So My Mother, She Lives in the Clouds

by Christopher D. Dicicco

With over 50 stories published in the last two years and nominations for the Pushcart Prize and Best of the Net, "short story master" DiCicco weaves his tales into an auspicious debut collection. Through his minimalist style, DiCicco explores the ties that define us - the relationships between fathers and sons, husbands and wives, and men and their own fear. He navigates the human condition with a fresh voice, pulling you through each story with a sense of urgency and excitement, and expertly balancing the reader's sense of delight and despair. Featuring 11 never-before-seen stories, So My Mother, She Lives in the Clouds propels DiCicco into the spotlight as the next major voice in indie fiction.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories

232 pages, Paperback

First published November 10, 2015

Reviews

[Superstition Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

So My Mother, She Lives in the Clouds holds a number of short stories that will tug at your heartstrings. DiCicco plays with the idea of how human emotions can present themselves to the world. His stories are a little unorthodox at times but they only make them that much greater. With the use of dark themes, DiCicco even transforms them into stunning and powerful works. What is most admirable about his collection is that no matter how short the story itself, the reader can empathize with the characters. Each story is exceptional and leaves readers wanting a novel based on each one.

Review by Dennise Garcia

[Craig Wallwork · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took me longer than it should to finish. Not because it's a difficult read, more that this is a book that can be put down and revisited frequently or sporadically without losing any of its charm or beauty. This is not a big book. A mere 232 pages. But within there is 45 stories, proving that brevity does not compromise a good story. And these are good stories, skewered together by a writer whose hand seems guided less by convention and more by his heart. If you like quirky stories oozing with charm, then certainly check this collection out.

[Michael Pogach · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great collection. Each story is a beautiful punch in the gut. Can't wait to read more of Dicicco's work.

[Ned Pelger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully produced book made me cry, laugh and appreciate my crazy life. DiCicco's originality floors me. This is one of the best books I've ever read.

My favorite story is Why the Wolves Take the Calves First. The surprise conclusion will always stay with me. Beer of the Month Club, on the other hand, just makes me so happy

These stories move you to be the best possible you.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing piece of inventive literature. DiCicco's prose bends the light in your imagination, grounding you in reality with raw emotion, before letting you float away as he reveals the fantasy all around. Great for the bathroom.

[Theodore Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusual, to be sure, but most enjoyable.

[Cerb · Rating 5 out of 5]

god. i love this book so much. it's an easy read since it's a bunch of different stories, but he also has a lot to say. some of my favorites are "heavy shoes," "bloodhounds," "she loves me like a tape recorder," "pieces of my junkyard father, and "a new religion for fatherless sons". i actually have tear stains in some of the pages from how emotional it made me. he's an intelligent writer with a lot to say, and i loved reading it.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't really sure about this book.