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Baptisms & Dogs: Stories
Baptisms & Dogs--features twelve stories ranging from matters of faith to broken homes and everything in-between. Set in the fictional town of Seton, Kentucky, each character wrestles with the moral dilemma of giving up or choosing to fight. This regional collection follows various characters along unique (and often humorous) journeys towards the answers they seek. It is a gritty, wild ride.
- GenresShort Stories
200 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2014
1 person is currently reading
419 people want to read
About the author
Brian L. Tucker
11 books70 followersBrian L. Tucker was born in Monticello, KY. He has lived in Appalachia, Houston, eastern North Carolina, the Scenic City, and most recently, the Holy City. His fiction has appeared in several publications. He is an alumnus of the Bluegrass Writers Studio and was a finalist for the Linda Bruckheimer Series in Kentucky Literature Award for his debut, Baptisms & Dogs - with one copy currently nestled in Washington D.C.'s historic Marine Barracks, Center House. Pokeweed (2018) was nominated for the Kentucky Literary Award and the Volunteer State Book Award. His newest effort, Star Crowley Goes to High School (2026), was published by Wipf & Stock. You can reach him online at: brianltucker.com.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 21, 2018
A collection of short stories from Brian L.Tucker, who I’ve not read before. Concentrating on a specific area of Kentucky, the stories revolve around the ordinary characters who live there. Sometimes extraordinary things happen to them, sometimes not.
In only the minority of the stories did I feel absorbed. The writing is functional and workmanlike, and unfortunately perfunctory at times. The characters for the most part are too stereotypical to be interesting. It’s a strange effect, being at once incredibly familiar, but ultimately not compelling. There’s an old-fashioned tinge to the writing also, both stylistically and in the subtext of the POV which, while not a problem in itself, gives the impression of retreading ground.
In conclusion, I just don’t think this was for me. I can see those who appreciate a conventional sense of grit, and a strong representation of place, liking some of what this has to offer.
In only the minority of the stories did I feel absorbed. The writing is functional and workmanlike, and unfortunately perfunctory at times. The characters for the most part are too stereotypical to be interesting. It’s a strange effect, being at once incredibly familiar, but ultimately not compelling. There’s an old-fashioned tinge to the writing also, both stylistically and in the subtext of the POV which, while not a problem in itself, gives the impression of retreading ground.
In conclusion, I just don’t think this was for me. I can see those who appreciate a conventional sense of grit, and a strong representation of place, liking some of what this has to offer.
December 20, 2014
Gritty, honest, and well-told. The characters are so real you'd swear you know them from somewhere.
February 16, 2015
BAPTISMS & DOGS: Stories by B. Tucker is wonderful collection of short stories written with heart, with hope and yes, with grit.
From the very first paragraph of the first story to the final page of the book, these stories with their unique and quirky characters came to life. I laughed, I cried and at times, I cringed throughout the volume. I felt that Mr. Tucker approached each subject within each story from the perspective of someone who is a true Kentucky native that loves the South. The stories are fictional, but I have a feeling that they might have been based on actual events in the author's life - the narratives feel that genuine, as if a close friend or relative were telling the stories.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves down-home writing and short stories. This is the first book I have read from this up and coming author and I look forward to reading more from him.
From the very first paragraph of the first story to the final page of the book, these stories with their unique and quirky characters came to life. I laughed, I cried and at times, I cringed throughout the volume. I felt that Mr. Tucker approached each subject within each story from the perspective of someone who is a true Kentucky native that loves the South. The stories are fictional, but I have a feeling that they might have been based on actual events in the author's life - the narratives feel that genuine, as if a close friend or relative were telling the stories.
I would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves down-home writing and short stories. This is the first book I have read from this up and coming author and I look forward to reading more from him.
March 25, 2015
This is a collection of 12 short stories. They are all set in the town of Seton, Kentucky. There is a loose connection running throughout the stories. The stories cover a wide range of topics but are all basically looking at slices of life for different characters.
First off, let me say that there was nothing wrong with the writing style. Mr. Tucker seems to be a fine writer. My main problem with them is that most of the stories have very abrupt endings. They are so abrupt that at times, it feels like the stories are not complete. I also did not not care for the subject of some of the stories, especially those dealing with harm coming to animals.
I did enjoy a few of the stories enough to realize that if most of the stories had been expanded, I would enjoy them more. I can see how others would enjoy this collection despite it not quite striking a cord with me.
First off, let me say that there was nothing wrong with the writing style. Mr. Tucker seems to be a fine writer. My main problem with them is that most of the stories have very abrupt endings. They are so abrupt that at times, it feels like the stories are not complete. I also did not not care for the subject of some of the stories, especially those dealing with harm coming to animals.
I did enjoy a few of the stories enough to realize that if most of the stories had been expanded, I would enjoy them more. I can see how others would enjoy this collection despite it not quite striking a cord with me.
April 1, 2015
Tucker is a new writer to keep on the radar. This collection of slightly interrelated short stories set in the heart of darkest Appalachia (southern Kentucky) highlights a strong voice and sense of place. The writer is at his best when he focuses on working class people (going fishing with dad highlighting the opposites of old and new in Appalachia, contemplating a first sexual encounter, middle school basketball and the fleeting nature of young life.) I would give those stories five stars. Unfortunately, he veers off into studies of the Appalachian underclass which do not ring as true and re-tread many old stereotypes. I will look for and read more from this writer as he grows.
February 25, 2015
I received a free copy from Goodreads First Reads for my honest review.
This was a good book. I liked the characters, plot and setting. I only wish that we got just a little more info on each character. The stories felt too short and the characters felt too under developed. Other than that I really liked these short stories. The story just got better the more I read!
This was a good book. I liked the characters, plot and setting. I only wish that we got just a little more info on each character. The stories felt too short and the characters felt too under developed. Other than that I really liked these short stories. The story just got better the more I read!
April 15, 2015
This charming collection of short stories is as unique as it is endearing. I appreciate the little tales, as if we're getting to live snippets of other peoples' lives.
The words flow smoothly, making for a quick read despite the vast difference in topics. Some of the stories left me with more questions than anything, but I enjoy the thought provoking nature of the work.
The words flow smoothly, making for a quick read despite the vast difference in topics. Some of the stories left me with more questions than anything, but I enjoy the thought provoking nature of the work.
November 6, 2014
I loved it. I enjoyed following the different characters into their stories and journeys. The only thing I wish there was more of was a little more of information on the characters. B. L. Tucker is a brilliant writer and I look forward to more of his writings. Good Luck on you next novel!
February 1, 2015
It wasn't what I thought. I just didn't like it personally. The stories were like real life though.
October 1, 2014
Next please! This was one of those quick reads that I couldn't put down. Each story led into the next one. It brought me back to stories I'd read by Barry Hannah. The humor was so real.
February 7, 2015
Lots of fun!
March 13, 2017
Short book of vignettes that paint the picture of a Kentucky town. The characters are quirky. No story is complete. Each chapter is a snapshot in time of something that happens in the town that adds to it's story and character. It's probably not a place the reader would want to live, but each chapter could probably happen anywhere.
The writing is great. I wish each story were longer and more fleshed out. I definitely left the book wanting more.
The writing is great. I wish each story were longer and more fleshed out. I definitely left the book wanting more.
March 18, 2015
Baptisms and dog stories
Each one of these stories have such a stupid ending. What a waste of time reading this. Thank heaven it was a free book.
Each one of these stories have such a stupid ending. What a waste of time reading this. Thank heaven it was a free book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews