Table 9

by C.K. Conners

Lying on his metal bed next to the tin can toilet, a man reminisces about days past, a time long before he was introduced to the tiny box in which he lives, a time when he was just a young man sitting at table 9 in the small diner along Route 56-the diner where he met Jessie.

34 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2015

About the author

C. K. Conners was born in that one city near that one town in that one state where he’s lived his entire life. He is known by some as a hopeless romantic, a wearying wit, a formidably fluent fantasist, but above all, a foolish optimist.

When he’s not writing about himself in the third person, this what’s-his-name can be found flying in his private jet to exotic places, wine tasting with international business moguls, or philosophizing in robes and sandals on the steps of academia with fellow, curious-minded pupils—or, to put it more accurately, one can usually assume with confidence that on any given day Conners is locked in his room, wearing holey sweatpants and tattered moccasins, rocking a bedhead hairdo that would make Einstein jealous, sitting hunched over a blank piece of paper, and carving thereon the chicken scratch hieroglyphs he hopes to one day pass off as novels.

If he were, in any way, an interesting person, perhaps more than this could be relayed. But, alas, he is about as common as a scraped knee, and equally agreeable.

Reviews

[Anjeline Magtoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author sent me this book in exchange for my honest thoughts/review... Yes I requested this short story from the author. Just want to thank him for that.

The story was told in the man’s flashbacks and present a man who is in jail, something that happened between him and a waitress named Jessie who always, looks after Table 9.

I really enjoyed this short story! I like his writing style. The characters were well made, that even though its a short story I really did enjoyed it. As soon as started reading this book I couldn't put it down. The characters are developed, the plot is interesting and the climax is wonderfully executed. I want C K Conners to make a full book. I love his writing style especially how he made the characters. I gave this book a 5/5 stars so good highly recommend it to everyone. A perfect book to read any season.

Thanks again to C.K Conners for sending me your short story to read and review

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting short story. I loved it! I grew up in a small town and drank too much for the same reasons. Re-living triumphs of our youth were about the only things to talk about. For some they still are. However, this story is much more than that. I won't give away too much and spoil it for you. It is definitely worth the read. If this author can weave his magic into a full length novel, I would definitely try it.

I was given this book by Goodreads in hopes of a review. The opinion is fully my own.

[Jay G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Want to see more bookish things from me? Check out my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfer...

I really enjoyed this short story! It follows a nameless man who happens to be in jail all to do with something that happened between him and a young waitress named Jessie who always, always looks after Table 9.

Although this story is very short, right from the very first pages I was pulled into the story. It instantly caught my attention and I needed to know what happened to this man. I loved how the writing was laid out, with parts being from the man's past life leading to his reason for being in jail and other parts being in present time. The characters were all well developed, especially for such a short story and I found myself connecting with them in a very quick time frame!

C.K's writing is beautiful and so full of emotion, which I find incredible he is able to do so in such a short story! I loved every minute of it! Here's hoping he writes a full length novel!!!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a short story should be. There's a happiness in being a short story, it doesn't try to be anything else and that gives it a nice air. In terms of technical writing ability this does the job well, but we read books for the emotional artistic side don't we? Luckily this measures up there too.

Two narratives mingle, one light and one dark, until they converge. It’s quite a light and easy read while still delivering the goods. Conners manages to present something with impact. In a short space we're taken through a whole host of emotions and settings, it's not the wildest rollercoaster you'll ride but that's a credit - it gives just enough for you to know you're along for the ride.

All in all, a good little read.

I received a complimentary copy of this through a First Reads promotion.

[Sharlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as the result of a Firstreads give-away.

I need to state this before going any farther. Conners, I hope you are compiling a book of short stories in the very near future. This was a fantastic short story that kept me intrigued right up to the last page.

The characters are developed, the plot is interesting and the climax is wonderfully executed. The editing and finished product making reading enjoyable but the only thing missing is...I want more short stories!

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Table 9 was a great great short story that I hope "C.K. Conners" puts into a collection of short stories. Was only 32 pages and packed one great story with great character development . All the the 4+ Star reviews are all spot on! . I won this great book on GoodReads and like I do with most my wins I will be paying it forward by giving my win either to a friend or library to enjoy

[Ivey Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out my review of Table 9 on my blog! http://thehopelessreader.blogspot.com...