Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be when you're looking for a great companion to bring to your next coffee break, lunch outing or late night dinner run. Why? Well because a book is great company anytime, anywhere. ^_^
Quick reminder that we have TWO contests going on right now. The first ends the 5th and the second ends the 7th. Both are for FABULOUS prizes and the later is open internationally so, you know what to do. Get your entries in before it's too late and spread the word, kay? Thanks in advance...now on to today's post.
You're probably wondering what the title of today's post is all about...am I right? Thought so. Well, first it's a phrase that's been stuck in my head recently thanks to dear old Mom...yeah, she was watching the Honey Boo-Boo recap (don't ask...*-*) and I guess the Mom says it A LOT so she's been repeating it much to my chagrin. (Thanks Mom...not really...) Second, it fit the focus of today's post to a tee. You see, the featured titles today are short stories, possibly even short enough for the novella label and there's one thing I've come to learn from reading an assortment of these little wordy wonders or rather wordy-less wonders...you either love them or you not-so-love them. There's no room for a middle line simply because they are not long enough to CREATE a middle line. You either get sucked in and stick like glue til the end...or you're grateful the end comes sooner rather than later.
As for my reading tastes, I seem to be in a bit of a love hate relationship with the whole category. Why? Well as it pertains to me, I like a little more time to connect with the characters, fall in line with the story and be whisked away by the what, why and how of it all so for me a short story REALLY has to hit my fancy hard in order to create that instant bond. Did the ones featured today hit their mark? You be the judge. The works are all by Gabrielle Nesiba and stay in the 5-6 digital/print page length. Let's touch on them one, two, three shall we? First up...
This story introduces us to Andrea, Stephanie and Maegan...three high school Seniors about to graduate...heading out to their last hurrah. You know a party to end all parties (supposedly), a kegger (probably), a bash to celebrate their making it through the last four years in one piece! But what starts as a night of revelry quickly turns sour when a stop over for a quick fill-up ends in a kidnapping...or so we're led to believe. Will the one considered a "dumb barbie" get what's coming to her or will the tables turn and those that would be called friends turn into enemies? This one actually had me following closely to see just what the outcome would be and though it was a surprise, the final scene itself wasn't as triumphant as I had hoped. More of a gentle end to a pretty tragic night. I suppose there is something to be said for the ability to holds ones tongue though especially when others are wagging theirs... ....next up....
Four and a half pages, that's what this story is allotted and to be honest, I was left scratching my head most of the time. We have a young girl who is apparently having "episodes" though whether she's simply out of her mind or living in memories is not quite clear. I get the fact that her grandmother's passing was a shock to the system but I can't help but wonder if there was more tragedy to it than normal because of the way it's affected the child. I think this one was just a bit beyond my mind's ability to stretch its belief...at least without a few more pages to stew, process, and comprehend it in. Last but not least...
Now this one is a bit tricky to review. It's as short as the others but covers a much more volatile subject...cutting. It's a sad but true reality for many people and though my own life has not been touched by this issue, I can certainly feel for those it has. That being said, anything that shines a light on this terrible crime of self and offers those that do feel things to this extreme a chance to see that they are not alone, another way to view why it is they might do the things they do and that there IS another way, should at the very least get its day in the spotlight. As I understand it, it's a very personal thing and that feeling is conveyed here in Anna's story as she struggles with things she has already done and the temptation to reenact those events once again. All it takes is a little push one way or another and as memories and emotional confusion wash over her in waves, she finally sees herself for who she is...a realization that was a long time coming and yet leaves the ending open for both helplessness and hope. Interesting mix...
So, what'd you think? Thoughts...questions? As for me, they were a little hit and miss but like I said, it happens. Some people like a little more meat on the bone, a little more money in their pocket or a little more story/pages in their book...the last one (and two!) are totally me but that doesn't mean I can't indulge in the shortened reading universe every now and again. It is what it is...a collection of short stories covering a variety of situations, some a little more hard hitting than others that may leave you in a variety of places emotionally upon reaching the story's end...but that's okay! To each their own in many things...including BOOKS! So read on my fair readers, read on...whatever your format, whatever your genre preference, whatever the story length you adore. JUST KEEP READING!
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| Author Gabrielle Nesiba |
Until next time...happy reading!
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