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Glimpse.
Forty imagined scenes from forty imagined lives. Glimpse is a different kind of short story collection, highlighting scenes or short “glimpses” into the lives of the characters. Cry with a Goth rocker in London in one scene, then blink and travel to heaven with an angel in another.
Laugh with a middle aged woman on a crowded bus, then flip to another scene and soar with a seagull
in search of Cheetos. Some scenes are poignant; some hilarious, some sad, some ironic.
Just like life.
Laugh with a middle aged woman on a crowded bus, then flip to another scene and soar with a seagull
in search of Cheetos. Some scenes are poignant; some hilarious, some sad, some ironic.
Just like life.
142 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2015
2 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Mathisen
19 books4 followersBorn in rural Appalachia, multi-genre author Lisa Mathisen dreamed of traveling the world after seeing the Venetian canals on television. After working every type of menial job one can imagine she took off backpacking through Europe while her peers went to college. Inevitably falling in love with Scandinavia and marrying a Dane, she attended business college in Copenhagen, delivering newspapers at night and studying all day. She graduated as the first woman in Denmark to achieve a Business Innovation degree,
shocking even herself. Raised in a family of educators she was always a fan of writing. Her father; also a published author, taught her to be as concise as possible. Her sister's expert-level editing was also a strong influence. Mathisen prefers to write fiction that marries humor with poignancy. Such is life as she sees it. Returning to Ohio many years later she began a career in export, enthralled by the joys of selling American-made goods all over the world. Mathisen currently lives in Florida with her rescue corgi Coco Puff, enjoying boxed wine and Belgian chocolate every chance she gets. She has yet to see Venice.
shocking even herself. Raised in a family of educators she was always a fan of writing. Her father; also a published author, taught her to be as concise as possible. Her sister's expert-level editing was also a strong influence. Mathisen prefers to write fiction that marries humor with poignancy. Such is life as she sees it. Returning to Ohio many years later she began a career in export, enthralled by the joys of selling American-made goods all over the world. Mathisen currently lives in Florida with her rescue corgi Coco Puff, enjoying boxed wine and Belgian chocolate every chance she gets. She has yet to see Venice.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 3, 2017
America the Beautiful
Reading this as I did, very late at night, reminds me that we are much more than an initial after our names, or whom we voted for. Adversity brings strength, and many of these stories highlight the binds that make citizens of the world Americans. I come from a part of the Country that suffered greatly 16 years ago; as much as we suffered we galvanized. Reading "373" brings forth a torrent of emotions and memories. Experiencing the final story in this volume brings forth recollections that out of the unexceptional, Americans, at times of adversity, will answer the call and become legend- from the 56 who signed a Manifesto to the Soldier saving a hostage, to a kind old woman saving a Corgi pup. Whatever may happen in the future, America will be revered forever as "a shining city upon a hill". Thank you Lisa Mathisen, thank you for reminding us
Reading this as I did, very late at night, reminds me that we are much more than an initial after our names, or whom we voted for. Adversity brings strength, and many of these stories highlight the binds that make citizens of the world Americans. I come from a part of the Country that suffered greatly 16 years ago; as much as we suffered we galvanized. Reading "373" brings forth a torrent of emotions and memories. Experiencing the final story in this volume brings forth recollections that out of the unexceptional, Americans, at times of adversity, will answer the call and become legend- from the 56 who signed a Manifesto to the Soldier saving a hostage, to a kind old woman saving a Corgi pup. Whatever may happen in the future, America will be revered forever as "a shining city upon a hill". Thank you Lisa Mathisen, thank you for reminding us
November 9, 2017
Author Lisa Mathisen has come up with such a beautiful book here. A lot of my recent reads have been quite dark and, although there’s a time and a place for some of that, there needs to be a counter that is uplifting and positive and gives us a hope for the future.
Daily struggles the like we have all faced, or know someone that has, are covered here by Mathisen, and in a way that is not soul destroying or depressing, but presented in a way that shows hope and inspiration o deal with them in line with our Christian teachings.
A great read and one I can see myself going back to and reading again.
Daily struggles the like we have all faced, or know someone that has, are covered here by Mathisen, and in a way that is not soul destroying or depressing, but presented in a way that shows hope and inspiration o deal with them in line with our Christian teachings.
A great read and one I can see myself going back to and reading again.
September 25, 2017
Reliving the days of my youth
I remember getting a monthly science fiction magazine when I was younger. I enjoyed it so much, that I would go to the library and devour back issues in between. The librarian would order more back issues of magazines for me, until I finished the finite supply.
Thank you, Lisa Mathisen, for bringing a buried memory to the surface. The stories here are as good or better as those published long ago, with something for everyone.
I remember getting a monthly science fiction magazine when I was younger. I enjoyed it so much, that I would go to the library and devour back issues in between. The librarian would order more back issues of magazines for me, until I finished the finite supply.
Thank you, Lisa Mathisen, for bringing a buried memory to the surface. The stories here are as good or better as those published long ago, with something for everyone.
March 18, 2017
Amazing Grace
As a devout follower of the Glimpse universe, I was heartened to find out that Volume Six was to be about Faith. Ms. Mathisen writes from her heart with conviction and love, secure in the knowledge that God loves her. The most poignant tale in this collection to me is "Roll On", as I am a sinner and weak, and can only pray that I can come to my Reward
As a devout follower of the Glimpse universe, I was heartened to find out that Volume Six was to be about Faith. Ms. Mathisen writes from her heart with conviction and love, secure in the knowledge that God loves her. The most poignant tale in this collection to me is "Roll On", as I am a sinner and weak, and can only pray that I can come to my Reward
December 1, 2020
There’s more to every story than you can easily see, but sometimes a quick peek provides you with an entertaining time in Lisa Mathisen’s Glimpse.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Within this collection there are forty short, imaginative glimpses into the stories of other people’s lives during specific moments; many of these moments are dark and haunting, some provide a snippet of levity, and still all have an element of sadness that is poignant. These tales were incredibly quick to read and most offer readers something to think about, either about life in general or a specific and uncanny aspect of it. It was intriguing to have the title of the short story bookended to also appear at the end of the snippet as it set the scene and provided a tangible, formulaic, and somewhat comforting way, to end the brief foray into each different world presented.
Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
To read this, and other book reviews, visit my website: http://makinggoodstories.wordpress.com/.
Within this collection there are forty short, imaginative glimpses into the stories of other people’s lives during specific moments; many of these moments are dark and haunting, some provide a snippet of levity, and still all have an element of sadness that is poignant. These tales were incredibly quick to read and most offer readers something to think about, either about life in general or a specific and uncanny aspect of it. It was intriguing to have the title of the short story bookended to also appear at the end of the snippet as it set the scene and provided a tangible, formulaic, and somewhat comforting way, to end the brief foray into each different world presented.
Overall, I’d give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.
October 5, 2016
A drunk Twain and Poe watching a Tim Burton movie... pretty much how I would describe it. Ms. Mathisen takes a light hearted look at the dark side of short fiction, incorporating themes prevalent today- don't get me started on clowns. Yep, I chuckled a few times at the ironic twists in the stories told, and some had me trying to figure out how I would have done it. The story I liked most was the visit to Arlington cemetery, sorry, I don't have the book in front of me for the title, but it's early on in the collection. If you're looking for a quick read, devious but not outright cerebral, stop here, and then check out the other 3 volumes... you'll be glad you did.
October 17, 2016
I've read all 4 volumes of Ms. Mathisen's 'Glimpse' short stories. The first one is the best. I thought Vol 2. and Vol 3. were kind of meh, like she somehow lost the spark that made her story-writing so punchy. Vol 4, however, is better. I can see some of that old spark from Vol. 1 here, and I enjoyed it. Still not as good as Vol. 1, but there are some worthwhile stories here. I am writing this review in mid-October and I think Vol. 4 is a good selection to read during the upcoming Halloween season, preferably after all the treats have been handed out, and you want to curl up with a good book in bed for awhile before turning out the lights.
December 4, 2016
Critters!
