Breakfast & Other Journeys We Take

by David Payne

Nine contemporary realism stories to remind you every day is a journey, of consequence or not is up to you. Taking those everyday moments and enjoying them, being scared by them, suffering through them. Take a walk to the edge of a chasm. Trudge through the dunes at dawn. Listen to the chirping of birds. Endure the flash of lightning in a storm. Stand at the top of a lighthouse and wonder if it will crumble underneath you.


Or step on a Lego.

86 pages, Paperback

Published November 19, 2024

Reviews

[Smitchell M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm still not sure I fully comprehend what "contemporary realism" is, but I do know I enjoyed reading Breakfast & Other Journeys We Take. In particular, Blood on the Wall made it worth picking up this book. I found myself completely immersed in the story as it slowly crept through the setting: a house. And the place where it ends caught me completely by surprise.

Reading this book reminded me how important the small experiences really are, and I find myself a little more in the moment because of it. I think David Payne's mission to capture and share the raw emotion found in common experiences is a complete success. Are there typos? Yes. Will it change your life? Probably not. Do I recommend this book? YES. 5/5 Buy this book.

[Gabrielle Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short stories!

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading David’s short story collection in an anthology called Lenses, I was very much looking forward to reading his self published anthology of short stories. His unique writing leaves you wondering, "What just happened?" at the end of several stories. Or simply, "What!" and "Why would you end it here!"

The stories are a varying length making it easy to get some reading done here and there. 10 out of 10 would recommend.