If You Go Into The Woods

by David Gaughran

If You Go Into The Woods is a collection of two unsettling short stories. The title story is set in Caslav, a small town 60 miles east of Prague, Czech Republic. Jiri Beranek is drawn to a nearby forest, captivated by birds hidden high in the trees. Each time he enters, his desire to see the mysterious creatures is checked by his fear of the dark. When he finally forces himself to go farther, he finds a new reason to be afraid. This story was first published by The Delinquent (UK) then selected by Short Story America for inclusion in their anthology of their best stories of 2010.


The bonus story - The Reset Button - is set in Stockholm, Sweden in the depths of winter. Linus Eriksson, a divorced bachelor living alone in his small one-bedroom apartment, is a man with a memory problem: instead of not being able to remember anyone, nobody can remember him. This story is brand new, exclusively available in this e-book. These two creepy tales have a combined length of 4,000 words.


Praise for If You Go Into The Woods:


"There are definite shades of HP Lovecraft in both stories... punchy, entertaining reads with a bit of mental gymnastics thrown in, you can't go wrong with this one." -- Jenny Mounfield, author of The Ice-cream Man


"Two very well-constructed and thought-provoking tales from an author I know I will be keeping my eyes on. 4.5 stars." -- Heather L. Faville, Doubleshot Reviews


"This is the most professional design - both inside and out - that I have seen since I started reviewing at Sift. The writing in this story is top-notch. The writer has a strong, clean voice. He's able to sustain an air of mystery and suspense without it feeling cheap." -- Sarah Nicolas, SIFT Book Reviews


"I heartily recommend this masterful piece of work to any and all that thoroughly enjoy the art of the word, and especially to those that have a special place in their hearts for short stories, as I believe this to be a fabulous exponent of the genre." -- LE Olteano, Butterfly Books


"A fine story that looms in the mind of the reader long after the last page ... aspirational fiction, the kind of magic realism that reads deliciously, but like a delicate soufflé, is a difficult feat to pull off." --Matt Ellis, author of Strange As Angels and Lumpen.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Fantasy, Ebooks

ebook

First published April 30, 2011

About the author

David Gaughran was born in Ireland but now lives in a quaint little fishing village in Portugal, although this hasn't increased the amount of time he spends outside the house. He writes historical fiction and science fiction under another name, has helped thousands of authors publish their work through his workshops, blog, and writers' books - Let's Get Digital, Strangers to Superfans, BookBub Ads Expert, and Amazon Decoded - and has also created giant marketing campaigns for some of the biggest self-publishers on the planet. Visit DavidGaughran.com to get yourself a free book.

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

You know that feeling of (somehow pleasant) unease? A cold shiver down your spine? Skin inexplicably covered in goose bumps? Like the world for a moment stepped out of the familiar-and-cosy and into the unknown-but-suspected part of the path? That's were I've been living since I read and re-read 'If You Go Into the Woods' and 'Reset Button' this morning.

Both stories are well composed, precise to the word, ending exactly where they should to leave the reader with the lingering feeling of the aforementioned unease. There's no gore, no obvious 'scary', just a delicate nudge from the author into the darker and more frightening aspects of experience.

I'm compelled to make a comparison to Julio Cortázar's short stories, though David definitely has a voice of his own (being a compulsive reader I'm constantly assailed by literary associations). Mainly because in these two pieces, just as in Cortázar’s prose, the reality of what is occurring in the tale while technically impossible is equally undeniable. It is not the world as it is in the story we doubt after reading but the all of a sudden suspiciously ordinary morning/afternoon/evening/night we're finding ourselves in.

Now, I have just one complaint: reading the two stories was like eating a delicious appetizer; tantalizing, taste buds’ teasing, but on the whole not all that filling. When is more to come?! I'll be waiting.

[Randee · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are very, very short stories so I feel it unfair to say much more than I liked the first story, "If You Go Into the Woods" and thought the style interesting. I also liked the ending because I think a lot of horror stories in particular need to not really end but let the reader's imagination continue. The second story did not appeal to me as much but I will say that I would be interested in reading more by David Gaughran.

[Bookschatter · Rating 3 out of 5]

"If You Go Into The Woods" is a very short story (just over 7 pages long), that is very well written, very atmospheric, with characters that truly come to life.
The pace builds up (Chirp. Chirp. Chirp.), and then comes to a sudden quick ending.

This ebook also contains the bonus short story "Reset" (again just over 7 pages in length).
Although thematically this is a very different piece, the same observations apply, and once again it is left up to the reader to draw his own conclusions.

Both stories have great potential to be developed into full novels.

David Gaughran has also published a sci-fi novella, "Transfection" (23 pages - according to some reviewers this could also have made a very good novel), and two full length historical fiction novels ( "A Storm Hits Valparaiso" and "Mercenary"), as well as several non-fiction titles.

I would like to read more by this author, in particular a science fiction or mystery full length piece.

[Candy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short stories are tough. You have a limited amount of words and space to not only develop your characters, but also the storyline. I've seen some authors do amazing things with short stories... if only this was one of those times.

I went in thinking "Oh good! Creepy stories for October!" and left with "Umm... what the heck did I just read and how can I get that 15 minutes of my life back?". Here's the thing... the premise of the stories are awesome. Both are "thinking" stories. The writing is even really really great.

The problem is the ending and development of how we get there. In both cases I was left with a "oh yeah, well so what" thought. The second story I think actually had some real promise to be a short story and I kept waiting for the author to get there, but it just never really developed, it just fizzled out.

The first story was a little too wordy yet didn't have enough information, so we were left with a "so what" ending.

Honestly, I think if the author were to take these ideas (especially the second one), he'd have himself a really nice novella out of each one. As they are now, "meh".

Recommended to people who like stories without endings ;)

[L.E.Olteano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though it will be tough to achieve, I'll try my best to not fangirl all over the place about this marvelous work of art. Ok, so maybe I will fangirl all over the place, but if you've read "If you go into the woods" then you will completely understand why; and if you haven't read it yet, you're missing out on major art of the word, in my opinion.

The ebook consists of two beautiful short stories, "If you go into the woods" and "The reset button".
I cannot speak highly enough of the mastery of word in both of them, the wealth of vibrant images and the buzz of thought that they both possess came as a delightful surprise on a torrid summer day.
I've always been one for sort of classical, artistic writing, though the action-focused style has its merits no doubt, and its own place in my heart. But this work of art, this gem of words, has the style you've encountered in all-time masterpieces of literature. There is no doubt in my mind, we're dealing here with quite possibly one work heading that way. Poetry in prose-form, these short stories capture your imagination and mold your thoughts into a deep, and somewhat frazzling storm of wonder.

While short, but undoubtedly sweet, these stories manage to instill in you a deep sense of anxiousness, of momentary despair and ultimate thrill. Both their worlds are cleverly sketched and vibrantly depicted. It is the art of the short story to focus on this just one moment, on this just one day, to zoom in right into the core of the character's soul without losing anything of the natural pace of life and ephemerous of the moment. It is in my opinion a given that a short story will not offer an in-depth analysis of characters by length, but by great intensity focused in a short span of time. It's the acute sensation that takes lead, and not the vast cognitive line of knowledge.
If I were to pick a favorite between the two stories, I quite possibly may not be able to make a choice. Each deals with different instances of life in such a lovely way, that I couldn't pick a favorite; I'd favor them both :)
I am doing my best not to go into details about each, as I believe that would spoil the pleasure of your read guys, and I'd hate to be the author of such crime.

I heartily recommend this masterful piece of work to any and all that thoroughly enjoy the art of the word, and especially to those that have a special place in their hearts for short stories, as I believe this to be a fabulous exponent of the genre.

[Heather Faville · Rating 4 out of 5]

Technically a 4.5 star

You can't stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes. ~Winnie the Poo

If You Go Into the Woods introduces the reader to Jiri Beranek a young boy who is drawn to the forest near his home. He is completely enthralled by the birds that are hidden out of sight by the canopy of the wood, yet his curiosity is curbed by his fear of the unknown...of the darkness within the deeper parts of the forest. Will little Jiri ever get near the birds he so longs to see or will the foreboding nature of the wood keep him safe at home?

The title story, If You Go Into the Woods, is a very well developed short story that had me longing to know more at the end. David Gaughran truly captures the inner turmoil of Jiri in his desire to go deeper into the woods and the nagging fear that keeps him on safer grounds is a familiar theme for all. I greatly enjoyed this tale and would DEFINITELY be interested in learning more about this world.

The Reset Button tells the tale of a divorcee, Linus Eriksson, who has a memory problem; as in he is total forgettable, no one seems to remember him.

Bonus content, The Reset Button, touches on a fear that strikes at the heart of many people, being forgotten, being left alone and unloved. This story is one that can definitely make you think about the various people in your own life. Has your presence impacted their lives? How does their acknowledgement of you (or lack of) make your life better/worse?

Overall two very well constructed and thought provoking tales from an author I know I will be keeping my eyes on for in the future.

[V.k. Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This eBook contains two short stories: “If You Go Into the Woods,” and “Reset Button.” The first reads very much like a fairy tale, and I think the foreign setting really helped to set an otherworldly mood. I did have some questions about the significance of some character actions, but on the whole I understood and was intrigued by the child protagonist. My biggest complaint is that the story ended just as I was starting to feel creeped out. I’m fine, philosophically, with ambiguous endings, but I really wanted something more--more tension, more danger. More something.

The protagonist of “Reset Button,” Linus, was very well-drawn. I really felt for him and his plight of not being remembered--something we all feel and fear, I think--made him endearing in a way. Here, though, like with the previous story, something felt off with the ending. I honestly felt like I had missed something significant, as if there was some hidden meaning that I failed to grasp.

Gaughran’s writing is clear throughout, and the characters behaved consistently and believably. While these stories left me wanting a little bit more, I would be more than interested in checking out the author’s future work, especially at longer lengths.

Disclosure: I received these short stories as part of a free book giveaway.

[J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author David Gaughran’s surprise twist horror ending is found in two completely unrelated very short stories.

***

“If You Go Into The Woods” reads like an old fairytale. Irresistible chirping draws a young but troubled boy into the woods day after day, until the lure of the unknown draws him off the trail and literally up a tree. You will need to read the very short five page story to find out if he survives fear and panic to reveal what is really hidden in the branches.

Everybody in the television sitcom “Cheers” knew Norm, so why after years of week after week at the same bar, the same bakery, nobody remembers Linus or his name? His friends forgot him after the divorce and his ex-wife wishes their son would forget him. Is it Linus’ or everybody else’s problem? The twisted ending or the ending twist in “The Reset Button” will leave the reader wondering how so much could happen to one man in less than six pages.

None of the characters in either story are fully developed. Subplots are left dangling and unresolved at the end. Yet, both tales are a quick read with intriguing finales. Either story would make a promising first chapter in a horror novella or novel. Character motivation, conflict situations, and troubled relationships could be further developed to deliver a more powerful suspense tale.

[Jaidis Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

If You Go Into The Woods by David Gaughran is a collection of two short stories. Both stories are quick reads and give a good idea of David Gaughran's writing style.

The first short story, entitled If You Go Into The Woods, tells the story of a little boy who is attracted to the chirping birds in the woods. Finally finding the courage to stray from the beaten paths, he makes it his mission to see the birds. But when faced with the opportunity, he realizes that the birds may not be what they appear.

The second story, entitled The Reset Button, tells of Linus and his troubled past. Living a solitary life after being divorced without so much as joint custody, Linus has plenty of time to focus on why everyone in his life seems to not remember him - even though he has seen the same people for years.

Out of the two stories included, my favorite would be If You Go Into The Woods. There are just enough details to make you wonder about the origins of the birds. The second story, though interesting, felt as though there was something missing. Maybe I just didn't catch on to what was trying to be expressed. Both stories are good reads though and make me want to read more stories by this author.

[Marcin Wrona · Rating 4 out of 5]

'If You Go Into The Woods' is a pair of short stories; the eponymous first and a second titled 'The Reset Button', linked together by themes of loneliness and alienation.

'If You Go Into The Woods' is the tale of a young boy exploring a dark forest, written mostly in the style of a fairy tale, but with the occasional glimpses of a child's voice, concerns, fears. The tension builds well, but it's let down somewhat by a climax that perhaps falls short of the atmosphere evoked by the rest.

'The Reset Button' is a stronger, and somewhat bleaker work. Linus Eriksson is, to put it plainly, a loser. He's unpleasant in the most mundane ways, and as he struggles to find anybody who remembers his name, we know it's because he's eminently forgettable. Will he pierce the city's indifference?

My star offering is 4/5, because I think Gaughran mostly achieved what he set out to do. In truth, I think what we're looking at is a 3.5 story and a 4.5 story, but quantifying writing in this way is tedious and mildly unfair to begin with. The real metric is that I enjoyed both stories - one somewhat more than the other, mind - and will likely read Gaughran's future offerings.

[A.M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Listening to David on a podcast. I had no idea he was Irish. I could listen to that accent all day. But I digress… checking his listings I noticed this short story. Well, two short stories.
1. If you go into the woods
Besides making me start singing the Teddy Bears’ Picnic, this one is a little odd; almost like a prank on the reader. There’s a big, tense wind-up - shorter sentences, repetition and then… a message (I want to say a childish retort). But it leaves so many questions; who did it? And why? Does he get out of the woods? Why does his mother cry every night? Why won’t she talk to him about it? (whatever IT is)

2. The reset button
Linus is a divorced man with an empty life. He forgets some things; things like spending the day with his son or to buy bread. But he’s noticed that other people forget him. At the bar he’s frequented for years the bartender doesn’t even know his usual order.
Again, there’s something missing here. [did *I* forget… haha] Linus wakes up a new man, but it leaves so many questions; how? Why? Who did it? Did he hit a reset button? Did he just forget himself?
2 stars

[Charlotte Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Both of the short stories in this book are interesting and well written. However, they both seem incomplete. The stories leave you to wonder what the outcome is, instead of providing a real ending. This is okay, as it adds some mystery. But they just seem kind of incomplete; as if the stories were never quite finished. It's a quick read; as the stories are very short. I think it's worth reading even though the outcomes are not clear.

[Athena · Rating 2 out of 5]

Don't judge a book by its cover because it might not be as good as its cover.

Not half bad. Not half good either.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

AKwkw

[Nicole Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short

Two great short stories left me wanting more. Sample included at the end is for a book no longer available on Amazon. Nice quick bedtime read

[Bibliomancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first thing you should know is that these stories are short. Very, very short. They each clock in at about 2000 words, or eight manuscript pages. The other 8 pages of this slim digital volume include descriptions of and links to Gaughran’s other books, a four-page excerpt from his historical novel, an author bio, and a request for a review.

The other thing you should know is there are, in fact, two stories in this volume. I did not realize this and was deeply confused when “If You Go into the Woods” ended and “The Reset Button” began. Gaughran included this information in the product description on Amazon, but I failed to read it. It was in the second paragraph, y’all! No one reads that far down.

Ahem, anyway. I have a huge amount of respect for Gaughran as an indie author pioneer–his nonfiction titles Let’s Get Digitial and Let’s Get Visible should be required reading for indies–and the production values on his short story collection were as good as you’d expect from one of the leaders in the field. Self-published titles usually get eviscerated for their proofreading and presentation, but I have no complaints on that front.

The writing itself is…serviceable. The language is stripped down and straightforward in a way that doesn’t appeal to me, but that’s more a matter of personal taste than an actual criticism. Gaughran is Irish, but given the somewhat stiff language and the settings (the Czech Republic and Sweden, respectively), the stories read as if they’d been translated into English. The cleverness of the ideas compensated for the lackluster prose, however, and “If You Go into the Woods” has a pleasantly creepy aftertaste that lingers long after the story ends.

If the purpose of this little collection is to entice readers to pay for one Gaughran’s full-length work, A Storm Hits Valparaiso, I’m not sure that it’s successful. Purchasers (note: I received this collection for free during a promotion) may feel disgruntled that they paid $.99 for two very brief stories and ads for his other works. Even if they felt that the stories were a good value, Gaughran’s novel is a sweeping historical saga set in South America. It has little in common, either thematically or stylistically, with these European fairy tales or his other fiction offering, a sci-fi short called “Transfection.”

As long as you approach these stories with the appropriate expectations–i.e. you actually read the description before downloading–I think you’ll be pleased with the 20-odd minutes of mildly unsettling entertainment they provide.

(Book Source: Free download from author promotion)

[Erica Spangler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would first like to thank David Gaughran for allowing me the opportunity to read his short stories from If You Go Into the Woods. Gaughran submitted his stories for my reivew. I wanted to read his stories in honor of May being Short Story Month.

David Gaughran’s newly self-published eBook, If You Go Into the Woods, comes with two short stories: “If You Go Into the Woods” and “The Reset Button.” Though they are extremely different in plot—a young boy who goes to the woods and a divorced man who drinks at a bar—both stories have potent endings with a similar message. I, usually, am not one to drop philosophical categories about a work of fiction; in fact, I never used any in my papers through both my undergrad and graduate school as I studied literature. (Note: I was determined to never be one of them...) I, however, must categorize Gaughran’s stories as nihilistic portrayals of life. “If You Go Into the Woods” is about a boy who enters the woods after hearing a bird’s chirp. The ending left me with an emptiness and shattered my expectations, which I liked. Call me a literary masochist, but the story brought out my rather cynical perspective about life. The bonus story, “The Reset Button,” follows a disgruntled and lonely man who is divorced and everything has been taken from him. The ending, again, forced me to take a moment and say: “What the what?” I enjoyed both of the short stories, although they may not have been something I would have been drawn to in the past. I did, ironically, enjoy their philosophical elements.

I give David Gaughran’s If You Go Into the Woods four shots of espresso. I enjoyed the catch-you-off-guard endings, but there was a shot of the story missing. In “If You Go Into the Woods,” the narrator mentions how the boy’s mother is always crying, but it is dropped and never picked back up. I wanted to know more about the boy's mother. Also in “The Reset Button,” I had absolutely no sympathy for the man and, at times, I felt that he was a flat character. That being said, I do recommend Gaughran’s If You Go Into the Woods for a quick read with a philosophical blow.

[Nikki "The Crazie Betty" V. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm quickly becoming a big fan of Mr. Gaughran's. His stories are eccentric and never really end which is something I really like in books; the opportunity to draw my own conclusions and think about what I would do in the same situation. There were two distinct stories in this collection and I have addressed each one in a mini review below:

If You Go Into the Woods: I loved this story! I've read a lot of reviews where people were upset for it being so short and not really having any sort of ending, but to me, the ending was perfect. I thought it was scary but not in the haunted house, ghosts kind of scary. It was scary in the my skin is crawling and something just doesn't feel right kind of scary. The type that makes you uncomfortable without really knowing why.

The Reset Button: Again, this story didn't really end but I thought that was for the best. The entire short story is about the poor MC who no one remembers. At the end we see that is going to change, but really, that's for a different story. For what David was doing in this short story, I could really feel the apathy of the MC and his total gloom and depression for not being able to have a real connection with anyone. What a horrible life to lead. At the end of the story, we're able to wonder what the MC will do with his new found change.

I'm not sure what genre you could really classify these as so I'm adding "abstract fiction" to my bookshelves. Much like satirical work, I don't think this kind of style is for everyone as there are many who want more details and a rich and hefty ending that ties everything up. I'm just not that kind of reader. I like the open-endedness and strange, almost Gothic, quality to David's work.

[Escape Artist · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Eight-year old Jiri Beranek is drawn to a nearby forest, captivated by birds hidden high in the trees. Each time he enters, his desire to see the mysterious creatures is checked by his fear of the dark. When he finally forces himself to go farther, he finds a new reason to be afraid." This description quite peaked my interest, this story I want to know more about, David Gaughran writes a compelling story for which I applude him, but I feel this isn't really the story I read. His short story reads more, to me, as a book synopsis, then actually a short story. There was more underdeveloped back story, and Jiri, doesn't actually repeatly enter, we are told that "each time he went into the forest, and tried to go deeper, he would panic and bolt for the trail". I want to experience these attempts not just be told about them. As well, towards the end I am disappointed that the story ends as it does. I think there is a terrific story,but this to me, reads more like a first draft.

The second story, "The Reset Button", I enjoyed much better, but I feel at times it was a bit misdirected. The character here is descibed as being forgotten, which is carried through the story except till the end, we wishes he had a reset button, but my understanding, having read the story was more of the sci-fi feel as if his reset button was already pressed. So to me I didn't understand why we would want to press it. IT had that back and forth arguement for me of having it been half pressed.

More thoughts can be found on my blog.

[Matt Larkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

If You Go Into the Woods collects two independent short stories from author David Gaughran--otherwise known for his work in making indie publishing transparent and accessible to the masses.

The first is a short a about a young boy, who, you know, goes into the woods. Deep into the woods, alone. As one expects when a boy wanders off, he finds a bit of danger, and an unnerving end I won't spoil.

The second story, the Reset Button, I actually liked more. The protagonist is troubled with an unsatisfactory life, exacerbated by the fact that hardly anyone remembers him. At a bar he's visited for years, people treat him like a stranger. Same everywhere else. He wishes for a chance to reset his life and make something of it.

What I Liked
The stories are short and read fast. They don't really have anything to do with each other, they relate thematically, both leaving one with an unsettled feeling. I hardly know what genre to classify such surreal works in, since it's outside of the normal ones I read.

What I didn't Like
The stories were so short as to be flash fiction, which means they succeeded in evoking an emotion, but couldn't go deeper--their very length prevents much definition into the characters themselves. On a minor editorial gripe, a number of sentences begin with gerunds, wherein the protagonist is implied to be two mutually exclusive things at once.

Who I Recommend it For
It's such a quick read, I'd think anyone could take a chance on them, but especially those interested in modern Twilight-zone twists.

[TC · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read and reviewed another of David's books, and with Monkey having a nap I thought it was the perfect time to take a look at this book at around 16 print pages long.

This book comprises two short stories. The first, the story of the title, introduces us to the world of 8 year old Jiri. He lives near a forest which has captured his attention. Although he is afraid of the dark recesses of the forest he wants to see the birds he hears high in the trees. When he finally plucks up the courage to take a look the dark becomes the last thing on his mind.

The second story, an e-book bonus, is The Reset Button. Linus Eriksson is divorced, living in a one bed batchelor pad and allowed only very limited custody to his son. He unfortunately seems to be completely forgetable to everyone he meets.

Both are written with a wonderful economy with words and a simplicity that I appreciated. I love the way the author sets up so many questions in the course of each story, making them thought-provoking and ensuring you don't stop thinking about the book when you put it down. I also love the cover, probably because Jiri isn't the only one with a thing about birds. I loved this book, and came away from it feeling a similar way to The Lake by Banana Yoshimoto, which I recently reviewed. I can't fully explain it but it made me smile.

[Josh Bush · Rating 3 out of 5]

This e-book is a small collection of two short stories that total about 4000 words. If it wasn't an e-book, perhaps chapbook would be a better description rather than "book." Is e-chapbook a word?

The first story, which the collection is titled after, is curious in that when I was finished reading, I decided it was a much better story than when I was in the middle of reading. This is not a story that ended too soon, but a story with an ending that makes you think back and opens your imagination to search for answers to all the mysteries that were presented. You start in the normal world with strange things happening only to realize in the end you've been in the Twilight Zone the whole time. In longer works of fiction this can lead to a bit of annoyance on the reader's part, but in short form like this I think it works quite well.

The second story is called The Reset Button. If you've ever been frustrated that the waiters and clerks you see all the time never seem to remember who you are, this story will have you looking in the mirror a little more closely each day. If you are one of those pretty people that is never forgotten, then I don't like you and we have nothing to say to each other.

[Alessia · Rating 3 out of 5]

If You Go Into The Woods è una raccolta di due brevi racconti.
Il primo, che porta il nome del libro, è la storia di un bambino di 8 anni, Jiri, affascinato dalla foresta che si trova vicino casa e dagli uccelli che la popolano. Ha paura di addentrarsi fra gli alberi di sera, per cui decide di farlo al mattino, all'alba. Ed è proprio durante l'ennesima esplorazione che fa una scoperta piuttosto inquietante.
Il secondo racconto, The Reset Button, parla invece di Linus Eriksson, un uomo divorziato, con un problema tanto particolare quanto triste: nessuno si ricorda di lui. I clienti dei bar che frequenta, gli stessi baristi, i suoi amici. L'esistenza di Linus è invisibile agli occhi del mondo che lo circonda.

Ho apprezzato molto queste storie. La prima, per il senso di inquietudine che mi ha lasciato addosso. La seconda, invece, per aver aperto una finestra su un personaggio speciale, comune a tanti di noi.

La scrittura di Gaughran è qualitativamente positiva, mai pesante.
Unica pecca: avrei tanto voluto sapere cosa si nasconde dietro gli uccelli di Jiri.

Grazie all'autore per avermi permesso di ottenere una copia del libro.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Unsettling" ... absolutely! In a wonderful can't stop thinking about it way! I really enjoyed both short stories..which are difficult to talk about, for me anyway, as I do not want to give anything away! ;) 'If you go into the woods' was great and even though I love the forrest around my home..it will now hold a new little bit of .. wait, did you hear that??? Sorry, it's just me, hopefully! 'The reset button' I loved too. I was more curious about what was happening in this second story, as opposed to feeling very anxious like I was with the the first story! Enough information was given about the characters that I was interested in them and cared about what happened to them. Of course I had a million questions and would have loved to have known more..but it added to it somehow. My mind can go over it and over it trying to think of interesting or scary or funny or sad things that could happen! So even though I finished reading quite quickly, it has stayed with me and my heart beats faster every time I think of a few key words out of the first story...READ IT AND YOU'LL SEE!!

[Avry15 · Rating 4 out of 5]

originally appeared on:Bookshelf Confessions

*I won a free copy of this e-book in a LibraryThing Member Giveaway*

if you go into the woods- though somewhat the title might not pick up your interest,..is a book to look out for...
this book actually contains 2 stories of Jiri and Linus...
both stories are mind-buggling, thrilling, compelling,...and just freakingly awesome... it has the composition of good and tantalizing words... which would actually lead you on to read and read..
..but one thing for sure..this is one of my favorites...
though i read some reviewers said..that..too bad..this story is just too short... but still great..might as well suggest to the author to add some chapters or elaborate some..

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give the title story 4 stars, and the second story 3 stars. For a self-published effort, I thought this was great. The cover is AMAZING (I believe it was done by the author's sister, who is a designer). It's beautiful and perfect for the eerily whimsical story inside. The story is engaging and well-written, and has a very classic 'old-word' kind of creepiness to it that I LOVED. Very fairytale-ish. My only problem with it was that it ended too soon. I know you could argue that sometimes it's good to leave the reader hanging, but it was more like ... it got to the first plot-point and then just quit. I really felt that it was unfinished.

I wasn't as big a fan of the second story. Again it felt incomplete, and the story just wasn't as compelling for me.

[Theresa Abney · Rating 2 out of 5]

The format of the Kindle edition did not make it immediately apparent that there were two separate stories in this book, so I spent most of my time reading the second story confused about how it tied in with the first story. Now that I've read the book's synopsis, I have a better appreciation for the individual stories.

I really enjoyed If You Go into the Woods, but would have loved to know more about the discovery Jiri made at the end of the book. Unfortunately, the story ended right when it became interesting.

Maybe if I reread The Reset Button without trying to put it into any sort of context, I would enjoy it more.

[Al · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although much different from each other, the two stories in this collection are well crafted and not like anything you’ve read before.

If You Go Into The Woods might seem like a familiar theme (the woods can be scary for some) but that is the only part you’ve seen before. A strange, but fun premise keeps you guessing with a clever ending.

The Reset Button takes a feeling many of us sometimes get and makes it a reality. This is one of those stories that is a good read and, if you allow it, can get you thinking about the importance of friendship and other relationships.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. **

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book feels like a complete let down. Both stories start with so much promise but end abruptly... as if the writer couldn't come up with an appropriate ending or simply couldn't figure out where he was going with the stories and decided to just cut them off. In the first story, IF YOU GO INTO THE WOODS, showed real promise for having some kind of horrifying or terrifying end but simply fizzles. And the second story? Well, there is nothing terrifying, horrifying or even remotely disturbing about it and it too ends without much of an ending. This book was like a balloon with a slow leak... no exciting 'POP' to it.

[Melinda Brasher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This e-book consists of two unrelated short stories.

While I thought the prose was very good, and I liked the setting of the first and the emotion of the second, I didn't like the endings. They felt very abrupt, and I didn't really understand what happened in either. I don't mind having to work at an ending, having to think and puzzle something out. I don't mind an author leaving some plot elements hanging, so the reader can finish aspects of the story themselves. But these two stories were just too unfinished and unclear.

However, if you like this style, you'll very much enjoy the stories, since the actual writing and atmosphere are very good.