Blink and the World Goes Blank

by Dan Tarnowski

Originally published as a chapbook in 2010, Blink and the World Goes Blank made a splash in the pond of indie literature, establishing a cult audience. This paperback now brings the idiosyncratic book of very short fiction, or “micro-fiction” to a wider audience. Dan Tarnowski’s free-flowing anecdotes of coming of age capture the colorful scenes that mean something to us, and our moments of contemplation after the lights switch off. Get ready to frame your view-finder around these picturesque, emotionally keyed-up short stories. Focus your lense, put your finger on the shutter release, and *snap!*

82 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2011

Reviews

[Ohgodyes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming collection of short fiction. It includes 56 pieces which are two paragraphs at the longest and one sentence at the shortest. The writing is image-heavy and deals with mundane, humorous, and melancholy content that is quite relatable. Recommended for fans of Fernando Pessoa, Robert Hass, Jerzy Kosinski, and Frank O'Hara.

Images of childhood, unrequited love, and urban isolation will be familiar for many. The overall plot arcs through the four seasons, representing one year in this man's life. However, at 36 pages, this book can be read in an hour and re-read again and again. This book is available as an attractive, pocket-sized booklet independently published by On Lives Press. It is worth seeking out.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I think the humanity of it comes from the narrator attempting to adjust to isolation, and failing to do so. It would be a shame if he succeeded; but its apparent that his heart guides him to reject certain conditions that would steer him wrong. I think others will appreciate the universal themes that take on deeper meaning, such as playing hide-and-seek, noticing a chair on a roof, and many other instances."

[Julia Lipscomb]

Second person narrative is a difficult tool to accomplish, but this collection of prose poems is once situationally descriptive and universally without having a patronizing tone. I want to carry it as my pocketbook guide to sustainable living.

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty cool little book of snapshot-like personal moments that seem more like memoir than fiction (the back of the book says 'microfiction'). I like it when books make me want to write, and this is one of them.