Reviewer: Bob Lind, Echo Magazine
Publisher: Chelsea Station Editions, Sept. 2013
Pages: 191
Five Stars out of Five!
One of the more challenging things for an author to do is
put together a collection of his own short stories, geared to hold the reader’s
interest without competing with each other for attention. The stories should
have a common thread that justifies the collection, yet be unique enough so the
reader doesn’t think he is being pitched several drafts of the same story or
sequels to what has already been read. That’s what makes this anthology so
special, in that the author has compiled eleven clever and engaging stories
based in small Southern towns, some sweet and emotional, most amusing and often
full of campy bitchiness! The stories are character-driven, with a diverse cast
that includes drag queens with attitudes to reckon with, clueless parents
trying to deal with their “fabulous” kids, criminals without a lick of common
sense, and men “coming out” late in life.
It’s hard to pick my favorite of the stories, but it would
have to be “Duplicity,” a brilliant look at a group of co-workers at a
community center, who suddenly find themselves opening up to each other while
they are being held hostage by a troubled young gunman who attended GED classes
there. The interactions between each other reflect their varied personalities,
as well as their abilities to handle a situation that is out of their control.
You can’t help but relate it to people you know.
This is a home run for this first-time talented author,
and a Southern-fried treat for his readers.
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