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Stolen Postcards
A bundle of lives, captured in one hundred words—one story for every day of the year. One hundred words have never said so much.
Stolen Postcards has a cast of three hundred and sixty-six characters (maybe a few more)—a new one for each day of the year. But unlike a sprawling epic that covers years or decades in the lives of its characters, in this book you’ll read only a pivotal moment for each person. And what a fascinating mix of people—here you’ll find a novice nun who spends her nights in an unexpected pastime and a fashion model who makes a surprising choice. You’ll meet a hoarder, a kleptomaniac, the mother of a long-missing child. Each tiny story is a glance at a snapshot of the characters’ existence—like postcards from their lives.
Each story has been written in exactly one hundred words. They’re depictions of that moment in time when a life teeters, and then either wobbles off in a new direction or settles more firmly into the old one. Stripped of exposition and lengthy description, these stories invite you to look quickly but carefully—and sometimes even to finish the story yourself. Whether you start on January 1st and enjoy one tidbit each day or you open the book and read at random, you’re sure to find someone who will speak to your heart.
Stolen Postcards has a cast of three hundred and sixty-six characters (maybe a few more)—a new one for each day of the year. But unlike a sprawling epic that covers years or decades in the lives of its characters, in this book you’ll read only a pivotal moment for each person. And what a fascinating mix of people—here you’ll find a novice nun who spends her nights in an unexpected pastime and a fashion model who makes a surprising choice. You’ll meet a hoarder, a kleptomaniac, the mother of a long-missing child. Each tiny story is a glance at a snapshot of the characters’ existence—like postcards from their lives.
Each story has been written in exactly one hundred words. They’re depictions of that moment in time when a life teeters, and then either wobbles off in a new direction or settles more firmly into the old one. Stripped of exposition and lengthy description, these stories invite you to look quickly but carefully—and sometimes even to finish the story yourself. Whether you start on January 1st and enjoy one tidbit each day or you open the book and read at random, you’re sure to find someone who will speak to your heart.
152 pages, Paperback
Published October 17, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 17, 2016
Jan Ackerson’s new release, Stolen Postcards, is a collection of 366 tiny stories, one for each day of the year. But much like the famous potato chip commercial claims, it’s hard to stop at just one. I wanted to read them all, one after another, without stopping, but I found it impossible.
Each story is exactly 100 words long, and each is a complete, tiny story in itself, revealing a moment in a variety of characters’ lives. But don’t think that these very short entries are mere excerpts of longer sagas. Ms. Ackerson manages to set scenes, flesh out characters, and tell a story in just a few paragraphs.
I made a lot of noises when reading this book.
Oooh!
Oh!
No!!
Huh.
Huh?
Mmmm.
Ah HAH
Hahahah!
Ouch!
Many times I was so blown away by the depth of an entry, I needed to put the book down and take a breath. Often I needed to read a story two or three times, seeing something new with each read, peeling back the layers, before finding the stunning pearl in its heart.
I’m sure I will be returning to Stolen Postcards again and again. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Each story is exactly 100 words long, and each is a complete, tiny story in itself, revealing a moment in a variety of characters’ lives. But don’t think that these very short entries are mere excerpts of longer sagas. Ms. Ackerson manages to set scenes, flesh out characters, and tell a story in just a few paragraphs.
I made a lot of noises when reading this book.
Oooh!
Oh!
No!!
Huh.
Huh?
Mmmm.
Ah HAH
Hahahah!
Ouch!
Many times I was so blown away by the depth of an entry, I needed to put the book down and take a breath. Often I needed to read a story two or three times, seeing something new with each read, peeling back the layers, before finding the stunning pearl in its heart.
I’m sure I will be returning to Stolen Postcards again and again. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
October 16, 2016
In exchange for an honest review of the book, Stolen Postcards, by Jan Ackerson, I was provided with an advanced reading copy. Stolen Postcards, a collection of short stories, provides an inventive glimpse into the everyday lives of people living in the imagination of its author. Each story, only one page and 100 words long, develops a character caught in the act of living, often with a little twist. These stories strike a chord with me, making me rethink and empathize with characters in my daily life. They remind me that perceptions are flawed and judgments about people with behaviors different from my own are often made too quickly. The length of each story make it an easy read while waiting at the Doctors office, when snuggled into a favorite chair, or in the middle of a sleepless night. Each story is unique and interesting as written, and each story can be expanded upon using the readers imagination. As I read these stories, I feel that each person and each moment in life is a story waiting to be told. I look forward to reading more of these “stolen postcards”.
October 17, 2016
Jan Ackerson's best writing tool is not her imagination but yours. In Stolen Postcards, Ackerson intrigues the reader with 365 stories that are so short you can't really call them short stories. They are more like glimpses. Or, as the title says, postcards. Each story provides a glimpse at a moment of a life or a pair of intersecting lives. The glimpse is complete, a mini-story or a scene in a life. But your imagination works on the rest: What happened next? What was the previous relationship between these two? What caused this character's fear or confidence? You provide the answers. Ackerson gives you just the postcard, a pleasant or scary or romantic slice of a life.
You could read one a day and string the book out for a year, as Ackerson wrote it. But I doubt you'll very often wait a day to read the next postcard. Maybe you'll want to read a few at bedtime or on your lunch break. But you'll want to read it. Enjoy the postcards and the wondering.
You could read one a day and string the book out for a year, as Ackerson wrote it. But I doubt you'll very often wait a day to read the next postcard. Maybe you'll want to read a few at bedtime or on your lunch break. But you'll want to read it. Enjoy the postcards and the wondering.
March 16, 2017
Any one of these short, short stories could be extended into a full novel. A different scenario for every month of the year - each one exactly 100 words. I would love to meet the author, Jan Ackerson, for she has a great imagination.
February 15, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed 'Stolen Postcards'. Each tiny story is written in exactly 100 words and Jan Ackerson packs an amazing amount into each 100 words. The 'postcards' are amusing, emotive, moving or powerful, depending on their subject matter. Jan is able, with a few well-chosen words, to take the reader into lives and situations many and varied, meeting a huge cast of characters. Sometimes she leaves you hanging, having to complete the story your own way.
While there are 365 stories, one for each date of the year, I found them addictive and had to keep reading, reading them all in just a few days. Jan Ackerson is a master at packing a lot into a few words and making each one a complete and enticing story.
While there are 365 stories, one for each date of the year, I found them addictive and had to keep reading, reading them all in just a few days. Jan Ackerson is a master at packing a lot into a few words and making each one a complete and enticing story.
October 16, 2016
I was given an advance copy of Stolen Postcards in exchange for this review, and I have to tell you up front that I’m not a short story kind of person. Nevertheless, I was really intrigued by the format of this book. What an interesting concept. Not just short stories. Really, really short stories. Snippets of life, like a glimpse through a train window into someone’s apartment, or read on a Stolen Postcard. Around a hundred words each, they are laid out as days in the calendar, so it was tempting to read just one a day. To savor the character, take the day to ponder the person’s life, either before or after the story unfolded. What would they have done next, if I had turned the page and the story continued? Like chocolate chip cookies, however, one was never enough. I had to read another. And another.
There were people of all walks of life, caught sometimes not at their best moments, not always at a defining moment, but at a perfect slice of time that left you pleasantly wanting more. You might not always agree with the way the character thinks or acts, but you’ll be caught up in their lives.
I think that the most telling thing that I can say about Stolen Postcards is, having just finished it in great gobbles, I am now going to re-read it one story at a time, so I can take the whole day to ponder the what-ifs.
There were people of all walks of life, caught sometimes not at their best moments, not always at a defining moment, but at a perfect slice of time that left you pleasantly wanting more. You might not always agree with the way the character thinks or acts, but you’ll be caught up in their lives.
I think that the most telling thing that I can say about Stolen Postcards is, having just finished it in great gobbles, I am now going to re-read it one story at a time, so I can take the whole day to ponder the what-ifs.
October 16, 2016
I have received an ARC in return for an honest review of Stolen Postcards. I am delighted to say that Stolen Postcards is a delicious little book of lovely 100-word vignettes, one for each day of the year. You can read it as suggested, and the book will be like a 365-piece box of chocolates, savored a one day at a time, eaten at the same time each day, a long and lingering treat. Or, if you’re a greedy soul like me, gorge yourself, like a kid in a candy store, sated and happy, secure in the knowledge you can visit again.
Each precisely written 100-word entry is a fully satisfying story, packed with character, plot and theme. Some will stay in your mind all day, some will make you laugh, with others you’ll grow misty. Some will stir dreams. But all of them will be a bright spot in your day.
Read it fast or read it slow, this is a book that you will return to often. Ackerson’s ability to pull you into each quick story is truly masterful. She plays each set of 100 words as deftly as a pianist, allowing each chord to ring fully somewhere deep inside.
Mimi Johnson
Author, Gathering String
Each precisely written 100-word entry is a fully satisfying story, packed with character, plot and theme. Some will stay in your mind all day, some will make you laugh, with others you’ll grow misty. Some will stir dreams. But all of them will be a bright spot in your day.
Read it fast or read it slow, this is a book that you will return to often. Ackerson’s ability to pull you into each quick story is truly masterful. She plays each set of 100 words as deftly as a pianist, allowing each chord to ring fully somewhere deep inside.
Mimi Johnson
Author, Gathering String
January 28, 2021
I received an Advanced Reader Copy of STOLEN POSTCARDS in exchange for an honest review. As a reader, I appreciate a story that can pull me into its world in a breath, and as a writer, I understand how difficult it is to achieve. Now, repeat that 365 times.
This book is a delightful collection of succinct stories that accomplish all they need to do to satisfy the reader. We quickly identify with our protagonist and in one swift motion, are left with a pinch of the heart, a chuckle, a sadness. Every now and then, we even get the same story told through the eyes of another character in the story.
I love the formatting of this book. Just like spiritual devotionals feed a soul on a daily basis, this book offers feeds the story-hungry part of the self daily. Open it up with your morning cuppa and your imagination will stir in dreamy swirls like the cream in your cup. It’s perfect for those small moments in the day when you have just a few breaths of time before diving into the next task on your To-Do list.
This book is a delightful collection of succinct stories that accomplish all they need to do to satisfy the reader. We quickly identify with our protagonist and in one swift motion, are left with a pinch of the heart, a chuckle, a sadness. Every now and then, we even get the same story told through the eyes of another character in the story.
I love the formatting of this book. Just like spiritual devotionals feed a soul on a daily basis, this book offers feeds the story-hungry part of the self daily. Open it up with your morning cuppa and your imagination will stir in dreamy swirls like the cream in your cup. It’s perfect for those small moments in the day when you have just a few breaths of time before diving into the next task on your To-Do list.
November 1, 2016
Stolen Postcards is a good title for this collection of vignettes. I have the book on my eReader and I steal time to read these stories. When I'm waiting for my tea water to boil or having a quick bite of lunch, I play in the mind of Jan Ackerson.
These stories are like soap bubbles. One by one, you watch them float off the page. You appreciate the color, shape, or movement. Then pop, they are gone, and you look for the next one. Whether whimsical, warm, chilling, or downright horrifying, each story engages.
In a world where we speed read to get through our booklist, it is refreshing to slow down and take note of telling details that provide the context for each story. Or to ruminate on what prompted the story. Sometimes the author tells you (Doctor Appreciation Day). Other times you have to guess. (My, someone must have been in a pissy mood.)
Stolen Postcards reminds us that there are stories everywhere. You might be tempted to try writing one yourself. Go ahead. Try this at home.
The publisher provided an advanced reader’s copy.
These stories are like soap bubbles. One by one, you watch them float off the page. You appreciate the color, shape, or movement. Then pop, they are gone, and you look for the next one. Whether whimsical, warm, chilling, or downright horrifying, each story engages.
In a world where we speed read to get through our booklist, it is refreshing to slow down and take note of telling details that provide the context for each story. Or to ruminate on what prompted the story. Sometimes the author tells you (Doctor Appreciation Day). Other times you have to guess. (My, someone must have been in a pissy mood.)
Stolen Postcards reminds us that there are stories everywhere. You might be tempted to try writing one yourself. Go ahead. Try this at home.
The publisher provided an advanced reader’s copy.
October 18, 2016
The stories in STOLEN POSTCARDS are Haiku-like in their brevity and elegance. Jan Ackerson’s writing is at once beautiful and spare. STOLEN POSTCARDS is a delight. Ackerson is a master of multiple genres of fiction; mystery/suspense, romance, Gothic/horror, family drama, comedy, literary fiction, and more. They're all here and expertly crafted. Buy this book.
June 10, 2025
Thoughts so far: cats are all "fat"
many stories about women being fat, 500 lbs, need to lose 60 lbs
one story about the artist = phenomenal
I'm definitely not reading these one per day
many stories about women being fat, 500 lbs, need to lose 60 lbs
one story about the artist = phenomenal
I'm definitely not reading these one per day
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews