Game Without Rules
Miss Marple meets John le Carr矇 in these linked short stories of espionage and mystery, with two middle-aged British Intelligence agents (and a dog!) as sleuths. Game Without Rules features Samuel Behrens and Daniel Calder, two secret British Intelligence operatives who work in the "E" (External) Branch of the Join Services Standing Intelligence Committee. Under the direction of Mr. Fortescue--a mild-mannered bank manager and secret spy-master--Behrens and Calder will sleuth, entrap, and, if necessary, assassinate whomever dares to threaten the peace of Britain and its inhabitants. Whether they are investigating the identity of a dead officer in a secret bunker, infiltrating a dangerous circle of fellow spies, or rescuing a double agent, Behrens and Calder will keep the realm safe with precision, efficiency, and British camaraderie.
Scandal at the Alphorn Factory
A new collection of stories by Scotiabank Giller Prize finalist Gary Barwin that puts the fab in fabulist.Scandal at the Alphorn Factory: New and Selected Short Fiction, 1984-2024 couples brand new and uncollected stories with selections of the most playful and ambitious of Barwin's previous collections, including Cruelty to Fabulous Animals, Big Red Baby, Doctor Weep and Other Strange Teeth, and I, Dr. Greenblatt, Orthodontist, 251-1457.Barwin's prose kicks against short fiction's more traditional forms: these are pieces that flirt with poetry and playwriting. Whole stories--and worlds--are packed into single compact paragraphs. There are narrators and fleas and lists and imperatives and Hitler's moustache and radiant happiness.Known as a "whiz-bang storyteller" who can deliver magical, dream-like sequences and truisms about the human condition in the same paragraph, Barwin's trademark brilliance, wit, and originality are on display in this can't-miss collection of short fiction.
Maps of Imaginary Towns
From futuristic colonies to drab estates, SJ Bradley's inventive stories showcase remarkable range. With lyrical prose and psychological depth, Bradley illuminates the quiet heroism pulsing through seemingly ordinary lives.Beleaguered, yet resourceful social workers battle towering workloads; a harassed elderly childminder collapses under the strain; a victim of domestic abuse strikes out for freedom and disgruntled workers in dead-end jobs dream of a brighter future.These vividly rendered tales trace hard-won solace through small acts of courage, exploring grief, ambition, and belonging. Gritty yet tender, "Maps of Imaginary Towns" celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. 'Maps of Imaginary Towns discreetly blurs genre in exploration of our endlessly shifting geographical and emotional terrains, where the only constant is community and what we have to do to find it. Bradley's collection is an endlessly playful, quietly powerful marvel.' - Glen J Brown, Author of Ironopolis (Shortlisted for the 2019 Orwell Prize & 2020 Portico Prize)."The worlds that Bradley maps out in this collection often seem beguilingly familiar-but they are liable to suddenly shift, admitting the unexpected and the strange. I love Bradley's off-beat sensibility: these stories drew me in with their intimate character details, then made me laugh-out-loud with their dark invention and wit." - Naomi Booth, Author of 'Exit Management'"An acutely observed and carefully-crafted collection with a keen political edge." - Stu Hennigan, Author of 'Ghost Signs' About the AuthorSJ Bradley is a writer from Wakefield. Her short fiction has appeared in various journals and anthologies including Conradology and Resist! Stories of Uprising from Comma Press, New Willesden Short Stories 7, Queen Mobs, Litro magazine, and Untitled Books. Her first novel, Brick Mother, and her second novel, Guest, are both published by Dead Ink. She is the editor of the Saboteur Award-winning anthology Remembering Oluwale, which is available from Valley Press. Her work as an arts organiser involves the non-profit literary social Fictions of Every Kind (which ran for 10 years), The Northern Short Story Festival and the Walter Swan Short Story Prize. She is also a teacher of creative writing including short story writing courses for Comma Press and First Story in Leeds and Bradford. She's on Twitter at @bradleybooks.Praise for SJ Bradley's previous work: "A tightly honed work of dirty realism with convincing characters and richly developed settings, Guest is an entertaining and life-affirming work with important things to say about protest, resilience and the idea that "successful" living depends on an ability to share in the lives of others." - The Morning Star on 'Guest'
Pool of Souls and Other Stories
Pool of Souls and Other Stories is a collection of short stories by literary fiction writer Daniel John Klein. Klein studied at the Iowa Writer's Workshop - one of the most prestigious writing programs in the world. This collection contains award-winning stories with a wide range of voices and themes. One reviewer wrote: "If I were a writer of fiction, I would want to write the kind of stories that are in Daniel John Klein's newly published collection... short (mostly); poignant; very funny and sometimes serious; passionate and to the point. Pool of Souls tells of life's events - extraordinary and otherwise - in simple language and on many levels all at once, drawn in pictures that steal the mind and heart at the same time and rolls them into one, satisfying package. Pool of Souls, the title work, was written while in study at the Iowa Writer's Workshop. It deals with the most basic of human issues, like commitment, the past and unrequited love, present time skirmishes and general feistiness in a uniquely humorous and understanding way." - Ann Gerald, Fairfield Weekly Reader
Tributes to Toronto
Tributes To Toronto is the sister book of The Red Shoes New, Rose Diary Short Stories, and Honour. I love Toronto, and I am eager to share my stories with my dearest readers. My books are historical fiction and are written primarily for men-although all genders may enjoy them. I would especially like to thank my mentor, Mervyn Edward Johnston, who passed away in April 2024. These stories are entertaining for all ages of adults. Hopefully, you will enjoy them and give me feedback. My email address is binsobchuk@gmail.com.
