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Smiling Exercises, and other stories: A collection of flash fiction
An apocalypse of fish.
A veteran's memories taken to make movies.
A man wakes to find a secret vagina in his armpit.
All this and more in SMILING EXERCISES, AND OTHER STORIES!
Each story is 1000 words or less, perfect to start the day/end the day/enjoy on the toilet/put off that suicide for another three minutes.
This collection includes two stories shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, as well as others first published by Litro, decomP, Daily Science Fiction, Word Riot, Mad Swirl, Cricket Online Review, Everyday Fiction, Metazen, Space Squid, nthposition and many more great magazines!
A veteran's memories taken to make movies.
A man wakes to find a secret vagina in his armpit.
All this and more in SMILING EXERCISES, AND OTHER STORIES!
Each story is 1000 words or less, perfect to start the day/end the day/enjoy on the toilet/put off that suicide for another three minutes.
This collection includes two stories shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, as well as others first published by Litro, decomP, Daily Science Fiction, Word Riot, Mad Swirl, Cricket Online Review, Everyday Fiction, Metazen, Space Squid, nthposition and many more great magazines!
112 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2015
5 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Dan Malakin
11 books98 followersDan Malakin has twice been shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, and his debut novel, The Regret, was a Kindle bestseller. His second novel, The Box, was published in 2022 and his new novel, The Wreckage of Us, will be out in June 2024. When not writing thrillers, he works as a data-security consultant, teaching corporations how to protect themselves from hackers. He lives in North London with his wife and daughter.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 23, 2018
Never underestimate the wallop of a short story.
I tend to read more novels than short stories, but really appreciate a well written short story. These are well written and engaging.
I tend to read more novels than short stories, but really appreciate a well written short story. These are well written and engaging.
June 6, 2017
No spoilers
This is a collection of short stories, they vary from one page to a few longer pieces, many are award winning stories from journals and competitions.
It’s great to see a collection of successful works in one place and showcases the work of a future best seller.
Some of the stories were a little too brutal or ‘in your face’ for my taste but I enjoyed the journey through a developing voice and style.
Worth a look as you can dip in and out in your lunch hour or on a commute.
I look forward to longer works by this author.
This is a collection of short stories, they vary from one page to a few longer pieces, many are award winning stories from journals and competitions.
It’s great to see a collection of successful works in one place and showcases the work of a future best seller.
Some of the stories were a little too brutal or ‘in your face’ for my taste but I enjoyed the journey through a developing voice and style.
Worth a look as you can dip in and out in your lunch hour or on a commute.
I look forward to longer works by this author.
March 4, 2016
I absolutely loved this collection of stories! Dan Malakin’s writing is smart, funny, moving, insightful (sometimes all at once), and like nothing I’ve ever encountered.
I have to admit, I haven’t read a collection of short stories in many years as I usually prefer longer works and I have not read much flash fiction. But this collection was like sitting down to a 30 course tasting menu prepared by a master chef. Each story hit upon its own unique note while still maintaining the harmony of the entire collection. The stories as one are the symphony; individually the woodwinds, the brass, the strings.
Malakin is a thoughtful and compassionate observer of human behavior. He holds up the mirror, but it is one that is framed in sympathy for the plight of the average Joe or Josephine in this divine comedy we call the modern age. Malakin’s humor is like the best comedians who understand that to laugh is human, but to laugh at one’s self, divine.
I highly recommend this book. I laughed out loud several times, shook my head as many, and thoroughly enjoyed Malakin’s quirky and excellent voice.
I have to admit, I haven’t read a collection of short stories in many years as I usually prefer longer works and I have not read much flash fiction. But this collection was like sitting down to a 30 course tasting menu prepared by a master chef. Each story hit upon its own unique note while still maintaining the harmony of the entire collection. The stories as one are the symphony; individually the woodwinds, the brass, the strings.
Malakin is a thoughtful and compassionate observer of human behavior. He holds up the mirror, but it is one that is framed in sympathy for the plight of the average Joe or Josephine in this divine comedy we call the modern age. Malakin’s humor is like the best comedians who understand that to laugh is human, but to laugh at one’s self, divine.
I highly recommend this book. I laughed out loud several times, shook my head as many, and thoroughly enjoyed Malakin’s quirky and excellent voice.
October 21, 2016
This is perhaps one among three or maybe four books that I have read that is in this style of writing. I was swept away by the concept of flash fiction and the stories. They are indeed short and to the point. The entire plot is put out there in 1000 words or less and it is simply amazing. It's quite difficult to write stories this short and convey the entire message.
Many of the stories are thought provoking, some are horrifying and some will just bring a smile to the face. The stories will bring a myriad of emotions into the mind of the reader. This book is a quick read, but it can also be read slowly, one story a day or however is convenient. The author has a brilliant way of writing and sometimes the reader will need to pause and think about what they have read.
The author has mastered the art of crafting and delivering these thought provoking, everyday events turned into short stories which are a delight to read. There are many a story that I am sure the reader will be able to relate to. This is definitely worth picking up!
Many of the stories are thought provoking, some are horrifying and some will just bring a smile to the face. The stories will bring a myriad of emotions into the mind of the reader. This book is a quick read, but it can also be read slowly, one story a day or however is convenient. The author has a brilliant way of writing and sometimes the reader will need to pause and think about what they have read.
The author has mastered the art of crafting and delivering these thought provoking, everyday events turned into short stories which are a delight to read. There are many a story that I am sure the reader will be able to relate to. This is definitely worth picking up!
April 8, 2016
What a gem of a find.......
When it was recommended I read this book I thought ,ok I'll give it a go, it's not in my usual repertoire but I don't read much flash fiction and that made me curious. I was not disappointed. This book is a gem. It is full of tales that provoke thought and emotion and that for me is the jewel in Malakins writing.I found myself pondering the course of many of the stories beyond what was written. Malakin has a gift for strong character development within a short word count. Not an easy feat to achieve,however, his style and flow made it seem effortless.
My favourites stories were - All the Animals, and Me , Morning of the Friendly Dead , Brian's Secret Vagina and The Good Doctor. Some stories peppered me with sadness whilst others had me howling with laughter. A great pick and mix of good solid flash fiction. Go on,I dare you, put your hand in the bag. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you pull out.
When it was recommended I read this book I thought ,ok I'll give it a go, it's not in my usual repertoire but I don't read much flash fiction and that made me curious. I was not disappointed. This book is a gem. It is full of tales that provoke thought and emotion and that for me is the jewel in Malakins writing.I found myself pondering the course of many of the stories beyond what was written. Malakin has a gift for strong character development within a short word count. Not an easy feat to achieve,however, his style and flow made it seem effortless.
My favourites stories were - All the Animals, and Me , Morning of the Friendly Dead , Brian's Secret Vagina and The Good Doctor. Some stories peppered me with sadness whilst others had me howling with laughter. A great pick and mix of good solid flash fiction. Go on,I dare you, put your hand in the bag. You'll be pleasantly surprised at what you pull out.
April 13, 2016
This book was very amusing for me.
Usually, attempting to review short stories starts with deciding whether or not you like the stories. I liked all the stories. I found them all to be too short. I suppose that's a good thing. Always leave the reader wanting more.
For so many of the shorts, I found myself wanting to use them as a writing prompt to see if I could expand the story.
Don't worry, Dan. I'll come up with my own ideas.
Some shorts are completely fanciful, like Brian's Secret Vagina, or Celestial Fondue. Others are more satirical and cynical, like the afore mentioned Smiling Exercises, or the Office Door Fiasco.
The short entitled Seconds Away was my favorite. Simply because it was so realistic. Also, it contains the line I love the most.
"Give us happily ever after. Give us lust that lasts forever. Let us not stumble from crisis to crisis, waiting for that knockout blow." ~Dan Malakin
Seriously, yes.
Usually, attempting to review short stories starts with deciding whether or not you like the stories. I liked all the stories. I found them all to be too short. I suppose that's a good thing. Always leave the reader wanting more.
For so many of the shorts, I found myself wanting to use them as a writing prompt to see if I could expand the story.
Don't worry, Dan. I'll come up with my own ideas.
Some shorts are completely fanciful, like Brian's Secret Vagina, or Celestial Fondue. Others are more satirical and cynical, like the afore mentioned Smiling Exercises, or the Office Door Fiasco.
The short entitled Seconds Away was my favorite. Simply because it was so realistic. Also, it contains the line I love the most.
"Give us happily ever after. Give us lust that lasts forever. Let us not stumble from crisis to crisis, waiting for that knockout blow." ~Dan Malakin
Seriously, yes.
April 4, 2016
I have two problems with short stories. The first is that they almost always leave me wanting more. The second is that I regularly fail to understand them and am often left feeling brainless because of this. I suspect problem number two is my main reason for avoiding this form of storytelling. With this collection I once more encountered my two pronged dilemma. A couple of stories made me chuckle but the majority left me in a state of confusion. So sadly I will continue as an avid consumer of the novel and avoid short stories collections. Big apologies to all short story writers.
May 21, 2016
Dan Malkin has put together one of the most eclectic collections of short stories I've read to date. Within this 30 story collection - there is something for everyone. Funny? Sad? Thought provoking? Or, apocalyptic - you'll find it here. Some of my favorites that had me laughing out loud included - Smiling Exercises, Brian’s Secret Vagina, Deeelish, and The Great Laundry Mystery. For a fun and quick read, check out Smiling Exercises.Smiling Exercises, and other stories: A collection of flash fiction
This review was provided based on a free copy of the book.
This review was provided based on a free copy of the book.
May 29, 2016
I didn't know what to expect when I cracked open Smiling Exercises, and that didn't change the entire time I read this book.
You'll probably never come across such an eclectic collection of stories, and each one took another turn; some more than banal, some to a direction you can't see coming. Admittedly, there were a few very oddball stories in the bunch, but whether or not I was a fan of them, they were as well-written as the others.
If you're anything like me, you'll be finding every spare moment you have to finish each and every one of the stories between these covers. Bravo!
You'll probably never come across such an eclectic collection of stories, and each one took another turn; some more than banal, some to a direction you can't see coming. Admittedly, there were a few very oddball stories in the bunch, but whether or not I was a fan of them, they were as well-written as the others.
If you're anything like me, you'll be finding every spare moment you have to finish each and every one of the stories between these covers. Bravo!
April 8, 2016
This is a witty and humorous little book of great short stories! You'll discover little quips and scenarios on the things in life that we love and that we hate. It is a great diversion from the 300+ page novel. You can easily read in a night and go to sleep happy, and maybe even still laughing.
One of my favorites was the story entitled, "Celestial Fondue." Keep writing, Dan!
One of my favorites was the story entitled, "Celestial Fondue." Keep writing, Dan!
June 8, 2016
It's a zany, thought provoking and sometimes hysterical commentary on this so called life, hitting upon topics that drive us bonkers like the mispronunciation of the word delicious, or the slow breakdown of humanity as creatures attack. You can read it over your lunch hour, or breeze through it in a weekend. Either way it provides a nice reprieve from the rushing about of life.
May 17, 2016
Some are intriguing. Some are not. Some make you smile. Some make you wonder if humanity can crawl so low. Some give you the answer: yes. A kaleidoscope of humanity even when it comes from a zombie asking you to give him a hand, cause he can't get out, being stuck in his own grave.
October 7, 2016
This is a very fun, very short read.
Even if you don't like any of the stories (and there were some which made me go, uhhh, what?) they're all flash fiction so it ends pretty quickly and then you can head on to the next one.
Just the kind of break that I needed. :)
Even if you don't like any of the stories (and there were some which made me go, uhhh, what?) they're all flash fiction so it ends pretty quickly and then you can head on to the next one.
Just the kind of break that I needed. :)
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews