Full of Choices, Twist's Tales Vol. ll

Twist's Tales #2

by Michael Twist

Volume Two of Twist's Tales focuses on the impact of decisions we make. Many of the stories feature choices or dilemmas in the midst of all that the human condition throws our way.

Genres: Short Stories

158 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2012

About the author

After eighteen years of teaching literature Michael Twist decided to try his hand at writing some of his own. Always fascinated by human nature, Michael's stories often focus on the decisions people make and the internal conflicts they experience in doing so.
Michael's short story "Ties That Bind" won the 2011 William Faulkner Riverfest Literary Competition. His short story "Americans Do Love Their Cars" won the 2011 Quid Novi Festival Writing Contest. Also in 2011, Michael placed second in the Writers' Journal, Write to Win Contest with his short story, "Nearly Perfect." In 2012 Michael placed two stories ("Tea in Chesapeake" and "Dear John") in the finals of the Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize sponsored by the North Carolina Writers' Network as well as making the finals in the Press 53 Open Awards Competition with his short story "Out on a Limb." His micro-fiction has been short-listed numerous times in the Flash 500 competitions.
Michael lives near Sandy Oregon with his wife, two daughters and Labrador.

Reviews

[boekverslaafde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say, really, I don't read short stories. I just don't feel I can relate to characters and their lives in just a few short pages. It's just not enough space to cram it all in. Then I read Twist's Tales Vol. 1. I was definitely pulled in. So I read Full of Choices.
Michael Twist does a great job detailing his characters and their situations in such a short time span, I still have a hard time believing it. With the exception of one story (Americans Do Love Their Cars), they could all happen to anyone, anywhere. (In the aforementioned story, the main story/choice can happen, it's the underlying reasoning that can't happen...yet.) There were a few stories that really connected with me on a personal level. I saw parts of my life or my family being replayed by his characters. Every one of his stories have a twist at the end, that you don't really see coming. It's that twist that makes these stories worth reading. Full of Choices is just that, a book full of every day people making choices that can possibly (and probably) drastically change the way that someone views the world. Sometimes the story slips the choices under your nose, and you miss it at first. Be wary, Mr. Twist is sneaky! Once you realize where the story just went, after such a twist, it takes the whole storyline to a new level. It makes you want to go back and re-read it, just so you can apply what you now know to get the full story, again.
The story "Americans Do Love Their Cars" I think should be embellished. I think Mr. Twist could turn this idea into a full length novel, if he felt the urge. I know I would love to read more about it! What's it about? Guess you'll have to pick up a copy and read for yourself! This book is definitely a work of art!

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of stories showcase--as the title so aptly indicates--a variety of choices faced by individuals in a multitude of situations. When reading tales in this fashion, I often "bookmark" favorites of mine. Upon completion, I was astounded to discover that I had singled out 10 of 15 stories that truly stood out for me! Ordinarily, I consider four stories in a collection a sign that I liked the book overall. The reason for this is simple--the writing style. Michael Twist has a certain "style" to his writing that simply captures the imagination right from the first sentence, and doesn't release you until you've reached the conclusion. His words will completely immerse you with their depth of feeling.

In this collection, you'll find stories with all kinds of outcomes: some beautiful, some gut-renching, some sorrowful . . . I'll even admit to actually shedding some tears over a couple of them.

I don't want to single out details of any one story for fear of ruining the experience with possible spoilers for other readers. However, I will say that stories such as "Ties That Bind", "Sagacity", and "Full of Choices", are among those that will stay with you indefinitely.

Michael Twist is an exceptional author, whose tales truly resonate with me. I hope that many other readers will discover this same connection.

Highest recommendation!

[Tashia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a free e-book from the author when I didn't win an actual hard copy on Goodreads. This book consists of many short stories that have a specific lesson to be learned from each. It made for an interesting read on the 4th as I had nothing else to do.

[Smith Family]

Nearly Perfect

Short story 1, Nearly Perfect, I would give a three star. There was nothing I particular disliked or liked about it. It was a silly little teen story.

Short story 2, Well Lived, I would give a four star. Good story, liked the feel of it.

Short story 3, Tea in Chesapeake, Four star. A cute Father daughter story.

Short story 4, Darby Walter, three star. The writing style is a little starnge. It’s written in 3rd person, but not a bad story.

Short story 5, Sagacity, five star. Great story, great lesson. It said everything I feel is wrong with the younger generation today.

Short story 6, Out on a Limb, five star! Awesome story!! It’s about a woman who felt mankind was out to pity her and how her husband subsided in winning her.

Short story 7, Humility, Five Stars. Very good lesson.

Short story 8, Three Stones,

Short story 9, Twice Warmed, three stars.

Short story 10, Primed for a fight,

Short story 11, Friends With Benefits, two stars, was too explicit.

Short story 12, Full of Choices,

Short story 13, Cowboy,

Short story 14, Americans Do Love Their Cars, one star,

Short story 15, Ties That Bind, five stars.

I'm sorry I've not completely writen the review. I will as soon as I'm able I just wanted to get this out as soon as possible.

[Gaele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Few short story authors create stories that are consistently full of food for thought, or have characters that are facing difficulties or choices that stay with you as well as Michael Twist has managed. Each of his collections has become my favorite of the moment, yet each has a story that has stuck with me to be pondered later. This collection is no different with fifteen stories that highlight the everyday choices, and perhaps the not so, that will have an effect on the life lived at the moment, if not longer.

I can’t say enough about this author’s work: full of instantly accessible ideas and thoughts the stories marinate and will present you with many more ideas later on. While I won’t highlight one particular story as the ‘must read’, each reader will find that story that speaks louder to them at the moment they read i. Beware though, these collections are addictive and you will find yourself reaching for them over and over again when you have a moment and a taste for something different.

I received an eBook from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another volume of Twist's Tales that I couldn't put down.

I like that each volume of short stories is stylistically different, but not in a shocking way. Just enough to show that the author is capable of bringing different things to the forefront; Volume One had stories that were cliffhangers while Volume 3 had stories that left me startled at the plot twists.

In this volume the characters are people I want to know better. Every character has choices to make, and within a few short pages I felt like I understood their motivations.

It wasn't until I finished the book (in one sitting, I admit) and closed it and then looked at the cover that I recognized how much work goes into Twist's craft. Yet the reading is effortless, like listening to a friend tell a story around a campfire or over a dinner table.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now that I've finished FULL OF CHOICES I can Honestly say - I wish I hadn't finished it. I should have stuck to my guns and read only ONE short story a day. I didn't. Read the last two today. AND all of the stories were Very good. VERY GOOD.
I tried to see if I could outsmart the Author as to how the story would end. I did HIT on a couple of his endings. But for the most part I got fooled.
This Author, Michael Twist, is good as a story teller. The first story -NEARLY PERFECT - was told as if I were there. Had a good ending too.
TEN IN CHESAPEAKE was heart warming as was TWICE WARMED, this one is different.
Thank you again, Michael Twist for sending me this book. Sent to me free as a Goodreads reader.
What a book!!!!!!!
Charlie Halter

[DENISA HOWE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. The book contains several short stories with rich surprising characters. All of the stories are about choices we all make and the result of these choices. Our choices affect others around us and us too. Each story delighted me with real life situations and some endings that astonished even me. Each story made me look at my own family and friends and many occurrences. Things happen by chance or do they? Are they because of one’s sometimes silent choice or? Tales about choices with an added twist of amazement.
This book was sent to me via author and I enjoyed it very much.

[Lela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and would give it 6 stars if I could. As always Michael Twist writes beautifully. It takes only seconds to be caught up in the story and I made myself slow down (I read really fast usually) so I could savor the way the words fit together. As much as I loved his first Volume, I have to admit this one was, to me, even better. It seemed more personal, warmer and yet, at times, showed biting wit. His stories sparkle with humanity and understanding of the human condition. If his books keep getting better, I will run totally out of adjectives! Excellent collection of stories. Highly recommended!

(Given this by the author for an honest review....which this is!)

[Conny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book as a gift from the Author and I really enjoyed reading it. This book is fast paced with well-developed characters and full of grit and emotion that moved me to tears on more than one occasion. Just when you think you know how a story will end you will be surprised by an ending you didn't see coming. I highly recommend this book to anybody who enjoys a good read and since they are short stories you can easily commit to it one story at a time. I hope that Michael Twist has many more stories in him because I can't wait to see what he will writes next.

[Cerenity · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free in a Goodreads Giveaway. I really loved reading this collection of short stories. Some of the stories made me laugh and some made me cry. All of these stories were well written. I love that each story made me react emotionally. My favorite story was "Out on a Limb". I would really recommend anyone to read this book. Filled with stories that will have you instantly attached to the characters within and the choices they make staying with you for days after reading!!

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I planned to read this book slowly, story by story, but found myself diving into it instead. With the exception of one story (Out on a Limb) I was in turns interested (Humility), amused (Three Stones)and intrigued (Friends with Benefits)by the characters as well as the storylines. So many of these characters I would have felt very drawn to in person. This was an afternoon well spent reading, and I'm looking forward to seeking out more of this author's books!

[Barbara Henriksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these short stories very powerful messages in each one. The short stories allow me to read one or two and go get things done. Micheal is an awesome writer who brings out everyday lessons that makes you think and say wow I can relate to that.

This book is well written and each short story has you scratching your head and saying "what". Each character in every story is unique and thinks beyond the norm.Highly recommended!!

[Pamela Hovanec · Rating 4 out of 5]

DARBY WALTER VERY EMOTIONAL LOVED IT !
THREE STONES SHE HAS SOME WILL POWER GOOD FOR HER! I THINK MOST PEOPLE HAVE SOME SORT OF STRUGGLE W/ THEMSELVES

AS FOR RINGO I DONT LIKE HIM
I JUST LOVE THESE SHORT STORIES LOOKING FORWARD TO READING MORE, I LOVED WHAT MR FELTON DID AS WELL.
HAVE A SUPER DAY MICHAEL!

PAMELA

[Violet · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gifted writer! You will enjoy his clever short stories that will leave you wanting to read more of his work. I recommend this book truely another must read.