Beyond Bonds Nirmohi & Other Short Stories
"Beyond Bonds: Nirmohi & Other Short Stories by Dr. Abhinandan Ballary" is a book full of interesting stories about people and their feelings. These stories happen in Indian villages and towns, showing how people deal with love, sadness, tough times, and finding themselves. In the book, you'll meet different characters who face problems with courage and wisdom. Their stories make you think about your own life and feelings. Each story has moments that make you pause and think about life. One of the best stories is "Nirmohi," which is about someone learning about themselves and finding peace inside. Another story, "Silent Sacrifices," talks about how people stay strong even when life is hard. Dr. Abhinandan Ballary tells these stories in a simple but powerful way. The pictures he paints with words and the emotions in the stories stay with you long after you finish reading. "Beyond Bonds: Nirmohi & Other Short Stories" is a great book for anyone who likes to think about life and feelings through stories. It's a book that shows we're all connected by our experiences and emotions.
Vi$iono$ophy TM
THIS BOOK, IS A LABOR OF PATIENCE! CONCEPTUALIZED IN 2020, HIS BRIEF COLLECTION OF STORIES, CREATES, "VI$IONO$OPHY: VISION...SEES FURTHER, THAN SIGHT!" AFTER WORKING 21 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, I NOW LIVE HAPPILY IN THE STATE OF HAWAII! SOMETIMES, YOU HAVE TO GET AWAY FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS, TO SHOW THE WORLD, WHAT YOU ARE MADE OF! PEN YOUR STORY, NOVEL OR COLORING BOOK! JUST PUBLISH, FOR MARK ON SOCIETY!
A Journey Through Stories
Are you about to embark on a journey, maybe by air, bus, or my favorite, the train? If so, pause a while and carry this book along with you. Even as you journey forth to your destination, these stories will become your travel companions, traversing with you across both real and imagined territories. This is why this book is called, quite literally, A Journey Through Stories. Here you will find a bouquet of micro-short stories, 50 of them that cover a wide geography of genres, reaching out to the far reaches of space travel, living through old worlds and new, dabbling with tales of ancient, timeless lore. It is influenced by the literary greats of the short and concise prose such as R K Narayan, O Henry, Asimov, Moravia, Guy de Maupassant, and Somerset Maugham.Written in a lucid, crisp, yet simple and accessible style, this book is a quick and engaging read, leaving you yearning for more.
What If This Happened? Short Stories
From the mind of Marcus L. Boston comes five short stories to stretch your perception of every known reality. What if these stories actually happened? Is it possible? How well grounded are you in your truth? Will you desire to experience what's in this book? It's very possible. Let the covers stir your imagination to what resides in these pages.
The Field of Gold
A field in Warwickshire stands untouched by time, its stories buried beneath the soil. Spanning centuries, this collection of historical tales unveils the secrets of one unchanging field across different eras, all connected by the mystery of a lost treasure.In the present day, farmer Geoff Knight is puzzled by barren patches in his field. With the help of his archaeologist friend, he uncovers remnants of a Roman villa, a WWII ammunition box, and clues hinting at a hidden treasure. In World War II, Major Pete Caruso of the USAAF discovers his family ties among Italian POWs and embarks on a gold-smuggling scheme. In 1307, Templar knights bury their wealth as their order faces dissolution. During Roman times, Legate Antonius Bassius hides his family's gold on his new farm. In the 17th century, Sir John Byron camps with stolen plate from Oxford colleges. Lastly, a Viking named Torston conceals his loot won in battles before joining King Alfred.Oxhill, a real village in South Warwickshire, serves as the backdrop for these intertwined stories, blending historical facts with fictional elements.Uncover the layers of history and mystery within this field. Will you discover the treasure's final resting place?
Greyhound Cowboy
A young woman unexpectedly shows up at a remote Forest Service fire lookout; a fly-fishing guide is stranded with a cowboy in a Montana Greyhound bus station during a blizzard; an Afghanistan war veteran struggles with PTSD and a decades-long family conflict with a family across the lake; a hot shot crew firefighter wards off her demons with backbreaking work until a fire catches up with her; a son tries to honor his parent's last wishes to dispose of their ashes on their old family farm, only to be stymied by the current owner. Caught in the grandeur and sweep of nature, the characters in Greyhound Cowboy and Other Stories experience revelation, camaraderie, relationships on the brink, and danger. In his perceptive debut, Ken Post peeks into frailty, confrontation, and friendship, illuminating the fascinating and fragile details that make up our lives.
Sweet Juliet
My parents lost a child before they decided to adopt me.To be clear, I do not know this because they told me; they have never spoken of her.I do not know this because one of my relatives let something slip; they wouldn't dare breathe a word of her. Not in my company.I have never seen any evidence of my sister... no old photos, no baby supplies hidden away in a closet, no birth certificates that haven't seen the light of day in years. If I had been anyone else, I would have had no inkling of my sister's existence. They just told everyone that I had nightmares. But nothing ever happened while I was asleep. Chilling and touching in turns, Sweet Juliet is a ghost story about family, isolation, & letting go. This short story illuminates the cyclical nature of detachment, and strives to find hope in spite of emptiness.
The Bookkeeper
The Bookkeeper presents a gripping trilogy of short stories, each emerging from the shadows to serve as a stark warning for the intrepid reader.In 'The Exchange, ' we delve into the life of a hitman longing to leave his lethal career behind. Yet, as he teeters on the brink of retirement, his path crosses with an aspiring investigative journalist-a young college student who inadvertently entangles him back into the perilous world he seeks to escape.'Tserof' unfolds the eerie tale of a brother and sister embarking on what should have been a typical camping trip with their parents. However, their weekend getaway takes a sinister turn, as the familiar turns frighteningly strange and increasingly creepy.Concluding the collection is 'Thanksgiving, ' a story that takes a futuristic twist on one of the world's most traditional holidays. This 21st-century science fiction narrative offers a unique reinterpretation that's sure to captivate.
The Art of Forgiveness
"The one with his indecipherable gibberish and long-in-the-back black hockey hair, who looked like he belonged in detention or the trailer park or both, who claimed soccer was the most popular sport, who during roll call called their teacher sir. And this American, wearing his stained Ralph Lauren sweater and yellow rubber boots, smelling like Drew's ma's Avon trunk, whacko enough to start a fight over Paul McCartney, smart enough to use big words and a lot of dirty ones too, yet too stupid to defer to Drew's natural authority. The truth of these new kids was, they were a savage northbound monsoon that hit Drew at least as hard as he hit them."By turns quirky and hard-edged, these are the stories of three boys growing up in the suburbs outside Halifax. Frustrated with their parents' inadequacies, unaware they possess the same ones, and inexplicably drawn to one other like a rudderless family lacking the necessary moral role models, they struggle to overcome their own weaknesses and most toxic traits. From one another they draw strength to survive schoolyard bullying, racism, domestic abuse, first love, the local drug economy, and even the loss of their parents. But they are never despondent, and will leave readers with hope that people-men in this case-can grow and become better.
Building 8
In the heart of a dystopian metropolis, Building 8 stands as a silent witness to the lives and struggles of its inhabitants. Anthony C. Mazzella's gripping narrative plunges readers into a world where reality bends and the ordinary collides with the surreal. As the central business district is besieged by chaotic flying machines and destruction reigns, the top floor of Building 8 remains a curious sanctuary of calm. Within its walls, two men go about their business, seemingly oblivious to the mayhem below, embodying the eerie contrast between normalcy and chaos that defines the story.Mazzella's vivid imagination and keen insights into human nature drive this thought-provoking tale, weaving together elements of science fiction and psychological thriller. As the characters navigate a landscape of fear, uncertainty, and hidden truths, Building 8 challenges readers to question their perceptions of reality and the thin veneer that separates order from disorder. This novel is a powerful exploration of resilience, human connection, and the mysterious forces that shape our lives, making it a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and those who enjoy a deep dive into the complexities of the human psyche.
Christmas Stories
Unwrap the Magic of Christmas Stories: Volume IIStep into the enchanting world of Christmas Stories: Volume II by Kevin Moore, where the spirit of Christmas comes alive through tales that will warm your heart and spark your imagination.In this eagerly awaited follow-up to his #1 Amazon bestseller, Christmas Stories: 7 Original Short Stories, Moore masterfully crafts a tapestry of unforgettable characters and heartwarming narratives that embody the essence of the holiday season. Journey with a young boy who creates a profound and mystical Christmas for his community, a woman who stumbles upon a mysterious pink gift card filled with unexpected surprises, and a troubled young man who hears the magical sound of snowflakes falling. Each story invites you on a path of self-discovery, love, and miracles.With a range of stories from heartbreaking to humorous, magical to everyday, Moore's protagonists experience profound transformations. They find hope, learn valuable lessons, and uncover the true meaning of Christmas. Perfect for savoring by the fire or during life's daily journeys, this captivating collection reminds us that the magic of the holiday is real-if we only open our hearts to it.
Small Town Arrival
Welcome back to Mossy Point, where secrets whisper through the wind and storms brew in the shadows!In this latest trip to Mossy Point, enjoy three short stories which introduce the newest detective on the Mossy Point Police Force - Detective Tony Grayson.In Small Town Elf: Detective Tony Grayson is hot on the trail of a serial killer known as the Red Scarf Rapist when he receives a letter from an anonymous writer who claims to have escaped the clutches of the Red Scarf Rapist and granted Tony's Christmas wish by stopping the Red Scarf Rapist for good.In Small Town Nightmare: Tony is forced to do the impossible by entering the nightmare of Sara Greene and stopping a dream weaver serial killer.In Small Town Urban Legend: Tony has no choice but to step into a haunted house to save a group of teens destined to die at the hands of the ghosts bent on increasing their numbers.
Exit, Pursued by a Bear
In Exit, Pursued by a Bear, art-particularly the visual arts-is a unifying and simultaneously expansive theme, from "Intention's" grieving portraitist to the artists and female caregivers who wander the paths of "Solstice in the Jardin du Luxembourg." Winner of Prize Americana, these stories from Jacqueline Kolosov shore up against the inevitability of loss, illness, death, addiction, and ruptures in intimacy-a testament to "the art that doth mend nature" from The Winter's Tale. If the bear of that late Shakespearean romance both upends and galvanizes the plot, then the horses, dogs, and ravens of this story collection act as companions, teachers, and even spirit guides to the human beings, each and every one bruised and damaged-but also shining.
The Unregulated Heart
In December 1900, three lighthouse keepers on a remote Scottish island - battered by Atlantic storms and the intense emotions of confinement - disappear without trace, leaving an enduring mystery in this most mysterious of places. A hack-writer in early Los Angeles turns up at dusk to interview for the job of his life. Two discontented comedians try to break the stranglehold of the Hollywood studio system, not long after the advent of sound, and an old Yorkshireman draws his curious grand-daughter into a hair-raising tale that will change them both for good. Working a broader canvas than the punchy flash fiction of his previous collection, in these four novellas James Roderick Burns explores the biggest questions of all - what really matters to us, when everything is said and done? Should we listen to our head, or our heart? And when the heart is in charge, what nightmares may come?
The Fourth 100
Another 100 stories for your reading pleasure. With this, her fourth collection, Erica is embracing her kindred love affair with horror. And she hopes you get the right amount of chills from just how creepy she allows her mind to get.She understands each book requires something to write in the back of the book but she's running out of great things to say about her work. Instead, she's going to pass the honor to a reader of her work: "Erica is the Queen of 100-word-stories. If you like my micro-fiction, you'll love hers." - Miguel S. of The Fiction Dealer
Zebra Meridian and Other Stories
Set in worlds awash with bizarre religious cults, young gods surfing the heat death of the universe, the dog rapture, macabre puppetry, time-loops, and a cigarette-addicted duck, Geoffrey W. Cole's short fiction bubbles both with giddy absurdism and characters weathering strangeness with tenderness and generosity. The wry voice of these twelve science fiction, fantasy, and horror stories will encourage readers to find delight in the dark and humor in the many ways humans find connection in a disconnected world.
First Law of Holes
"The people in these stories need Meg Pokrass. Their lives are tough but her imagination is the fire-lasso that can save them, save us." -Bob Hicok, author of Elegy Owed and Sex & Love A sixteen-year-old transplanted Pennsylvanian navigates sunburn and heartbreak in equal measure while falling in love with a very tan ghost. A girl with drunk scribbles on her shoes searches for fragments of an old flame inside the boy at the mall food court. And a female circus contortionist, daughter of a failed clown, comes to terms with the first law of romantic relationships: Once in a hole, stop digging. In First Law of Holes, award-winning author Meg Pokrass delivers a stunning selection of stories from the past fourteen years of her flash fiction career, tackling themes of belonging, obsession, messy love and loneliness with her trademark, unconventional storytelling.
And the world came tumbling out
Does life seem dreary and uninspiring? Are you craving new perspectives on the people and things surrounding you? Then it's time to step inside the kaleidoscopic world of RA Mitchell, where humor loves company and quirky, fantastical creatures abound. In this collection, you will meet an automaton that comes to life for an exclusive dinner date, the ruthless celebrity chef who masterminds a vanilla extract cartel, two buskers who are locked in a dangerous rivalry, and newlyweds intent on stealing a puzzle box. The nineteen stories span the globe, taking you on adventures in both obscure and famous locations such as Barcelona, Chicago and Schenectady, New York. From the mundane to the ethereal, dark comedy to romance, And the world came tumbling out has something to offer everyone. You will never look at the world the same again!
Vault of Southern-Fried Horror
The Old Storyteller knows the darkness that dwells in folks' hearts. He's aware that evil and depravity comes in all shapes and sizes. Men, women, even young'uns. Some lurk in the dead of night or walk, undetected, in broad daylight. They could be watching you from the shadows of an alleyway or a dense growth of forest... or they could be standing right behind you in line at the hamburger joint or grocery store, trading small talk, sizing you up, spinning their web. They could even be hiding in the back seat of your car in a dark parking lot... or sitting in the pew right next to you at church. Murderers, maniacs, serial killers... human monsters who walk the streets among us. Some have a motive for what they do, while some don't. Most do it for the sheer thrill of the kill. And, more than likely, their victims never know it's coming. They soon find themselves at the mercy of brutal hands or sharply honed steel. And when the dastardly deed is over and done, the unfortunate prey ends up in a drainage ditch or trash dumpster... or part of them go home with their killer as grisly souvenirs and mementos. There's no time to waste! The Storyteller can hear them now; skulking through the woods, growing nearer and nearer, with malice and ill intentions on their twisted minds. Join him in the sanctuary of his backwoods hideaway, locked away from those who would do him - and you - harm. While he sharpens an axe on the ol' grinding wheel, along with a handy knife or two, he'll spin some disturbing yarns to pass the time. So, sit back and listen to some spine-tingling tales of corruption and chaos, deep in the... VAULT OF SOUTHERN-FRIED HORROR!
Jonah & Friends
Jonah is homeless and wanders the streets. Grateful and grumpy in turn, smiling when people give him money and scowling when they brush him aside. He's an observer, a looker-on, and sometimes a trigger for other events. Some of the stories are about him, in others he's just a passer-by - appearing fleetingly as the people around him live out their own stories. Welcome to the world of Jonah and his 'friends' and then get to know them better in 'The Return' and 'No Smoke without Fire'.
The Wooden Hill
As we climb the wooden hill to bed each night we trace our life's journey from birth, then each step toward death, the final sleep. This collection of short stories, by Jamie Guiney, explores what it is to be human at every stage of life, from the imminence of a new birth in 'We Knew You Before You Were Born', through to adolescence and the camaraderie of youthful friendships as portrayed in 'Sam Watson & The Penny World Cup'. Ultimately, all of our lives stride towards old age and the certainty of death, as poignantly evoked in the title story, 'The Wooden Hill'.
Among Other Things
Among Other Things in an illustrated flash fiction collection by the Icelandic fiction writer B繹rkur Sigurbj繹rnsson. The collection touches on a wide variety of subjects dear to the author over the past few years, including among other things, anxiety, interpersonal interactions, nature, introversion, dogs and supernatural forces. The stories are illustrated by the author."To some extent, these narratives are part of a personal arts therapy journey where I reflect on my perception of the world, strive to understand it, and carve out my own space within it."
The Decameron
In the heart of plague-ravaged Florence, ten young people flee the city to take refuge in a lush countryside villa. To stave off boredom and despair, they tell each other stories. Thus begins The Decameron, a collection of one hundred tales where love, cunning, fortune, and wit intertwine, offering a fascinating mirror of human morals and passions. Through these narratives, Boccaccio paints a vibrant portrait of humanity, oscillating between tragedy and comedy, morality and satire.An ageless masterpiece, this text, though several centuries old, remains surprisingly relevant in its exploration of human behavior, emotions, and social interactions, still resonating powerfully with today's readers.This unabridged and annotated edition features the translation by John Payne, widely recognized as one of the most faithful to the original Italian text. Through his meticulous and respectful work, English-speaking readers can discover the full subtlety and linguistic richness of Boccaccio's text as it was written in the 14th century.Dive into this entertaining universe where each story is an invitation to reflect, smile, and marvel at the infinite nuances of the human condition.Extract: "A kindly thing it is to have compassion of the afflicted and albeit it well beseemeth every one, yet of those is it more particularly required who have erst had need of comfort and have found it in any, amongst whom, if ever any had need thereof or held it dear or took pleasure therein aforetimes, certes, I am one of these."
Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes: A Collection of Short Stories features ten short stories that depict contemporary life situations during the hyper-inflationary period of Zimbabwe, Africa. It tells how people of different walks of life responded to the economic situation, while showing the effects of the prevailing economic hardship and how people are immersed in it."If Only You Know" portrays critical shortages of basic commodities and equipment in community institutions."The Phone Call" depicts a husband and wife separated by the country's economic situation. The wife in the diaspora no longer understands Zimbabwe's economic situation, where her husband still lives."Diaspora" explains different perspectives of upward mobility as well as diaspora social issues."Committed Lodger" tells how some Africans have failed to take advantage of opportunities at their disposal to improve their welfare."Crossing the Border" shows how opportunities and challenges as the effects of economic hardships lead to migration."She Learnt It the Hard Way" illustrates irresponsible young people unconscious of their future so they negate social values."Poverty" reveals how people respond to economic hardships."Journey to Mozambique" highlights people's migration as a response to critical shortages of basic commodities."The Chief" describes the moral decay and cultural conflict that can come with globalisation."Beyond Christianity" exposes religious sect leaders who take advantage of people's problems and then abuse them for personal material gains.Kundisai Mudita taught in various primary schools in Zimbabwe before joining Great Zimbabwe University as an assistant lecturer in 2009. She is currently a full-time lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University in the Department of Special Needs Education. This is her fourth book.
The Gospel of Mammon
Spice up your reading list with something different!This is NOT - another Christian self-help book - a book of sermons against being rich - a book of Biblical financial principles This is a book of short STORIES in which - a husband and wife are invited to purchase a local franchise of a national church - the Temple in Jerusalem in Jesus' day is re-imagined as an amusement park - the formal appreciation service for a retiring church elder is crashed by his flaky daughter - the spiritual prospects of a child raised in a totalitarian communist state are explored - a young believer on the path of faith encounters the Middle-Aged Christianand other ODD stories focus on spiritual topics you may never have thought about.
The Waterman
Clayton Royster is a waterman living in the fictional coastal town of Sand Point, Virginia. Since childhood in the 1940s, he's plied the local waters, crabbing in the estuaries, and fishing the open waters of the sea. But when Loretta Pine, the teenage wife of a much older man, comes to town, things change. With powerful and salty prose, Gary Schanbacher shows how the decisions we make reverberate through the decades of our lives and affect not only our destiny but also the destinies of those around us.
Tales (Un)veiled - Short Story Collection
That's the worst, I think. When the secret stays locked within, not for want of a teller, but for want of an understanding ear (Stephen King) Fifteen captivating stories that will hold the reader spellbound until the very end of each narrative, offering a voyage from historical epochs to contemporary times, infused with elements of noir. The anthology contains several gems, including Monoculus Orsinum; The beautiful Galiana; Trial of a witch; Re-start; Paraments; The Moai's revenge. Each narrative plunges you into lives that have been relived countless times and historical periods marked by intense drama and emotional depth. What stands out most, however, is the variety of themes explored and the overarching message of hope and love the author presents. From legends, conflicts, and cunning strategies to witches and cutting-edge smartphones, it's the modus operandi of each protagonist that truly sets these stories apart.
Wednesday's Child
Finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, the Story Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Fiction, and the Mark Twain American Voice in Literature AwardNamed a Best Book of the Year by Los Angeles Times, Vulture, Esquire, NPR, and Kirkus Reviews A new collection--about loss, alienation, aging, and the strangeness of contemporary life--by the award-winning, and inimitable, author of The Book of Goose.A grieving mother makes a spreadsheet of everyone she's lost. Elsewhere, a professor develops a troubled intimacy with her hairdresser. And every year, a restless woman receives an email from a strange man twice her age and several states away. In the stories of Wednesday's Child, people strive for an ordinary existence until doing so becomes unsustainable, until the surface cracks and the grand mysterious forces--death, violence, estrangement--come to light. Even before such moments, everyday life is laden with meaning, studded with indelible details: a filched jar of honey, a mound of wounded ants, a photograph kept hidden for many years, until it must be seen. Yiyun Li is a truly original writer, an alchemist of opposites: tender and unsentimental, metaphysical and blunt, funny and horrifying, omniscient and unusually aware of just how much we cannot know. Beloved for her novels and her memoir, she returns here to her earliest form, gathering pieces that have appeared in The New Yorker, Zoetrope, and other publications. Taken together, these stories, written over the span of a decade, articulate the cost, both material and emotional, of living--exile, assimilation, loss, love--with Li's trademark unnerving beauty and wisdom.
ऐना (Aina)
धर्तीको कुनै कुनामा फिरफिराइरहेको सेतो कागजको पानामा कुनै दिनमेरो कथा भेटिन सक्छ । तर, आमाको कथा ? आमाको कथा कागजमा लेख्न सकिँदैन । आँसुको मसीले दयमा मात्रै लेख्न सकिन्छ आमाको कथा !
Five Stars
This selection of short stories opens with a provocative incident that makes a young girl take an unforeseen souvenir with her when she is about to immigrate from Europe across the Atlantic at the threshold of the 20th century. Some decades later, a few world-famous figures are randomly brought together as they audaciously try out a health programme offered by a notorious vegetarian community at their resort, Monte Verit?, located on a secluded hill overlooking a huge lake. The baffling outcome of an intrigued child's innocent misunderstanding of a single word heard during a chance encounter on a city bus and other mysterious twists and turns, such as the apparent loss of a prized keepsake in Venice, move the lives and views of memorable characters in their endeavours to attain individual fulfilment in their modern-day adventures. In another world, a visitor at a posh winter holiday destination is haunted by ghosts of her past and daring childhood adventures. Here, her incidental meeting with an endearing boy, who is almost her alter ego, changes the course of his life forever. Five captivating stories highlighting the characters' mettle offer a multifaceted read: touching, cheerful, educational, inspiring, and riveting.
Inspiring Stories for Travelers
This book is not a work of fiction. Many of the stories actually happened somewhere; well, most of them. The names and events have been adjusted a bit to entertain the audience. The work is for entertainment only. It is not intended to be a work of literature. The book is protected by copyright. However, the ideas included herein may be used at will. Attribution would be appreciated. The book contains no violence, no sex, or no bad language. It may be enjoyed by persons of all ages. The author would like to thank his daughter Kathryn for assistance with the project and for her love and kindness. Thanks for enjoying the book.
An Instinct for Movement
A boy sets off to trace the aquatic life in a local stream and is overtaken by the journey itself ... A single day of violence and comic absurdity separates an aimless young man from the confining reality he's known to the unimagined one he'll have to navigate. These are the opening entries in An Instinct for Movement, a collection marked by fraught relationships, shifting trapdoors, and the often unreliable instincts of its linking central character. From a blighted Mid-Atlantic city to pre-millennium San Francisco to the hills of California pot country to a woodland outpost in the Pacific Northwest: with each new dislocation, Michael Mattes strives for clarion, momentary truths born of human comedy.
Abyssarianism Storytime
A collection of exhilarating, entertaining, religious-spiritual short abyssarianism stories that will uplift, enlighten, and make you smile with wonder about life on earth. --------------------------- Dive into the enchanting world of Abyssarianism Storytime, where each short story will captivate and inspire readers of all ages. From January 2020 through May 2024, embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment with 21 thought-provoking tales that will ignite your imagination and touch your soul. Discover the power of faith, love, and resilience as you follow the adventures of courageous characters who overcome challenges and embrace the teachings of Abyssarianism. Each story is a treasure trove of wisdom, perfect for sparking meaningful conversations and fostering a deeper understanding of life's mysteries. But just as you think you've experienced all the wonders these stories have to offer, a shocking twist will leave you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning the page to find out what happens next. Get ready to be captivated by the power of these Abyssarianism Short Stories. Whether you're a seasoned seeker or a curious explorer, Abyssarianism Storytime is a must-have addition to your library. Let these beautifully crafted stories inspire you to embrace the power of faith and embark on a path of spiritual growth. Get your copy today and unlock the secrets of Abyssarianism!
Sword Songs
A self-loathing warrior content to die in the arena. An aging sword-master, running from his own infamy. A chieftain's daughter, despised because of the blade at her hip. These characters and more breathe life into the action-packed tales in this short story collection, written by an award-winning author. Keep your head low and your shield high as the steel starts singing in SWORD SONGS.
Princes in Waiting
A collection of twelve linked, hard-hitting, visceral, at times erotic, stories set in a small farming community near the tree line. These stories chart the course of a group of young men who are grappling with the challenges of moving from adolescence to manhood in a culture characterized by financial insecurity in the farm sector and limited opportunities off the farm; with changing attitudes toward sexuality and with troubled family relationships.
Japa and Other Stories
These eight brutally beautiful stories are struck full of fragmented dreams, with highly developed thieves, misadventurers, and displaced characters all heaving through a human struggle to anchor themselves in a new home or sometimes a new reality. This book is about young Nigerian immigrants who bilocate, trek through the desert, become temporary Mormons, sneak through Russia, and yearn for new life in strange new territories that force them to confront what it means to search for a connection far from home. Japa and Other Stories came out of a struggle Iheoma Nwachukwu faced when trying to orient himself in the United States of 2017 to 2021, when attitudes toward immigrants suddenly shifted. The Japa characters explored in this book are immigrants who have no plans to return to their home country--for voluntary reasons--although they retain a strong connection to home.
I'm alive . . . for now
[This novel] is a running commentary on the existential journey of one family - a youth in his teens and his father and mother - as they traverse the maze of modern medicine in search of a cure for his deadly kidney disease. I hesitate to use the word "fiction", because this is certainly not make-believe. The author speaks not just as a witness but as an actual participant. Nor does classifying it simply as "non-fiction" do justice to the depth and range of its factual content - and those facts are not only about how kidneys function, how their dysfunction is treated, how transplants take place, and how they respond, and fail, but about the medical and scientific processes, and the financial and administrative structures involved. A range of human interactions is conveyed with both candour and dispassion. No voyeurism, no sentimentality.'VASANTHA SURYA, Writer'The highest human quality in Imayam's writing is empathy. His empathy is completely devoid of sentimentality and this he conveys by giving his protagonist the voice to speak. This novel deserves close reading, textual analysis, and extensive scholarly commentary, so that it can take its place in the treasures of emerging masterpieces of world literature.'KAMAKSHI BALASUBRAMANIAN, Educator and Writer
Everything Must Go
What is a dream really about? Why are curtains always blue? Who moved the television from the hallway?Those are just some of the questions that are asked in the short story collection by author Greg Luti that provide enough thought, enough charm, and enough fun for you to enjoy it. In this collection, answering the question is not as important as the journey you go through after you ask it.Here is a list of some of the stories in the collection.Transfer from NIR - A worker in a park talks of his time there while learning that his time was not what he expected.Television in the Hallway - A family struggles with moving the television that is in the hallway. My Uncle Hilbert - A young man reminisces of his old mean uncle and learns he is not as mean as others thinkThe Tale of Mr. Will - Mr. Will is caught in a place he can't escape and can't stop dying. Dream - A man describes his dream while questioning his own reality.After Meal Message - Friends talk at a local diner, not seeing the obvious accident involved with one of them.Pat's Birthday (Two Girlfriends) - A boy and his mom go to get some lunch, as the boy's mother tries to hide a secret from her child.The Merchant of Death - A man confronts a vendor in the middle of nowhere who is not as he appears.Mr. Evil and the Tennis Rackets - An insane villain talks to his two captured heroes, as he and his wife plan another evil act on the world.A Trip to the Bookstore - The author talks of his first time back in the bookstore since the pandemic ended.No Resolution - Two co-workers discuss a fight that one of them has with another while dealing with jobs they don't like.
A Book of Short Stories
"Tabitha Potts's 'Crow Girl' is wonderfully eldritch and twisted ... Potts's character building is quite spellbinding" William J Brown in Horrified Magazine"Tabitha Potts' work is also outstanding... Crow Girl, also caught my eye. Told like a traditional fairy tale but using language in sparse, poetic and powerful ways, she follows the life of an abandoned child who is protected more effectively by animals rather than human society. Expelled from her village, she learns to assert a power that bridges human society with the natural world and ultimately acts as a healing force." I. Rosenfeld for the British Fantasy SocietyThis illustrated short story collection is a showcase for some of the dark short fiction the author has had published in literary magazines and online. She is inspired by nature, folklore, myth and local history and her interest in how women survive in a patriarchal society.Various stories by her have been short-listed in the Booker at Birkbeck creative writing award, the MIR Folktale Festival and the Royal Academy Pindrop Award among others and a new short story recently received an Honourable Mention from the Alpine Fellowship Writing Prize.You will find supernatural stories in this short collection as well as realist fiction. The themes which link these short stories are transformation and transfiguration. The author is interested in liminal spaces and thresholds between worlds - there are other influences on her work such as folklore, murder ballads, the Gothic and local history.Some of these stories fit into the folk horror genre, such as The Djinn and The Bells of London Town set in East London and Crow Girl and Hagstone set in rural England.The Djinn tells the story of an exorcism in a British Bangladeshi household while The Bells of London Town explores folklore about fairy bells and the famous nursery rhyme to create a story about a banker lured to his fate by the mysterious bells of the City.Crow Girl tells a story of an outsider in a remote community who fights prejudice and abuse. Hagstone is set in Norfolk and tells the story of a female academic in the throes of a divorce who finds a witch bottle in her home. The Edge is a realist story told from the point of view of a young girl on holiday.
