After Opium: Stories

by David W. Berner

From the award-winning author of ANY ROAD WILL TAKE YOU THERE and ACCIDENTAL LESSONS. Praise for AFTER OPIUM..."These stories linger like wood smoke on a cold night. David's collection weaves tales of broken bonds, of need and longing, of glimmering memory and buried regrets, all with clear-eyed affection and recognition that to be human is to shoulder on despite what we’ve lost. Bravo!" - - Mary T. Wagner, author of RUNNING WITH STILETTOS"AFTER OPIUM is a collection of moving stories presenting character sketches that bring a warming illumination to the story we’re living, our human condition." - - Victor David Giron, Curbside Splendor Publishing and author of SOPHOMORIC PHILOSOPHY"The sweet, elegant stories in AFTER OPIUM reveal David W. Berner's ability to capture those special moments, the snippets of conversations that weave the fabric of life. Curl up with these gems and see for yourself." - - Michael Robinson, The Jack Kerouac Project - Orlando, FL."Berner's rich imagery flows throughout his writing, effectively inviting the reader into each scene. And his use of subtleties brings depth to each story, wholly satisfying even the most demanding reader." - - JW Smith, Editor, Epiphany The ten stories in this collection are taught, smart, and wide open windows into deep corners of the human condition. David W. Berner, award-winning author of the memoir ACCIDENTAL LESSONS, has a skill for telling short-short fiction. In this group of stories - some previously published - Berner explores how we carry on after kicking habits, shedding obsessions, or losing what we believe we can't live without. In the title story - AFTER OPIUM - boyhood friends meet years after one has overcome the spell of opium addiction. THREE DRUNKS AND TWO COPS explores how even the best of intentions can be dangerously, and even humorously, ill-advised. BOBBY AND KATHLEEN and LOVING LINDA touch on desperate relationships that despite the best intentions never have a chance to survive. THE BIRD, PIECES OF GLASS, and OVER THE EDGE AND INTO THE WIND examine the fragility of love. Berner looks at how we bond in the midst of possible tragedy in TWO MEN ON A ROOF and the lasting sadness and horrific experiences of a Vietnam War veteran are revealed in THE SMELL OF DEAD SOLDIERS. And lastly, we are reminded of the melancholy beauty and precious memories of a first love in the collection's final piece, BARRE WORK.

Kindle Edition

First published January 15, 2012

About the author

David W. Berner is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and teacher. As a writer, he has been the recipient of awards from the prestigious Society of Midland Authors and the Chicago Writers Association. David has more than forty years experience in broadcast journalism as a reporter, anchor, news director, and program director. He has contributed to the CBS Radio Network and to public radio stations around the country, including NPR’s Weekend edition.

David has also performed live literature readings at 2nd Story, Essay Fiesta, Waterline Writers, and Sunday Salon. And regularly conducts workshops on writing and memoir.