Metamorphosis: An Anthology

by Joe Graves, Charles O'Donnell, Devon Ortega

Change is natural—beautiful, cathartic, necessary. But change is also painful, ugly, destructive. It’s one of life’s only constants. You can either embrace it or struggle against it. But it’s unlikely you’ll ever stop it.

This collection of 29 short stories, poems, and essays will take your breath away, break your heart, and even inspire transformation in your life. Because there’s no time like the present to break out of your shell, spread your wings, and embrace your own metamorphosis.

Written by members of The Ohio Writers’ Association. This is their second audio book collaboration with members of the Ohio Audiobook Narrators.

"Wild Animals" by James Siegel, narrated by Gretchen LaBuhn

"Upon The Zinnia Petal" by Curtis Deeter, narrated by Gary Smith

"The Hidden" by Ellen Austin-Li, narrated by Angus Freathy

"The Sisters" by Jamie Galioto, narrated by Danielle Muething

"Chaoyangia" by Dong Isbister, narrated by Doug McDonald

"A Place For My Brother" by Susan Oelbracht, narrated by Doug McDonald

"Spring Forward" by Elizabeth Barrickman, narrated by Angus Freathy

"Experiments In Living Chemistry" by Kelly Ferguson, narrated by Gretchen LaBuhn

"I Am Gilgamesh" by John Graham, narrated by Rob Reider

"On Seeing My Great Granddaughter In The Womb" by Robin Mullet, narrated by Becky White

"Lump" by Devon Ortega, narrated by Danielle Muething

"Transparent" by Heidi Heiby, narrated by Danielle Muething

"Miracle Of The Mass" by Charlene Fix, narrated by Angus Freathy

"My Patient, My Aunt" by Nadia Ibrashi, narrated by Becky White

"Mystery School" by Nadia Ibrashi, narrated by Becky White

"Negala Clouds" by Felicia Cameron, narrated by Rob Reider

"The Blown Harp Lesson" by Pamela Spence, narrated by Angus Freathy

"The Rift by Timothy Doyle" narrated by Doug McDonald

"The Guts That Come With Love" by Schyler Butler, narrated by Angus Freathy

"The Sheriff" by George Pallas, narated by Doug McDonald

"Unbecoming" by Devon Ortega, narrated by Gretchen LaBuhn

" A Fairy Tale" by Jim Hodnett, narrated by Danielle Muething

"The Last Susan" by Christina Moore, narrated by Angus Freathy

"Aubade" by Karen Schubert, narrated by Becky White

"Grandma Teague And Me" by Stella Ling, narrated by Gretchen LaBuhn

"At The Crossing" by Kathy Nicklaus, narrated by Doug McDonald

"Eight Billion Wolves" by Jeffrey Mckee, narrated by Doug McDonald

"Fair Flip" by Charles O'Donnell, narrated by Gary Smith

"On The Way To Proximata" by Joseph Graves, narrated by Becky White & Gary Smith

Audible Audio

Published November 1, 2023

About the author

Joe Graves is an author of both fiction and nonfiction whose work explores faith, power, and the deeply human consequences of the stories we tell ourselves. His fiction—including short stories published in various anthologies—often blends speculative elements with ethical questions, while his nonfiction centers on leadership, justice, and community renewal. He is the President of the Ohio Writers’ Association, a local nonprofit that serves hundreds of authors throughout Ohio. Through his writing and literary leadership, he advocates for thoughtful, inclusive storytelling. He has been featured in several local publications discussing issues like banned books and safeguards for authors. Learn more at http://www.joegraves.org/press.

Reviews

[Jessica Vasel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing collection of short stories. These stories surprised me in their depth and variation! I picked this up at the Columbus Book Festival and would definitely recommend it to all of my friends! A few of the stories were science fiction and those were my favorite! I definitely miss that genre. I'm so glad this book exists, it was a refreshing read and so different from my usual!

[gem · Rating 5 out of 5]

This anthology has a good balance of long and short stories. There's a nice variety of genres and the writing ranges from optimistic and tender to haunting and thoughtful. The audiobook has a high production value with excellent performances from all of the narrators. Their voices are easy to listen to and sink into the story.

[Lisa Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t always read anthologies cover to cover, but Metamorphosis pulled me right in. The idea of change beautiful, painful, inevitable, is something we all wrestle with, and this collection explores it in so many raw and surprising ways.

There’s something here for everyone: poems that stop you in your tracks, essays that make you laugh or reflect, and short stories that stretch from the distant past to far-flung futures. I found myself really moved by pieces like “The Hidden” and “The Last Susan,” and “Eight Billion Wolves” left me thinking long after I’d finished. The variety is stunning, but what ties it all together is this deep, honest look at what it means to transform, to break out of your shell, even when it hurts.

It’s clear every writer poured a piece of themselves into this. It’s the kind of book you can pick up anytime and find something that meets you exactly where you are. Truly a beautiful collection.

[Kathryn Aldrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, especially the poems. I like to mull the meaning over and over in my mind, each time gaining a new perspective. It’s also a great way for aspiring authors to gain recognition in the area!

[Thomas Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great motley of very personable stories.

But I reject the premise of Professor McKee's "too many humans" essay. We are all endowed with dignity and I think we can use our Creator-given talents to solve our problems.

[Becky White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of the narrators for this book. A delightful mix of stories and poems, some happy, some touching, some sad.