(1) Title: Two Separate Pieces
Author: Frances O'Brien
Genre: YA/MG
Thoughts: What is the story about? Well, a boy and a girl sit on a bench and kiss. French kiss. I wish I could sum it up that simply but it's such a powerful story. It's not about what happens it's about the feelings behind what happens, it's about the emotions (the real emotions) of teenagers, it's real. It's about the past and it's about the future. I still think about the story three days later. It won the Grand Prize in the Genre Wars contest held by Literary Lab and deservedly so.
(2) Title: Heart Seeker
Author: E.J. Alexander
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Thoughts: I'm not a fan of the fantasy genre but this one surprised me. I kinda suspected the ending but I felt for the characters. Two warring tribes battle for love. Timeless plot. Worth a read.
(3) Title: Asunder
Author: Judith Mercado
Genre: Literary Fiction
Thoughts: This story won the literary section. And again, so much was said with very little action. A husband (a Reverend) and a wife are sitting and waiting to attend a dinner function in his honor. They had invited their daughter but they're not sure she'll come. Throughout the story you wonder, will she or will she not come? Why doesn't she come? Why is it so important that she comes? How do the two characters deal with both outcomes? Just a wonderful story about human nature and strength.
If you haven't bought this book, you should. Not only to support new authors but the proceeds support charity.
32 comments:
I do that too! It's easy to read a short story collection along side a novel too. You should try Raymond Carver and Margaret Atwood's short sotries if you're up for something new :)
I have been! I can read a SS in minutes and continue with my novel.
I love short stories, but oddly, I've never picked up a collection. I guess I opt for how-to's or novels. I want to get one of these now. Thanks for the introduction!
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I really enjoy short stories- I'm glad you are finding you like them.
Thanks for the reviews of these anthologies!!
I love writing (or trying too!!)short stories and reading them too - so much packed into so little!! Amazing!!! take care
x
Clarissa - Short stories really do have their own kind of appeal, don't they? I find them wonderful for those times when I want to sample an author's work but am not sure I want to read a whole novel. Or when I don't have the time at the moment to read a full novel (like in a waiting room or something).
I have trouble with SS, once you love the conflict it is over too soon. My head has probably been in the sand, okay definitely about six feet deep, but I didn't realize there that many YA SS collections. It's great to be following your blog!
I have trouble with SS, once you love the conflict it is over too soon. My head has probably been in the sand, okay definitely about six feet deep, but I didn't realize there that many YA SS collections. It's great to be following your blog!
Those stories sound wonderful. I am currently working on a short story. Something I didn't think I could do until I started to blog and had to write stories for some post. There's nothing like the discipline a short story requires.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium.
I used to read lots of short stories, and write them too. I need to get back to that.
I like shorts stories and written one. You gave me an idea, Clarissa. After editing I think I will write an ss about the other character in my first. Two estranged lovers who reunited.
I told his side, now it't time for her...
Have a great weekend.
I get my short story time via podcasts during my exercise time. I do like the sound of this book though.
I've always loved short stories!
I've written quite a few short stories - I started because I wanted to enter competitions. And I sometimes read them, but for writing and reading I prefer a novel. I like to be in it for the long haul.
I love (and write) short stories. I read collections. Am currently reading a paperback 'The 10 Best Australian Short Stories' and it has some of our top authors. Excellent, all genres.
Thanks for the review of this collection. I'll have to download it. Another win for e-Pub ha ha.
Denise<3
Yeap I like 'em! Trying to write them but only time will tell :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Sounds interesting. I've never been a short story fan either but since I've been asked to write a few I'm trying to read a few more.
It may be because of my short attention span, but I've always liked short stories a great deal.
I LOVE short stories. I've always loved them. When I was in high school, I went to the library frequently and checked out O. Henry Award collections and read voraciously. To win first, second or third place in these yearly collections was a great honor "back then." I read the stories of Hemingway, the stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald, etc etc. Took short stories in college. Now I'm thinking of writing about my childhood (fictionalized) in loosely connected stories.
Okay. I'm trying to figure just how much money in April I can spend on books. This collection sounds awesome. I am at least going to put it on my list. And since it's for a good cause, I'll probably get it!!
I like short stories too and this collection looks great (makes a note to buy!) I enjoy writing them as I'm still finding my writing voices and short stories, flash fiction and blogfests are all assisting me in the discipline.
I usually don't read short stories. I'll check these out, Thanks for shring =)
http://tigeronmybookshelf.blogspot.com/
That's actually a really good idea. Short stories contain all the elements of characterization and plot in a tiny little package. I think I will take up your habit. :)
I like your blog! I'm following you and I'm also in the A-Z Blogging Challenge. RuthieTootieWishes
Sounds fantastic! If like short stories, can I suggest you check out Nik Perring? I'm a big fan!
I adore short stories, and the shorter the better. But I prefer anthologies that are a mix of authors, otherwise I find the same author's style/voice can be too much.
That's a good idea. A short story a day. I'm going to steal it.
you know I actually love short stories because they are self contained and complete. It can be hard for me to read fiction but usually I can get the short story collection, easily. Good suggestions.
Thanks for promoting this anthology, Clarissa. This is such a great collection. I couldn't believe it when my stories were allowed to sit next to the others in here. So much good stuff.
Clarissa,
These are fantastic reviews. Thank you for being honest in your assessment and for giving these writers a chance!
Clarissa, fantastic reviews there! Thank you so much! I'm glad you're discovering a love for short stories. I love short stories. :)
I love this idea, and thanks so much for reviewing Genre Wars. The range of voices and quality of the work is amazing. We have such a great community here.
I haven't got to many stories in Notes from Underground yet, and I must. Your idea will help me do it. Thanks!
Believe it not, I just now discovered this post. Thank you for the wonderful review of my story Asunder.
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