each story to be interesting and couldn't wait until the end to find out the how and why of each tale. The stories were sweet, sad and held a myriad of emotions as they unfolded.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it highly. P.S. Winn is a talented storyteller with an eclectic collection of genres for every taste.
4398979
This is an absolutely charming collection of flash fiction pieces that can be read in anywhere from about a minute to maybe five minutes. In that short space, Smith tells riveting stories filled with lively and fascinating characters. The stories are set in working-class America, and concern loss, dysfunction, violence, relationships, love and other ordinary facets of life but told in a totally engaging way.  There is something very satisfying about reading these short-short stories and filling in the background yourself. Their brevity allows you to be fully engaged in the story and scene.  Highly recommended!
307414
Life-Love-and-Death is the title of this collection of dark, twisted, fascinating and satisfying short stories. But it's more than a title. Each short work of fiction emphasizes at least one of the title words. There are stories that focus on unrequited love or love between unique creatures. Death is a surprising figure in many of the stories and the fragility and gossamer sadness of life is present in the stories, too. you will be stunned at the twists and turns and most stories have very unpredictable and at times shocking endings- all part of the allure of this collection. Highly recommend- you will find this an engaging page turner!
526550
I had the pleasure of meeting Tananarive Due this past summer at the Lemeirt Park Village Book Fair. She mentioned this short story collection, but, unfortunately, didn't have any copies on hand to sell. I picked up a copy on Amazon and finally had a chance to read it this past holiday season. While I read frequently, I rarely--if ever--read speculative fiction. I figured that Due's work would be a good place to start--and I'm glad to say that it was! Most of the stories in the collection have been previously published. The stories cross a range of genres, from science fiction to horror to Afrofuturism and fantasy. Whether the stories were contemporary, historical, or set in some sort of alternative universe, Due's writing was strong and compelling throughout. She skillfully, yet subtlely, makes critical social and political commentary in her work while developing robust, intriguing characters. Like any collection, some stories were more captivating than others. My favorites included "The Knowing," "Patient-Zero," and "Danger Word." I most definitely plan on (and look forward to!) reading some of Due's novels.
2983700
I don't read much in this genre, but I enjoyed this book THOROUGHLY! The writing in every single story is superb. Each tale takes place in a fascinating MODERN-day setting. The authors present unique MONSTERS in situations ranging from creepy-scary to sweetly poignant. This anthology contains witty bits and satire, plus sexy bits and philosophical musings. It will scare you, make you laugh, and worst of all (perhaps) make you think. Highly recommended!
3879787
I absolutely enjoyed this book and realized early into it that I've been short-changing myself by passing up short stories! Reading Mr. Moffett's collection felt like I was cruising across the country and randomly dropping in on someone's slice of life. This book is simply good stories. The plot, characters, scenery, etc. are all the right amount of information to paint the picture, the people and the emotion. I became invested in every character and story from the onset, and couldn't put the book down until I knew how it all ended.

I really have a whole new appreciation for short stories; this was such an engaging and enjoyable book! And I have a whole new respect for short story authors such as Mr. Moffett. He has a true gift, even if you only consider the sheer number of characters and stories he created for this book, but especially because it all works together to create a book full of satisfaction and amusement.

If you don't have time to sink into a full-on novel, and need some relaxation and diversion, Mr. Moffett's book will not disappoint!
123288
What a delicious collection of short stories! I was impressed by the variety of themes and the richness of the vocabulary.
4815215
Wonderful collection of short stories. Susannah B. Lewis has a brilliant writing style, I truely enjoyed and now want more !! I hope she plans more short stories in her future.
2708100
What an entertaining, yet thought-provoking, collection of short tales for all ages! Tales Abstracted contains intellectually challenging stories that each have a bit of a twist.  There is just enough "weirdness" to captivate the reader, and at the end of each I was left with a new thought or view of something.  Scientific and mathematical concepts are built in to many of the stories. Light enough yet deep enough to entertain and satisfy.
4644778
Vol. 1 of "The Endlands" is a delight for lovers of the weird side of story-telling.  The creator of this anthology is said to have been a fan of Rod Serling and The Twilight Zone, and that is definitely obvious in the story choices.  Featuring short stories about everything from strange creatures masquerading as politicians to body-snatching demons, from cannibals to flying whales (yes, you heard me right!), the stories included in this anthology are sure to include something to please any lover of horror fiction or the macabre.  The story settings range from fantasy, science fiction, near-future dystopianism, magical reality and to the just plain weird.

The writing is nicely done - it is obvious that each of the authors has experience and talent in spades.  I tried - oh how I tried! - to read it slowly, to savor the stories, but I kept finding myself shredding through the virtual pages as fast as I could, eager to find the twist that would make this story stand out, excited to find what disturbing item I would find on the next page, in the next story.  I highly recommend this book, full of wonderfully disturbing little gems of stories.  Don't miss it!
3705824
This is a great collection of short stories that are both thought provoking and poignant. The author's writing style is simple, yet eloquently worded to make the themes of the stories really shine through. Can't wait to read more from this author!
721344
I don't know what it is, or whether there is something in the water, but the last few books I have read have been collections of short stories, and they have all been absolute gems. The newest addition to this list of epic short story tales is Crash Bang Money, written by Neil Vogler.

I came across Neil Vogler when reading the first installment of his post-apocalyptic series, Tripler. You know, I thought I had Vogler pegged as the type of writer he was, until I read this collection of short stories. Until you read this collection, it may be impossible for you to relate to what I mean. Vogler's mind is quirky and spontaneous. Thoughtful and clever. Every one of these stories is as much unique as they are fascinating.

The blurb describes this selection of stories as unique, weird and darkly funny, and they are just that. There are the seven deadly sins wrapped up in among the collection, told in a way that will have you enthralled in an out of the ordinary kind of way. There's tales with a sci-fi twist told in Vogler's unique way, as well as stories that get to you, like a letter from a father to a son. Each story will have you glued to the page.

What struck me the most was Vogler's ability to switch it up. It's almost as if you're reading a series of short stories all written by different writers. A third of the way in I was drawn in, completely compelled by a tale of an insomniac that was written in an edgy, scattered way. Every time you think you understand Vogler, he catches you off guard with a story you don't expect.

And yes, for those playing at home, there are the twists and turns expected in a collection of short stories, but don't think you are in for the norm. I found myself doubling back; re-reading the pages before, just to experience it again.

Overall, I was captivated by this selection of short stories because they were different, quirky and written in a way that has the reader engaged from the very first page.
3415823
This is a collection of eight intriguing stories from different authors. I found all of the writing well done and enjoyed each story. It is always fascinating to find a look at new authors through collections like this. The stories inside take a look at a somewhat similar them of alternate history and times. I won't go into each story, but I will just say this collection is a one to pick up and would make a great addition to anyone's library. The stories take you into a different dimension of thinking and on  a great journey.
2700556
A wonderful collection of short stories, connected thematically. I was so intrigued by the authors use of historical documents ( letters, newspaper items, etc.) as the inspiration or starting point for each story. Not every story is a gem, but each is interesting and vivid, even heartbreaking. Highly recommended.
4046653
As someone who loves books of short stories, I really enjoyed this collection. Great variation of themes and styles - kept me turning the pages. Looking forward to future output from this intriguing new author.
4902166
This is an excellent collection of varied, intriguing, fun, quirky, and at times fantastic short-form fiction.  The author, Stuart Levine, seems especially adept at revealing the interior passions of characters that might seem sleepy and mundane to the rest of the world -- like the homely female high school journalist in his final story "The Front Page", or the hyper-sexual couple in "Telling Lies at the Hitler Tourist Court".  Levine's interests, as demonstrated in the settings of these short stories, are hugely varied: classical music, major league baseball, art, South American culture, and rural convenience store gossip.  He finds passion and pathos in all sorts of unexpected places -- and then depicts it with great clarity and power.  That's not to say that the stories are of equal quality.  Some are merely good.  But two, Are You Superman and The Front Page -- I'd put up there in there with the best of John Updike and I.B. Singer.  In short, an outstanding collection of short-stories that I enjoyed reading -- and will read many times more!
4043528
Please Tell Me If The Grass is Greener is a small collection of short  stories by Joylynn Jossel.  Seven unique stories unfold in this collection  that takes the reader on a journey through aspects of life that aren't  always green, aren't always perfect...or pretty.  Prostitution, drugs,  depression, suicide, murder, love, lust, and dating are just a few of the  aspects that these intriguing stories touch upon.
I was totally enthralled by Jossel's stories and her writing.  The majority  of the stories were not heavy in dialogue, relying on the story's narrator  to come across strong in his or her thoughts in the piece.  The voices  DEFINITELY come across, and bring the reader front and center to some serious  issues.  There's not one person who will be able to read these stories and not  find at least one that will touch them, move them.  I would definitely recommend  this collection to other readers, and will be on the lookout for other works by  Jossel.
Reviewed by Shonie