Nothing Real Volume 1: A Collection of Stories

by Claire Needell

The first of three digital-only short story collections from teacher and frequent contributor to the New York Times Claire Needell, about coming of age in contemporary America. These refreshing stories are written with humor, honesty, and without judgment.This outstanding first digital-only collection includes the memorable stories "Nothing Real," "Change Your Life," "The Bubblemen," and "My Name is Adam." Each story is told from a unique perspective and tells of teenagers looking for love—from others, and from themselves.Epic Reads Impulse is a digital imprint with new releases each month.

72 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 3, 2014

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this collection of stories, especially 'My Name Is Adam." The story explores what it means to love another, and lose yourself as a teenager. It's written with such reality that I could not put it down! Literally (I read it in one sitting).

[Samantha Rothenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I downloaded this to my kindle and could hardly put the thing down until I was finished! It's that good. Going to download volume 2 now (and will be waiting on pins and needles until volume 3 is released :) )

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! My favorite story in the book was 'My Name is Adam,' but you're sure to enjoy the others as well. If you like reading young adult, and realistic fiction, then this book of short stories is perfect! It's an ebook so you can download it now (:

Nothing Real Volume 1: A Collection of Stories

Claire Needell

[William Arkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing Real Volume 1: A Collection of Stories

One wonders about the author's own story, but that then is the point of a great story. Lots of wisdom here with a minimum of unnecessary adjective.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Needell's short stories remind us that growing up can really suck. We are pressured, disappointed by people who are supposed to mean something, and navigate too many "firsts" in a way that society expects to be kept private. For any adolescent mind that really thinks "no one gets it" - I assure you, these characters get it. Needell unearths private moments of teens experimenting with sex, idyllic beauty, drugs and relationships. These first person fictional accounts are exactly what a group of teen girls and boys need to devour, digest, and discuss. As a teacher of adolescents, I look forward to presenting these somewhat radical and raw stories to a small reading group, as teens always appreciate when you give them "something real." I appreciate how these stories will transcend their thinking to realize that, as Needell avows, nothing is real.

[Bijou · Rating 5 out of 5]

In contrast to its title, "Nothing Real" is a work of striking realism. All of the characters in the book are fleshed out just enough to be lifelike and solid without being overly descriptive; the stories themselves are both stark and tender, and above all else, honest. The book provides a very real and satisfying portrayal of modern teen life and what accompanies it, and it does so with a unique kind of gritty finesse. All in all, I enjoyed reading it, and look forward to the other volumes.

[w :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow. A perfect 5 star rating? Let me be the first to bring that down.
No comment really, just that I was bored out of my wits and really had to force myself to finish it.