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Voluntary
Readers' Favorite International Book Awards 2013 Gold Medal Winner — Short Story — Fiction
Welcome to the not so distant future. Human beings have pushed Mother Earth to her breaking point—mass wildlife extinctions, global warming, widespread resource shortages, over population—and the Department of Homeland Security is offering stimulus packages to the children of American citizens who volunteer to be euthanized.
This short story about a chance encounter between two volunteers serves as a warning to a self-destructing human race. Voluntary is a tale of sacrifice, passion, and emotion between complete strangers who realize that time is of little importance to their feelings for each other in an inevitably dying world.
Welcome to the not so distant future. Human beings have pushed Mother Earth to her breaking point—mass wildlife extinctions, global warming, widespread resource shortages, over population—and the Department of Homeland Security is offering stimulus packages to the children of American citizens who volunteer to be euthanized.
This short story about a chance encounter between two volunteers serves as a warning to a self-destructing human race. Voluntary is a tale of sacrifice, passion, and emotion between complete strangers who realize that time is of little importance to their feelings for each other in an inevitably dying world.
38 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2013
488 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 9, 2013
Voluntary: Goodbye World by Aaron Powell
Love at first sight… There is no such thing as coincidence, only destiny. Fate .
Travis and Lisa were strangers meant to be together. Two souls brought together to comfort each other in a dying world.
Our world has been pushed beyond its breaking point. A reality that could come true in the not so distant future. Mass wildlife extinctions, global warming, widespread resource shortages, and over population has led the Earth to a tipping point; one way survival, the other devastation.
To correct the world’s problems, and give the human race a chance at survival, the government steps in. The Department of Homeland Security is offering stimulus packages to the children of American citizens’ who volunteer to be euthanized. Travis and Lisa love their children. They want to do their part to make a better world for their kids. They will sacrifice anything, ANYTHING! Would you?
Voluntary: Goodbye World by Aaron Powell is a story so intense that it exceeds the words written on the page. It is a tale of self-sacrifice, immense passion, and impactful emotion between complete strangers who realize that time is of little importance to their feelings for each other. By the end of the story it should serve as a warning to our self-destructing human race.
If you think this book has been conceived of by a smart, witty, and intelligent MAN who doesn’t just live life but experiences it – you’d be right! Aaron Powell proudly served in the Marine Corps during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He has a bachelor of arts in criminal justice, business administration, and a he minored in psychology. Aaron Powell is an actively involved family man, an author, and in his free time a marksman! He doesn’t just sit back and watch while life floats by, Aaron Powell jumps into the water!
Excerpt:
“I’m just happy to have experienced life; to have had a beautiful son and to have loved.”
I wonder how many people can really say that. That really do that! So many people today, especially kids, live life artificially (mostly through technology) instead of really experiencing life! Today it can seem like we are just going through the motions, raising our robots (review, remember, recite, repeat), and safely hiding behind our computer screens rather than meeting together in person (maybe even in public)!
Kids need to go outside! They need to play with nature, find a stick, maybe skip a stone. It’s important for kids to use their imagination, instead of growing up in front of a video game. The T.V. is NOT a babysitter!
Travis and Lisa threw caution to the wind and embraced life. Time, responsibilities, the daily grind; all unimportant. It was about them. Together. The two of them sharing life. Not online, not on the phone, real physical life! For that, if for nothing else, we should envy them.
Excerpt:
“The Kill Center is nothing more than a movie theatre, converted into a facility to perform euthanasia on the lucky folks that society will be better off without.”
It sounds like a make-shift FEMA Camp. The entire existence of those “help centers” are meant to kill. Just look at Hurricane Katrina! It’s frightening that the situations laid out in this story could very easily become a reality.
Excerpt:
“’The pregnancy permits, the mass wildlife extinctions, global warming, resource shortages… it’s like a weird science fiction movie’.”
I’m ashamed to say that I am guilty. Guilty of becoming so frustrated with societies youth that I’ve craved the implementation of “pregnancy permits”. Deep down I know it’s wrong, but try reminding yourself of that when some teen with his underwear hanging out and a cellphone glued to their ear doesn’t give up their seat to an elderly lady on the bus! Perhaps it would be easier to remind yourself that “pregnancy permits” are bad when a prepubescent tween slaps on two pounds of makeup, a stuffed push-up bra, and a mini… Mini… MINI Skirt just to walk the mall throwing melted Slurpee onto unsuspecting patrons! How about just when your own kids decide please and thank you’s are… well… above them?!?!
Excerpt:
“I catch her scent: strawberries. She smells a bit like strawberries.”
In High School my nickname was “Strawberry Shortcake”. I got the nickname because I carried a metal “Strawberry Shortcake” lunchbox. I didn’t mind, I thought it was cute! One day some boys in our little “group” of friends thought it would be funny to break into the media room where the school’s p.a. system. With a little planning they were successful in their venture. I probably would have thout it funny too had they not called the attention of the entire school to me, yes me, just before blasting an excerpt from the song Dopeman by N.W.O.
“There's a another girl in the Dopeman's life
Not quite a bitch but far from a wife
She's called 'The Strawberry' and everybody know
"Strawberry! Strawberry! Is the neighborhood hoe"”
Needless to say, I never carried the lunchbox to school again.
When Travis referred to Lisa as his “Strawberry Shortcake” I about died. All I could think about was that day back in High School. At least it was a positive experience for Lisa.
Excerpt:
“I can’t help but wonder how things got this bad. How in the world did human beings choose this path? Out of all of the different scenarios, the infinite number of outcomes, how did we end up like this?”
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, and ALLAaron Powell’s books!
Review provided by DJ Harris (aka DJ6ual):
July 3, 2013
All right, you two or three people who actually read my reviews know that I don't do spoilers, and I lay out the straight poopy as I see it.
So, "Voluntary", by Aaron B. Powell. How do I lay out the skinny without pulling a jackmove via spoiler?
All right. This story brought to my mind "The Lottery". That scary as hell story by Shirley Jackson.
Now, this story seems to be about one kind of sacrifice, but my paranoid mind was spotting layers of sacrifice, government deceit, and the stink of corruption that comes with power and celebrity.
See, these two people meet in a seriously messed up situation. They are both being sacrificed to the long-term result of corruption, but, in a sublime moment of bone-deep truth, they have a taste of love.
True love, that kind of truth can tell the prettiest lies, but it can also cover a whole world of hurt, sorrow, and betrayal. That is what the two star-crossed lovers in this tale experience.
Powell gives us such an enormous world in such a short amount of time that it will leave you wondering if what happens is truly "Voluntary"!
I give this story a huge thumb's up, and I will also say that the sexy, steamy sex scene is not for younger readers. But I sure didn't mind it!
I look forward to more of Aaron B. Powell's writing because I like a little brain in my entertainment, and I love a good ride!
So, "Voluntary", by Aaron B. Powell. How do I lay out the skinny without pulling a jackmove via spoiler?
All right. This story brought to my mind "The Lottery". That scary as hell story by Shirley Jackson.
Now, this story seems to be about one kind of sacrifice, but my paranoid mind was spotting layers of sacrifice, government deceit, and the stink of corruption that comes with power and celebrity.
See, these two people meet in a seriously messed up situation. They are both being sacrificed to the long-term result of corruption, but, in a sublime moment of bone-deep truth, they have a taste of love.
True love, that kind of truth can tell the prettiest lies, but it can also cover a whole world of hurt, sorrow, and betrayal. That is what the two star-crossed lovers in this tale experience.
Powell gives us such an enormous world in such a short amount of time that it will leave you wondering if what happens is truly "Voluntary"!
I give this story a huge thumb's up, and I will also say that the sexy, steamy sex scene is not for younger readers. But I sure didn't mind it!
I look forward to more of Aaron B. Powell's writing because I like a little brain in my entertainment, and I love a good ride!
June 4, 2013
Soylent Green is real???
My first impression was, “Soylent Green,” with the exception, the masses aren’t feasting on the deceased green chips. The world’s over-population has become critical. The Earth’s resources are rapidly drying up. Many countries have already instituted mandatory selected elimination. The United States is still trying to show a sense of humanity by allowing families to decide their fate. Volunteer for the program and the State will guarantee your children will live, or at least, have a chance at a productive life. At least, that’s the line their selling.
What would you do if you only had two hours left to live? Would you sit in the “mandatory theatre” waiting for the inevitable deep to sleep to overcome your senses? Or would you rendezvous one more time, dying with a smile on your lips and worrying not about the future?
Get a copy today and decide for yourself. I know my choice.
A great work for those who want a good quick entertaining read!
My first impression was, “Soylent Green,” with the exception, the masses aren’t feasting on the deceased green chips. The world’s over-population has become critical. The Earth’s resources are rapidly drying up. Many countries have already instituted mandatory selected elimination. The United States is still trying to show a sense of humanity by allowing families to decide their fate. Volunteer for the program and the State will guarantee your children will live, or at least, have a chance at a productive life. At least, that’s the line their selling.
What would you do if you only had two hours left to live? Would you sit in the “mandatory theatre” waiting for the inevitable deep to sleep to overcome your senses? Or would you rendezvous one more time, dying with a smile on your lips and worrying not about the future?
Get a copy today and decide for yourself. I know my choice.
A great work for those who want a good quick entertaining read!
May 25, 2013
This book was reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite.
“Voluntary” by Aaron Powell is a short, powerful vignette of one possible near-future dystopia. Earth has been polluted, abused, over-populated, and just generally degraded beyond the point at which it can sustain the life it is expected to support. In a desperate attempt to stem the tide of decline, nations around the world have come up with various means of reducing their population; means which would have been unthinkable a generation earlier. In China, all the prisoners were executed. There was talk of holding a lottery, whereby the poorer Chinese citizenry would choose who could live and who should die. In America, death theaters have been established, wherein anybody can “volunteer” to commit a peaceful, painless suicide while watching a movie, in exchange for government promises of some kind of special consideration for the survivors of those who die. Some are promised a higher education for their children, or perhaps a special job/career in exchange for the parent voluntarily removing himself from the population.
This short story is extremely compelling. Although such a course of action seems absurdly unthinkable now, the reader must nevertheless consider the possibility that some day – perhaps someday in the not too distant future – Earth’s overall condition may be degraded to the point that this may well be considered as a viable option. What makes this story feel so real is the emotion expressed by the two main characters who have volunteered. Their comments and thoughts are as realistic as any you or I might have. They shake their heads in wonder at how the world ever got to be in this position. They realize mistakes have been made, but find it hard to comprehend how the mistakes could have cumulatively led to this. “Voluntary” is a hard-hitting, emotion-filled drama that will bring a tear to your heart, if not to your eyes. I give this my highest recommendation.
“Voluntary” by Aaron Powell is a short, powerful vignette of one possible near-future dystopia. Earth has been polluted, abused, over-populated, and just generally degraded beyond the point at which it can sustain the life it is expected to support. In a desperate attempt to stem the tide of decline, nations around the world have come up with various means of reducing their population; means which would have been unthinkable a generation earlier. In China, all the prisoners were executed. There was talk of holding a lottery, whereby the poorer Chinese citizenry would choose who could live and who should die. In America, death theaters have been established, wherein anybody can “volunteer” to commit a peaceful, painless suicide while watching a movie, in exchange for government promises of some kind of special consideration for the survivors of those who die. Some are promised a higher education for their children, or perhaps a special job/career in exchange for the parent voluntarily removing himself from the population.
This short story is extremely compelling. Although such a course of action seems absurdly unthinkable now, the reader must nevertheless consider the possibility that some day – perhaps someday in the not too distant future – Earth’s overall condition may be degraded to the point that this may well be considered as a viable option. What makes this story feel so real is the emotion expressed by the two main characters who have volunteered. Their comments and thoughts are as realistic as any you or I might have. They shake their heads in wonder at how the world ever got to be in this position. They realize mistakes have been made, but find it hard to comprehend how the mistakes could have cumulatively led to this. “Voluntary” is a hard-hitting, emotion-filled drama that will bring a tear to your heart, if not to your eyes. I give this my highest recommendation.
May 28, 2013
Once again, Aaron Powell knocks one out of the park. It may be a small one, but a home-run of any other size is just as sweet. If you're a fan and were hoping for more of Patrick Mitchell, you might think you'll be disappointed when I tell you that Mitchell is not in the story, but you won't be.
It's still the same great writing we've come to expect from this author, and it's also a refreshing surprise as Powell takes us to a future where the world has turned to shit in just about every way possible, but something beautiful still blossoms while two people make the greatest sacrifice they can in order to give those they love the best chance at a better life, to whatever extent that may be possible.
I can't say much more without spoiling anything, so I'll just say that I really enjoyed reading this and as much as I love visiting Patrick Mitchell's universe, this was a very nice departure and it makes me wonder what we'll see next from Aaron Powell. Sometimes you read a good author for a while and then a book comes out that makes you aware that they've somehow elevated their skill a notch or two since their last novel. This is *that* book from Aaron Powell. I'm eagerly looking forward to what will come next.
Treat yourself to this bitter-sweet little gem of a story. It's well worth the small price, and it just may stir up some thoughts and feelings - and that's worth a buck or two in my book.
It's still the same great writing we've come to expect from this author, and it's also a refreshing surprise as Powell takes us to a future where the world has turned to shit in just about every way possible, but something beautiful still blossoms while two people make the greatest sacrifice they can in order to give those they love the best chance at a better life, to whatever extent that may be possible.
I can't say much more without spoiling anything, so I'll just say that I really enjoyed reading this and as much as I love visiting Patrick Mitchell's universe, this was a very nice departure and it makes me wonder what we'll see next from Aaron Powell. Sometimes you read a good author for a while and then a book comes out that makes you aware that they've somehow elevated their skill a notch or two since their last novel. This is *that* book from Aaron Powell. I'm eagerly looking forward to what will come next.
Treat yourself to this bitter-sweet little gem of a story. It's well worth the small price, and it just may stir up some thoughts and feelings - and that's worth a buck or two in my book.
July 9, 2013
great read... great author... everyone should check this one out! it is proof that true love can be found anywhere and with anyone. even in the worst of times we can take solace in each other. i hope i am half the parent these people are! if you are a parent and you're not moved by the sacrifice these people are making maybe you shouldn't have had kids.
August 3, 2013
Let me start by saying: Read this! And read it more than once! It is more than worth your time.
It's quite astounding how Aaron Powell has a way around words. From erotica to dystopian, he manages to bring entertainment to us readers.
I, as a reader and an author, love philosophy - and I love erotica or erotic. And I got both of it on one seating. But this is not just a philosophical, dystopian short story with erotic scenes.BTW, there is nothing better to me than a book with steamy sex scenes.
Extremely well written, this dystopian, philosophical story makes you stop and think.
Think about the future and what we really want;
Think about the government and how the ones we choose to elect are behaving;
How selfishness works its ways around humanity;
What would you do if you had just a few hours before your death?
And, last but not least, how difficult can one, last decision be. I would never doubt what would be mine, but I'm sure that many living parents wouldn't choose the right one.
It's quite astounding how Aaron Powell has a way around words. From erotica to dystopian, he manages to bring entertainment to us readers.
I, as a reader and an author, love philosophy - and I love erotica or erotic. And I got both of it on one seating. But this is not just a philosophical, dystopian short story with erotic scenes.BTW, there is nothing better to me than a book with steamy sex scenes.
Extremely well written, this dystopian, philosophical story makes you stop and think.