The happy alternative to the last volume, Glimpse Volume 5 brings back favourite characters like Buzz the bee and focusses on their idiosyncrasies, without the sugary cuteness of Disney's anthropomorphic characters. Ms. Mathisen nails what we hope every dog is thinking, about caring for their humans, as well as what we know every cat is thinking- "my bowl is empty". I believe her "puff", Coco the corgi stars in one tale, but I wish I could have contributed a piece about Rango the kitten, Vanquisher of Shoelaces and licker of noses. Maybe I'll keep that one to myself
The happy alternative to the last volume, Glimpse Volume 5 brings back favourite characters like Buzz the bee and focusses on their idiosyncrasies, without the sugary cuteness of Disney's anthropomorphic characters. Ms. Mathisen nails what we hope every dog is thinking, about caring for their humans, as well as what we know every cat is thinking- "my bowl is empty". I believe her "puff", Coco the corgi stars in one tale, but I wish I could have contributed a piece about Rango the kitten, Vanquisher of Shoelaces and licker of noses. Maybe I'll keep that one to myself
December 16, 2015
A Delightfully Quirky Read
I usually don't read short story collections, as the authors jumping about produces a book of disjointed thoughts that leave you dry just as a story gets interesting. Ms. Mathisen has created a collection that, even though each story stands alone, ties nicely together before the "twist", all glorious 40 of them. I enjoyed the "outside of the box" approach to the telling of each tale, as well as the conservative viewpoint missing from 80% of what is published today. I look forward to reading more from this author
I usually don't read short story collections, as the authors jumping about produces a book of disjointed thoughts that leave you dry just as a story gets interesting. Ms. Mathisen has created a collection that, even though each story stands alone, ties nicely together before the "twist", all glorious 40 of them. I enjoyed the "outside of the box" approach to the telling of each tale, as well as the conservative viewpoint missing from 80% of what is published today. I look forward to reading more from this author
January 26, 2016
Shorter review: I enjoyed 'Glimpse' very much.
Longer review: This is a collection of about 40 short, short stories. Some are edifying, some are hilarious, some will perhaps remind you of The Twilight Zone, and some will punch you in the face. Each story is only a page long, and as I was reading them, I kept interrupting my wife with "oh, oh, I have to read you this one" and "oh come on, just one more - this is the best one yet."
If you're not careful, you'll finish it off in one sitting. And hopefully, Ms. Mathisen will write more.
Longer review: This is a collection of about 40 short, short stories. Some are edifying, some are hilarious, some will perhaps remind you of The Twilight Zone, and some will punch you in the face. Each story is only a page long, and as I was reading them, I kept interrupting my wife with "oh, oh, I have to read you this one" and "oh come on, just one more - this is the best one yet."
If you're not careful, you'll finish it off in one sitting. And hopefully, Ms. Mathisen will write more.
October 5, 2016
Wickedly Delightful
Ok, yes, this is Volume 4- all authors fall off a bit, usually at Volume 2 or 3, but Ms. Mathisen stayed strong there. This is the one were the chinks in the armor would be found. HAH! Wrong!
Ms. Mathisen weaves darkness and mirth in Volume 4, displaying a quick mind with a twist of the macabre. Incorporating timely references like Pokemon Go!, the election, terrorism, and soda can meth- hey, it's a dark volume, there's a little something here that everyone might fear, even a little bit. Just don't get me going on clowns...
Ok, yes, this is Volume 4- all authors fall off a bit, usually at Volume 2 or 3, but Ms. Mathisen stayed strong there. This is the one were the chinks in the armor would be found. HAH! Wrong!
Ms. Mathisen weaves darkness and mirth in Volume 4, displaying a quick mind with a twist of the macabre. Incorporating timely references like Pokemon Go!, the election, terrorism, and soda can meth- hey, it's a dark volume, there's a little something here that everyone might fear, even a little bit. Just don't get me going on clowns...
June 15, 2016
I ordered this book from Amazon, and enjoyed every moment of it! I tend to consume a lot of "heavy" non-fiction, but "Glimpses" is a bite of dessert between "meals". The authors writing drew me in, and I found myself identifying with many of the characters. She is a skilled wordsmith with a mastery of concise expression, and develops her characters quickly. I look forward to subsequent Volumes. I may just binge on "dessert"!
March 20, 2016
Quirky views on life
I so love this style of writing. Ms. Mathisen has done it again, offering short Glimpses into the lives of the strong and the weak, the rational and the broken for a decisive moment where everything coalesces allowing the subject to cope. Kudos for another triumph!
I so love this style of writing. Ms. Mathisen has done it again, offering short Glimpses into the lives of the strong and the weak, the rational and the broken for a decisive moment where everything coalesces allowing the subject to cope. Kudos for another triumph!
March 24, 2016
What a wonderful book! Fantastic like snip its from so many lives. Great read. I didn't want to put it down. I highly recommend this book.
May 25, 2016
Great read! Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews