13 Acorns: Modern Short Stories for Thoughtful Adults

by G Edward Martin

13 Acorns is the debut work of up-and-coming American author G. Edward Martin. It is composed of twelve original short stories written in multiple genres beneath the umbrella of philosophical fiction. Each unique story addresses one central idea or moral question, with each story being akin to a single acorn—something small or simple with the potential to grow enormous.The False Treeing Hound- Daniel, a lost young man, abandons everything and sets out on a road-trip headed west. After his car breaks down, he unexpectedly meets a friend and mentor who changes the course of his life.The Grave Robber Sitting Across from Me- a young woman travels to Florida after losing her mother and discovers that her uncle and his girlfriend have stolen from the deceased. However, the young woman is forced to bite her tongue and pretend as if she does not notice.The Return Flight- a crew of astronauts nearing the completion of a 20-year mission in space discover that their ship is being followed on their way back to earth in this science fiction novelette.The Charleston Market- Mike, a small business owner and vendor at the Charleston market, wrestles with his own self-worth and the order of society as he tries to rebound from the discouragement of several failed plans.My Old Street- On a trip to visit his parents and siblings, Joe discovers a stash of drugs hidden in his younger brother’s room. He is forced to make a hard decision and hope that he chose correctly.The Nobody Who Fought a Dragon- Bill, the local potter and town drunk, is forced by his neighbors to battle a dragon that plagues their town in this comedy novelette. The AI Government- After inventing a computer program that could come to replace politicians and governments, two friends secretly discuss the full implications of such technology in this science fiction short story.The Values of a Dying Man- When Phillip finds himself falling ill and losing strength, he must decide how to spend his last week on earth and what he truly values.The Unstoppable Train- John Ross visits a nursing home as he attempts to interview a former intelligence operative and persuade him to finally divulge the secrets of one of America’s largest unanswered conspiracies.The Demise of the Great Village- In this philosophical allegory, the narrator explains the story of his home—why it was built, how it rose to greatness, and how it was dismantled from within by malignant forces.The Man Who Held Court- “The path to enlightenment and the remedy for anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.” A philosophical fiction.The Bridge of Working Truth- A son is finally invited to join his father in working to complete the ancient bridge that extends from earth to paradise in this philosophical allegory about the history and progress of humanity.“A set of engaging, succinct morality tales centered on inner change rather than the superficial.”- Kirkus Reviews

“This book is an interesting read that takes the reader on a journey through the lives of various characters. I will particularly recommend this book to people who enjoy short stories.” -OnlineBookClub.org

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2023

Reviews

[Marlene Ridgway · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining and philosophical mix of short stories that will ultimately make you think and question what you would do.

This collection of short stories is a thoughtful look into some of life’s biggest questions and fears. The author weaves these tales with detail, perspective, and overall, urges the reader to consider and wonder, which is true for all great books.

From coincidences to hard decisions to appreciating the positive side of some very dark situations, this collection of stories becomes a way to live thirteen very different lives. Great writing creates empathetic readers and Martin does an excellent job of evoking emotion and forcing the reader to question what they would do themselves, right and wrong, and much more.

I did want to see less telling and more showing in the writing style. A few times, the author seems to be explaining why he was writing. The stories were all unique and could carry their weight, so the explanation wasn’t always needed. I appreciated the variety of characters, perspectives, and detailed backgrounds that went into each individual story. Each story kept my attention and on more than one occasion I felt a real connection and relatability with the characters.

My favorite story was “The Return Flight. I felt that the premise was entirely unique and I loved the conundrum of the ethical dilemma. The back and forth between the characters felt believable and became more and more layered with each page turned. It was a carefully curated mix of philosophy and suspense that had me wishing for more.

[Catherine Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was introduced to this author by a friend, Jessica Weller. The short story I read was My Old Street. Although I read the ending first, sorry it's a bad habit, it did not affect the story. G. Edward Martin is such a phenomenal storyteller that i found myself along on the ride with the characters. I didn't even connect the dots until the end. This author's writing does not end with the end of the story. It is thought provoking and will resonate within you long after you set the book aside.

[Jessica LC Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audiobook of the novelette, My Old Street, within this collection of short stories was provided to me by the author. My review...

A short story, with a short review, but a LARGE emotional response. Yet again the author pulls at my heart strings and causes me to pause and think. Martin's writings evoke a stirring in one's innermost thoughts and feelings.

A story about family, young people, the war on drugs, the importance of communicating with our loved ones as well as a higher power.

A powerful message with a powerful punch. Well worth the listen.

I recommend reading any work by G. Edward Martin.

[G. Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote this so I have read it many times over lol.
I still think it's pretty good.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read!

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

So yeah, this is a book that has 12 different short stories in it. They're good. They make you think a lot. This is a big mind.F*** but good I enjoyed it

[Mandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed each of these short stories. Some more than others, but they all held their own. After finishing this book I felt inspired and uplifted even though some of the stories were a bit grim. I would absolutely read more from this author!