Blue: Selected Short Stories, Volume Two

by Wodke Hawkinson

Blue, Selected Short Stories, Volume Two Blue is the second volume of short stories by multi-genre author, Wodke Hawkinson. Blue contains three novelettes, which in and of themselves make the book a must-read. In addition, Blue also features fifteen shorter works that run the gamut from bawdy humor in "The Erotic Adventure of Dick Speed" to the contemplative surrealism of "Death Hates His Job". Wodke Hawkinson's writing includes a tasty variety of subjects which are peopled with unique and memorable characters. Each of the three novelettes in Blue introduces the reader to a different and compelling story. In "Back to the Past", a young man recalls meeting his bride years before when they were children, and reminisces about their childhood friendship. "The Deconstruction of Dennis" is a tragedy that illustrates the lonely sorrow of mental illness. The title piece, "Blue", tells the harrowing story of a young girl who is thrust into the custody of her father's unsavory family upon the death of her mother. *Cover photo by Sascha Burkard

234 pages

First published July 7, 2011

Reviews

[Karenw · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't review this book since I co-authored it. Of course I would like it! And I hope readers enjoy it too.

[Albert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Feedback: Wodke does a great job of intertwining multiple short stories to create a book of shorts that intigues and satiates your need as a reader for that escape. Each short gives just enough to make you feel entertained but does not hold back so much that you feel discouraged from continuing to the next story. An interesting fact about the author is that the name Wodke Hawkinson is a combination of the authors (dual author, both women) last name. Perfect for the creative aspect of their work.

Point of View: Interesting enough Wodke gives us the feeling from the main characters view throughout all the stories and only detracts from this a little but not enough to cause alarm.

Voice: Perfect for each story and really draws the reader in to each short as the book unfolds.

Character Development: This could have been an area in the book that could have been easily failed but Wodke does well to develop each character within each short to perfection.

Plot: To define the plot of a collection of shorts is entirely subjective as each short has within itself it's own plot but I feel the author did well to interlace each story with each other to allow the readers to follow each short in itself but draw a bigger picture from the book as a whole.

Dialogue: Without flaw and only ensures the reader is drawn into the story.

Pacing: Wodke does well to push the reader from one story to the next without making the reader feel as if they had a huge pause an needed to get back into the book once again.

Setting: Each short brings about its' own setting and Wodke gives you just enough to drive your imagination into the world they created and you feel and imagine this world as the author first dreamed.

Continuity: Again without flaw, Wodke is excellant at bringing each short together on the grand scheme but allowing each to stand on their own.

[Jeannie Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way the writing team of PJ Hawkinson and Karen Wodke expertly painted pictures with the unique blend of words and dialogue. The look Glenda gave the couple sent icy fingers of fear down their backs. I loved all the short stories in this collection. I chuckled, had a few chills run down my back and thought some of the characters reminded me of someone I might know. But, I particularly loved the story "Poor Jesse" and could relate since I have a Jesse in my life. My Jesse served in World War Two. He performed heroic acts and looked out for others. My Jesse was also a scrawny, skinny young boy who had been mentally abused at an early age by his parents. I feel for the Jesse in this short story who went astray and I hope you get this book and read this story and the other ones too. I know you will enjoy reading them and learn something along the way.

Jeannie Walker - Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder

[Ghostleegirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of short stories, and am glad I picked it up. Short stories for me are a way to discover new authors and get a feel for how they write. In this case it's a writing duo, and I really enjoyed the collection! Would I say it's worth reading? YES!!!! If you haven't picked up a copy, it sould be on your list of things to read!

The characters are very well thought out and I actually found myself liking them. It's hard in a short story sometimes to actually get into a character because there isn't a lot of time to develop them. In this case, it wasn't a problem.

I especially loved the story 'Blue'. Although the little girl in the story was nothing at all like myself, and her childhood didn't resemble mine in the least, I found it easy to care about her, and hope for a better future for her. Does she have a brighter future? Guess you'll have to pick up the book and find out!

[Lynn Hallbrooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a mixed variety of Short Stories. Some are personifications while others are stories about people's oddball plights and dilemmas.

You start reading one and then it is like eating potato chips you've read another then another. Before you know it you've read them all.

The best part is you would never know that the book is written by co-authors. Great job ladies on having two voices speaking as one.

[Mandy White · Rating 3 out of 5]

Blue is a diverse collection of stories spanning various genres - some short, some longer. In this book you'll find a little bit of everything, from humor to heartbreak and everything in between. Well written and thought provoking for the most part, even though I found a couple of the pieces a bit slow. I will be reading more by these authors.

[Penny Childs · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! These two authors are excellent and on par with any of the best sellers out there (if not better). I would recommend this book to anyone. I hated it every time I had to put it down. Matter of fact I stayed up WAY to late last night finishing it.

[Wodke Hawkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are the authors of this book, so can't really review it. We hope you enjoy it!