The Measure of More: We Were Created for More—But Not More of the Same

by Bryan M. Williams

Seven heartfelt, thought-provoking stories. One timeless what truly matters?

In The Measure of More, ordinary people in a small town wrestle with the tension between having more and being more. These interconnected short stories explore the quiet battles of everyday life—ambition and presence, status and authenticity, comfort and purpose.

From a photographer chasing the perfect shot while his daughter takes her first steps, to a young singer torn between performance and authenticity, to a retiree discovering new meaning beyond routine—each story invites you to reflect on the choices that shape a life.

Perfect for fans of Fredrik Backman, Elizabeth Strout, and Mitch Albom, this collection blends warmth, poignancy, and quiet revelation. Whether read alone or shared in a book club, these stories linger long after the last page.

Discover seven small-town tales that will make you laugh, ache, and think deeply about what it means to live fully.

235 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 27, 2025

Reviews

[sureshot · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first story in this collection is “The Note She Held.” The author did a good job immersing the reader in the perspective of Callie. I found myself questioning Callie’s mother as Callie questioned her mother. The experience here is a universal one, where kids and parents have different plans for the kids. On a bigger level, it made me think of struggles that many famous musicians talk about, where they love music for its sake but the industry wants something different from them. I found myself anticipating the ending, rooting for Callie and hoping she remained true to herself. I won’t say how it ended, but I will say the author really captured the struggle here. The next story in this collection is “Seasoned With Wisdom.” Here, were immersed in the perspective of Esther. I loved how the author captured a sad reality in this one. I came to feel Esther’s pain, where she’s in a world where even something as vital as nourishment can be corrupted by pretention and ambition. The rest of the book was like this. The author captures sad realities. You are immersed in a perspective and shown something wrong with the world. I enjoyed this book so much more than I thought I would. It’s a brilliant look into society and it’s impact on people. I highly recommend it for everyone.

[Kimi Ix · Rating 3 out of 5]

As with many short story collections, I really liked some stories and disliked others. For the stories I enjoyed, I thought the characters were engaging and represented neighbors that I would like to have. My favorite story was “Marcy’s Notebook” about an overenthusiastic Homeowners Association. If you have ever dealt with an HOA, I think the resolution was heartfelt and gentle, and I wish HOA problems could be resolved like that in real life. Even though I loved this story, it emphasizes the problem I have with the book. HOAs are something I associate with suburbia, not small towns.

I feel a bit misled by the book description. None of the stories actually felt rooted in a specific small town setting. Many of the short stories were Christian themed and the church could of been anywhere: big city or small town. I still liked the stories overall, but I was disappointed that the promised small town atmosphere never really appeared.

One of the things I appreciated about this book was the discussion guide at the end. If you are part of a book club, you might find the discussion questions useful. Like the stories, some of the discussion points also have a religious undertone, such as Question 6, “spiritual depth and faith emerge in subtle, often messy ways…”

[Mary Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some narratives drift into cliché

Bryan M. Williams’ The Measure of More is a quietly ambitious collection of short stories that grapples with the paradox of seeking fulfillment in a world obsessed with accumulation. Set in a small town, its seven interconnected tales—ranging from a photographer torn between art and family to a retiree redefining purpose—capture the tension between societal desire and inner authenticity. Williams’ strength lies in his ability to distill universal struggles into intimate moments, evoking the wistful poignancy of Elizabeth Strout and the warmth of Fredrik Backman. Yet, the stories’ quietness can feel deliberate to a fault; their understated prose occasionally lacks the emotional urgency needed to fully resonate. While themes of presence over possession are thoughtfully explored, some narratives drift into cliché, their revelations feeling earned rather than transformative. Still, the collection’s emphasis on ordinary humanity—flawed, yearning, and resilient—offers a poignant reminder to pause and reflect. Best suited for readers craving subtle, character-driven storytelling, though those seeking bold conclusions may find the endings frustratingly ambiguous.

[Wes Hubert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I’ve read where the author included a note saying he used AI as a tool to help. On one hand, I’m glad it was attached. I’m sure there are authors who use it and don’t admit it. So cudos. On the other hand, I’m not sure how I feel about it. I suppose it’s a tool like a thesaurus or a spell checker, but I guess eventually we’ll have to determine how much “help” an AI can give before someone isn’t allowed to sign their name to it.
Anyway, this is a collection of short stories. Some of them have an Evangelical Christian bent so if that bothers you, you might want to avoid this. All of them have a message and a positive vibe. They’re not sappy or unrealistic. In fact, that’s one of the things I liked about them. They don’t sugarcoat things. The writing is fairly smooth and each story reaches some kind of conclusion. This is the first set of short stories that I’ve read in a very long time. It was a pleasant change. It’s nice to finish a story and be able to put it down, not having the nagging urge to keep reading the next chapterss.

[Ailsa Mellor · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a plot-driven marketplace, this novel is different. There are seven short stories in total and the premise of each of them is to explore what “more” means in our society. Or, in the words of the author: “People who, in ordinary moments, confront the dissonance between the life they’re chasing and the life that might actually lead to wholeness.” There is an earnest, gentle unfolding of each vignette as Williams’ explores the inner conflict of his characters, until something shifts for them, whether profound or small. Rather like lightbulb moments, there is a subtle moral thread that underpins each story. My personal favourites were ‘Three Minutes to Sunset,’ about a budding photographer preparing for a major prize and ‘Margin Notes’ with its protagonist who views the world with cynical eyes. There is nothing revelatory here and the characters may not stay with you, but that’s not the point of this book. Rather it simply serves to remind us—the reader—of the things that matter.

[Tellen Thurlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seven fantastic short stories that really make you think.

When I picked “The Measure of More.” I did not know what to expect. Especially with so little reviews. However I was greatly surprised by how unique I found the book. What a lovely idea by the Author.

Containing seven stories to explain what the title describes, to be more of what we are. They are fascinating little tales that remind us of what matters in life. In a world where it is always go and always daring us to try for things that do not truly matter in the long run.
It’s about that lightbulb moment that makes you stop and think, what am I actually doing and what should I really prioritize in life. It is very easy to just go through the motions and be focused on one thing, when really we should be focusing on the now. I found all the characters interesting and fleshed out and found the writing to be fantastic and detailed.

I personally really enjoyed the book and highly recommend you give it a try.

[Kelly Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Measure of More: We Were Created for More—But Not More of the Same,” by Bryan M. Williams, is an anthology of short stories focusing upon the people of a small town. After the introduction to these stories, Williams notes that he utilized Artificial Intelligence to draft or refine some of the passages in this book. I appreciate the honesty yet find the information highly disappointing. I wish authors were required to state the use of A/I for creative purposes in the blurb. A/I uses a great deal of water, and to create with it is stealing, because it makes use of the copyrighted work of other creators without first obtaining their permission. These stories are rather gentle and include: a young lady whose mother fails to understand why she loves to sing; an artistic chef who does not satisfy his diners; a woman who is transformed with the help of a stray dog; and neighbors who are intrigued by a man’s boat.

[Lytleton Bollers · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Measure of More. by Bryan M Williams, is a wonderful group of short stories, that examines the lives of people who just want to do something good for themselves and others, without having any kind of fame or recognition being lauded upon them.
Callie, with the voice of an angel, just want to share her gift with her community, without acclaim or praise being heaped upon her.
Esther believes that the residents of the retirement home where she works, should be served the kind of meals that are healthy but also enjoyable, and is determined to make her point, much to the delight of the residents, and winning over a stubborn chef.
Marcy, who makes it her duty to ensure that the strict HOA guidelines of her community are followed, is amazed at how aloof her neighbors were, until one smart dog brought them all together.
These are just three of the people who make up the seven stories in this wonderful book.

[Bassey Blessing]

This collection was such a joy to read. Each story pulled me in emotionally and left me with a smile—or something to think deeply about. I loved how the themes ranged from family, purpose, and self-reflection to community and personal growth. It felt like I was walking beside each narrator, seeing life through their eyes. It is a story suitable for all age and for lovers of values and morals.

[Bryan M.]

I'll refrain from any rating or review as I am the author, but this was a fun work to write. I hope others enjoy at least some of the stories.

[Kimberly Hendricks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book and I am very excited to read it!