Think about the future and what we really want;
Think about the government and how the ones we choose to elect are behaving;
How selfishness works its ways around humanity;
What would you do if you had just a few hours before your death?
And, last but not least, how difficult can one, last decision be. I would never doubt what would be mine, but I'm sure that many living parents wouldn't choose the right one.
October 23, 2013
My internet crashed! Argh! Let's try to repeat the first review...
There will be spoilers.
As we say in Brazil is this "sacanagem"? Like ... "Are you fucking kidding me?"
This book - this 38 pages - made me angry, made me rant, made me scream and made so many emotions roll through me that I closed it and cried so many times (I cry easily) that I didn't read it in a half an hour (the time that usually would take me to read it.)
Where is the dystopian? Where is the future?
This is happening here, today.
Genocide? It has happened in Europe in the past!!!! Remember? It is happening today in Africa and Asia. Don't you know?
Alaska, where has all your ice gone? Brazil, where is your cool winter?
Where is the humanity in choosing a child to die in your place or vice-versa?
Yeah, okay, this is a book and there is still love in the world but... "Uma andorinha não faz verão." or "One swallow does not make a summer."
We need to rethink our steps and walk more carefully.
Don't make me cry again like this Aaron! Fan-fucking-tastic!
There will be spoilers.
As we say in Brazil is this "sacanagem"? Like ... "Are you fucking kidding me?"
This book - this 38 pages - made me angry, made me rant, made me scream and made so many emotions roll through me that I closed it and cried so many times (I cry easily) that I didn't read it in a half an hour (the time that usually would take me to read it.)
Where is the dystopian? Where is the future?
This is happening here, today.
Genocide? It has happened in Europe in the past!!!! Remember? It is happening today in Africa and Asia. Don't you know?
Alaska, where has all your ice gone? Brazil, where is your cool winter?
Where is the humanity in choosing a child to die in your place or vice-versa?
Yeah, okay, this is a book and there is still love in the world but... "Uma andorinha não faz verão." or "One swallow does not make a summer."
We need to rethink our steps and walk more carefully.
Don't make me cry again like this Aaron! Fan-fucking-tastic!
December 20, 2013
I read this short story right before I went to work this morning, and I've been thinking about it all day. The story takes place in the future, in a world that's so overpopulated that the government had to set up suicide centers where people go to sacrifice their lives for the good of the planet. If you give up your life, your family will get perks such as a free college education or health care.
Voluntary is told from the perspective of a man who agrees to die so his son can have a better life. When he arrives at the suicide center, he meets a beautiful woman with whom he's able to spend his last moments on earth. This is a story that makes you stop and think about the state of the world, and how it's important to make every moment count.
I want to thank Aaron Powell for writing such meaningful stories. This is the third book of his that I've read, and I'm very impressed with his work. I'm looking forward to reading more of his books!
Voluntary is told from the perspective of a man who agrees to die so his son can have a better life. When he arrives at the suicide center, he meets a beautiful woman with whom he's able to spend his last moments on earth. This is a story that makes you stop and think about the state of the world, and how it's important to make every moment count.
I want to thank Aaron Powell for writing such meaningful stories. This is the third book of his that I've read, and I'm very impressed with his work. I'm looking forward to reading more of his books!
July 14, 2013
Received this book directly from the author. It was such a sad outcome but at the end it was also some what happy. It was a tough decision that both these people made in order for there children to survive in a world that is close to ending. This book really does portray what might happen to us in the future. So many problems with the environment and so many people having longer lives. Will there be an epic disease like the black plague that most people will not be able to overcome. It was great that they both found each other even if it was for two hours before they ended up dyeing. Love is always there even when you are not looking for it. Thanks Arron for letting me review this powerful short story. Recommend this book to everyone.
October 9, 2013
"Voluntary" is a dystopian short story about sacrifice and love.
Travis and Lisa's world, the main characters, is so sick and impoverished that the Government decides to decrease the population offering a special package: you volunteer to suicide and I'll give to your loved ones some rewards like good high education or free health care.
Even though the subject is very difficult, I have found some light between the pages like the unconditional love that these parents feel for their kids.
This scratchy tale make you wonder "What would you do in such situation?" I don't want to think about it...
Travis and Lisa's world, the main characters, is so sick and impoverished that the Government decides to decrease the population offering a special package: you volunteer to suicide and I'll give to your loved ones some rewards like good high education or free health care.
Even though the subject is very difficult, I have found some light between the pages like the unconditional love that these parents feel for their kids.
This scratchy tale make you wonder "What would you do in such situation?" I don't want to think about it...
August 22, 2013
From the sombre quote by Nine Inch Nails, we are thrown into the separation of father and son
and into the story of 'Voluntary', the tone is set immediately
- sardonic, sombre, dry humor, concluding with hot erotica.
The story reminds me of a short story I read at school called
'robot revolt', who i cant remember the author but it has that
dry futuristic style to it.
Gripping from start to finish, 'Voluntary' is an enjoyable read.
and into the story of 'Voluntary', the tone is set immediately
- sardonic, sombre, dry humor, concluding with hot erotica.
The story reminds me of a short story I read at school called
'robot revolt', who i cant remember the author but it has that
dry futuristic style to it.
Gripping from start to finish, 'Voluntary' is an enjoyable read.
September 27, 2013
This review will be hard to do. This is a small story, as many of those written by Aaron Powell. A dark, philosophical dystopian, that makes you think, it ends in what I would call erotica. How can Aaron combine these two those tow genres without destroying them is very interesting.
This is an author I would be following.
This is an author I would be following.
October 31, 2013
Wow. Powell's flash fiction is really satisfying. Although a bit choppy in the emotional realm, the overlying idea of how the future looks is truly interesting...almost overshadowing the characters completely. I enjoyed this read because it was easy and it made me think. The concept of the story alone is gratifying enough.
June 11, 2014
This book should be read by anyone who takes ANYTHING for granted. It makes you see that some really are willing to sacrifice their lives for others. It shows what WILL happen if you don't stop the excess we all partake in. Thanks for the insightful and very scary possible future!!
August 8, 2013
This is a very saddening short story but well worth the read just keep praying during the book that that never comes to be...
July 12, 2013
great short storie makes you think! what will happen when the world is over populated,
February 14, 2015
I really liked this story even though it scares me to think the world would come to this.
December 13, 2014
a definite quick read. nice to see that love is still possibleat the end of life.
March 29, 2014
My first impression was, “Soylent Green,” with the exception, the masses aren’t feasting on the deceased green chips. The world’s over-population has become critical. The Earth’s resources are rapidly drying up. Many countries have already instituted mandatory selected elimination. The United States is still trying to show a sense of humanity by allowing families to decide their fate. Volunteer for the program and the State will guarantee your children will live, or at least, have a chance at a productive life. At least, that’s the line their selling.
What would you do if you only had two hours left to live? Would you sit in the “mandatory theater” waiting for the inevitable deep to sleep to overcome your senses? Or would you rendezvous one more time, dying with a smile on your lips and worrying not about the future?
Get a copy today and decide for yourself. I know my choice.
A great work for those who want a good quick entertaining read!
What would you do if you only had two hours left to live? Would you sit in the “mandatory theater” waiting for the inevitable deep to sleep to overcome your senses? Or would you rendezvous one more time, dying with a smile on your lips and worrying not about the future?
Get a copy today and decide for yourself. I know my choice.
A great work for those who want a good quick entertaining read!
April 7, 2015
A very nice story here. Sure, there's steamy sex but also a multitude of emotions as the two main characters embrace one another while contemplating death, intimacy, ecology, and their place in the present and their kids journey into the future. Powell has a lot of nuance in this sexy dystopian tale of the possible near future.
August 22, 2015
A bitter sweet love story with a political overlay. Powell needs few words to present a powerful message. A good read.
February 1, 2015
I won this book off of Good Reads. Very Good Short story, I would read more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews