All the Dead We Have Yet to Bury

by Mario Aliberto III

Tampa Bay, Florida. A lonely widow places an ad for a ghost to haunt her. A guilt-stricken teen looks for redemption as a lifeguard after failing to prevent his sister’s drowning. A disillusioned soldier battles a hurricane while reckoning with his family’s military inheritance.

In these explorations of grief and ghosts, Mario Aliberto III’s debut flash fiction collection is itself a visitation, inviting us to commune with those that haunt us, the living and the dead. Set amongst the sweltering heat and rich culture of Tampa Bay, these stories invite the reader to ask how much of yourself would you give up to hold on to those you love?

Genres: Short Stories

45 pages, Paperback

Published February 7, 2025

Reviews

[Kleopatra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully devastating collection of stories about people carrying the heavy weight of their pasts, and about how vulnerable we all are, living our small lives alongside the ongoing danger of losing the people we treasure most.

I had read some of these stories individually in lit mags before, but reading them all together really concentrates their emotional power. A staggering chapbook I need to return to with a pencil so I can try and work out how the author does it.

[Linda Bayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars = This was outstanding!

Full disclosure: Mario and I move in some of the same writing circles, and I'm a big fan of his work.

At first I thought the way to enjoy Mario's chapbook was to read a story and then let it simmer before moving on. I was so wrong! After letting the book simmer for too long, I made a cup of tea and read the book from start to finish in one sitting. I recommend doing it this way for maximum impact and enjoyment. (Cup of tea optional.)

I loved each of these 10 stories, and each in a different way. For some, it was the strong imagery. For others, it was the devastating finishes. In all of them though, I loved the writing. These bits especially spoke to me:

"Pop-Pop never talked about how the person you are when you ship off isn't the person you are when you ship back. How a war story is only a story if it didn't happen to you." (Shooting at Hurricanes)

"It seemed to her, life was little more than a succession of farewells. Goodbye high school. Goodbye home-cooked meals. Goodbye weekends at the mall." (Goodbye, Tampa)

Highly recommended! Treat yourself.

[Kylie Aliberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing collection of stories that capture the emotions of love and loss. Each short fiction piece builds on the reader’s emotions. Classified Ad For a Ghost resonates with anyone who wants just one more moment with their loved one.

[Raven Aliberto · Rating 5 out of 5]

phenomenal, no notes

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely favored “Classified Ad for a Ghost” & “Frogger.” Every story gets you thinking. Enjoy reading at night with a fire & a cup of tea!

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read of short stories! My favorites were Closer Than Gone, Frogger, and Classified Ad For A Ghost.

[Tommy Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I stand by the blurb I wrote for this book! A wonderful collection of flash fiction! But resonating for all readers!

[Lucy Gould · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn't a fan but the descriptions were really good.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great flash fiction collection. Wonderful writing and stories!

[Chelsea Stickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a chapbook that examines modern masculinity (among other subjects, there are plenty of female narrators), then this is a good place to start.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic flash fiction chapbook. Mario Aliberto excels at the form.