What do you think?
Rate this book
Everybody has a story... These are ours...
This is an alternate-cover edition for ISBN 0986221341.
Family relationships. Friendships. Finding our Place. This collection is a series of narratives exploring events, experiences and memories. Each short work, while unique, brings the reader in touch with the inner monologue of the characters bringing their reality to life. Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Daughter, Son, Wife, and Husband – this book pulls together seven independent stories into a compelling, and thought-provoking anthology. While the focus is on the women – the men in these stories provide an interesting counterpoint. Readers meet: Lexi’s mom, as she struggles to understand her daughter; Abigail, now grown, remembering her nanny Chamele and the life lessons she shared; a sister trying to forge an adult relationship with a once-adored older sibling; a woman finding beauty in a place others have forgotten; another woman finding a true understanding of what holds meaning to her; Claire, the empty-nester and her “girls night out” group with an unusual twist, and Megan – lost but not forgotten. But don’t judge a book by its cover, in each story nothing is exactly as it seems.
Family relationships. Friendships. Finding our Place. This collection is a series of narratives exploring events, experiences and memories. Each short work, while unique, brings the reader in touch with the inner monologue of the characters bringing their reality to life. Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Daughter, Son, Wife, and Husband – this book pulls together seven independent stories into a compelling, and thought-provoking anthology. While the focus is on the women – the men in these stories provide an interesting counterpoint. Readers meet: Lexi’s mom, as she struggles to understand her daughter; Abigail, now grown, remembering her nanny Chamele and the life lessons she shared; a sister trying to forge an adult relationship with a once-adored older sibling; a woman finding beauty in a place others have forgotten; another woman finding a true understanding of what holds meaning to her; Claire, the empty-nester and her “girls night out” group with an unusual twist, and Megan – lost but not forgotten. But don’t judge a book by its cover, in each story nothing is exactly as it seems.
154 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2015
184 people want to read
About the author
Audrey N. Lewis
3 books52 followersAudrey Lewis is an award-winning author, proud mother, and passionate adventurer who loves to push boundaries, take risks, and inspire others. Whether she’s climbing mountains or camping out on billboards in Times Square, she’s a dreamer and a giver who has proven time and time again that she’s not afraid to break the rules. As the author of the critically acclaimed short story collection “Everybody has a story… These are ours”, Audrey’s work has been featured in hit magazines including Short Story Town, Weird Mask Magazine, Spillwords, Active Muse, Evolving, Dissident Voice and Cephalopress.
Armed with her natural-born creativity and a deep passion for her craft, she enjoys nothing more than sharing stories and providing readers with thought-provoking new perspectives. She’s also the founder of the non-profit Families of SMA (Cure SMA) where she served as the executive director for 23 years. Audrey currently resides in Illinois, where she enjoys spending her free time growing vegetables, beekeeping, designing dream catchers, finding vintage treasures, or enjoying a good game of scrabble.
Armed with her natural-born creativity and a deep passion for her craft, she enjoys nothing more than sharing stories and providing readers with thought-provoking new perspectives. She’s also the founder of the non-profit Families of SMA (Cure SMA) where she served as the executive director for 23 years. Audrey currently resides in Illinois, where she enjoys spending her free time growing vegetables, beekeeping, designing dream catchers, finding vintage treasures, or enjoying a good game of scrabble.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 5, 2017
This book of short stories was such an interesting mix of stories. Individuals with needs and problems and to be honest very unexpected consequences. Strong women were well written in these stories. It was rich with heartfelt stories. I think Alice was one that really called out to me. These women were not what you might expect. Enjoy this read, you will see things a bit differently by the end of the stories.
Audrey Lewis writes crisply with raw emotion and cringeworthy surprises. The drawings were so beautiful. There was a set of hands that just captured my heart. I also loved her faces. She can sketch eyes that look like they are watching you read.
All through there were poems which were as diverse as the stories.
I look forward to reading the children's book. With this as a darker read, of course I want to read her lighter story.
Audrey Lewis writes crisply with raw emotion and cringeworthy surprises. The drawings were so beautiful. There was a set of hands that just captured my heart. I also loved her faces. She can sketch eyes that look like they are watching you read.
All through there were poems which were as diverse as the stories.
I look forward to reading the children's book. With this as a darker read, of course I want to read her lighter story.
January 31, 2016
Audrey Lewis is an amazingly versatile author. She has written a book of short stories that anyone can relate to, regardless of your family/relationship situation. I was enthralled with the first story in this book and knew right away that I would spend the remainder of my evening reading, reluctant to take a break.
This author has a way with words. She can find her way into your heart with her passionate writing and make you consider things from angles that you may not have done otherwise. You can tell that she cares about her craft, from the first pages of the evolving story, to the ending that leaves you feeling as if you know these people, in some cases, perhaps, that you have lived through these things yourself and can easily identify with them.
I love the way she uses dialogue to create her atmosphere. You can really feel the tension, the fear, heartbreak, happiness, everything through the way she writes. I am usually not much of a short story person, but these are too good to miss. The stories in this book match the title perfectly. These are "our" stories, because the author made sure that the audience would feel included.
I definitely recommend this book to those who are interested in family dynamics and relationships in general.
This review is based on a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This author has a way with words. She can find her way into your heart with her passionate writing and make you consider things from angles that you may not have done otherwise. You can tell that she cares about her craft, from the first pages of the evolving story, to the ending that leaves you feeling as if you know these people, in some cases, perhaps, that you have lived through these things yourself and can easily identify with them.
I love the way she uses dialogue to create her atmosphere. You can really feel the tension, the fear, heartbreak, happiness, everything through the way she writes. I am usually not much of a short story person, but these are too good to miss. The stories in this book match the title perfectly. These are "our" stories, because the author made sure that the audience would feel included.
I definitely recommend this book to those who are interested in family dynamics and relationships in general.
This review is based on a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
November 23, 2016
This is a small book of short stories and some poetry, and the stories are engaging. I'm not a person who reads poetry, but there was one poem I especially liked on page 120. At first I felt that the words that formed the stories held a lot of power, but in the end I decided it was the voice that made me want to turn the pages. The voice was crisp, clear and delivered emotion both tough and tender and more than enough to permeate my thick skin. If you read my reviews you are sure to recognize this is a different one. If you're looking for a thumbnail, you are out of luck. My advice is, buy the book you won't be disappointed and you might even learn something about yourself when you hear the voice.
July 18, 2015
So I met Audrey when she came into the bookstore. She told me she was working on getting her book published. I told her I would love to read...Then a few months later she came back with her book of short stories. Each of the short stories grabs you within the first paragraph and doesn't let you go even after it has ended. I sat there in amazement and wishing for more. The characters in each story are real and you can relate to them. The storytelling is as if Audrey is sitting there talking to you over a cup of coffee. Pick it up you will not be disappointed
August 10, 2015
Like they say-‘what’s in a name?’-It can similarly be asked-‘what’s in a successful short story?’
A short story is a collection of passing moments in life-thousands of moments that are sunk into oblivion everyday-moments that are as priceless as the drops of pearly tears-priceless as the bright sunshine like laughter.
And a short story will never ever get finished. Because it is the glimpses of the dynamic life-and life never ends-always it keeps on moving-in joy and in grief-in hope and in despair.
Full review at
https://jayasreesown.wordpress.com/20...
A short story is a collection of passing moments in life-thousands of moments that are sunk into oblivion everyday-moments that are as priceless as the drops of pearly tears-priceless as the bright sunshine like laughter.
And a short story will never ever get finished. Because it is the glimpses of the dynamic life-and life never ends-always it keeps on moving-in joy and in grief-in hope and in despair.
Full review at
https://jayasreesown.wordpress.com/20...
October 7, 2017
In this touching book of prose, the author has a way of quickly engaging the reader in the lives of the characters. Each story, through writing that is clear and compelling, brings to life a different aspect of family dynamics, relationships, or basic living.
It is refreshing to see an author able to use words to create such vivid imagery. The lives of the characters became real to me. The feelings evoked in the poetry stayed with me, giving me something to think about, long after the last page was turned. This is a book to cherish, to hold onto, to re-read again and again.
It is refreshing to see an author able to use words to create such vivid imagery. The lives of the characters became real to me. The feelings evoked in the poetry stayed with me, giving me something to think about, long after the last page was turned. This is a book to cherish, to hold onto, to re-read again and again.
August 5, 2016
Everybody has a Story…These are Ours…
By: Audrey N. Lewis
What do I look for in a book? I crave meaning and depth. I want the author to challenge my mind and make me hunger for more. In this brilliant selection of short stories the author has exceeded my expectations.
Though, each story deals with a different topic, Lewis' creative writing style made the stories appear to be seamless. Each plot seemed to flow into the next. The use of poetry/prose tween each story served to wet the reader's appetite for what was to come. No doubt, leaving you hungry for more. All the stories within the book had a central theme. What if? What if your child committed a horrific crime? What if you wanted to commit suicide? What if you were old and left to languish in a nursing home? What if your daughter disappeared? How would this affect you? What would you do? Lewis definitely challenged my mind and caused me to stop and think. What if? “The Closet” was the story that touched me the most. It deals with a troubled young girl (Lexie) who commits a heinous crime that caused the death of many. When we hear of atrocious crimes such as this we empathize with the victims and their families. We feel anger and hatred towards the perpetrator. “The Closet” tells the other side of the story. It is about a mother's love for her child. Again, here is that question,, What if? What if Lexie was your daughter? Would you, could you stop loving her? I loved this book. It challenged me to stop and think and perhaps, just perhaps, not be so quick to judge. After all, “Everybody has a story” This could be mine. What if it was yours?
By: Audrey N. Lewis
What do I look for in a book? I crave meaning and depth. I want the author to challenge my mind and make me hunger for more. In this brilliant selection of short stories the author has exceeded my expectations.
Though, each story deals with a different topic, Lewis' creative writing style made the stories appear to be seamless. Each plot seemed to flow into the next. The use of poetry/prose tween each story served to wet the reader's appetite for what was to come. No doubt, leaving you hungry for more. All the stories within the book had a central theme. What if? What if your child committed a horrific crime? What if you wanted to commit suicide? What if you were old and left to languish in a nursing home? What if your daughter disappeared? How would this affect you? What would you do? Lewis definitely challenged my mind and caused me to stop and think. What if? “The Closet” was the story that touched me the most. It deals with a troubled young girl (Lexie) who commits a heinous crime that caused the death of many. When we hear of atrocious crimes such as this we empathize with the victims and their families. We feel anger and hatred towards the perpetrator. “The Closet” tells the other side of the story. It is about a mother's love for her child. Again, here is that question,, What if? What if Lexie was your daughter? Would you, could you stop loving her? I loved this book. It challenged me to stop and think and perhaps, just perhaps, not be so quick to judge. After all, “Everybody has a story” This could be mine. What if it was yours?
December 31, 2019
Completed on:
11/09/2015
Review Rating:
4 stars.
Reviewed By Sarah Stuart for Readers’ Favorite
In Everybody Has a Story... These Are Ours... Audrey N Lewis offers seven stories of varying lengths on the theme of nobody’s life is perfect, all but one told by a female at some stage of her life. The Closet centres on a young married woman who has dreamed of having a family from early childhood and her experiences with her second child from birth onwards. Chamele’s Rules is told by a neglected youngest child in a family whose only real carer is the maid. Fading Frost concerns the damage a successful but egotistical man can inflict on the family that depends on him. The Perfect Load features a married mother visiting a frail older sister. Girls’ Night shows several women and their partners separately, enabling the reader to see both sides of their stories. Saying Goodbye is a fascinating peep into the mind of a suicidal woman, whilst the concluding If Only You Could Hear Her Sing closes the circle of life.
The circle of life is an apt description of Everybody Has a Story... These Are Ours... by Audrey N Lewis; she has shown every age with great insight. The appeal of the stories varies but, to a degree, that is inevitable, depending as it does on the personal circumstances and age of the reader. Young mothers will empathize with “Mommy” and her trials with Lexi, and pray the “terrible twos” comes to its natural end; it is as chilling as it is brilliant. Fading Frost, set in 1934, is terrifying. Girls’ Night Out has its comic moments, but a masterly twist makes the ending a surprise. Saying Goodbye… “I just called to say I love you” brought me to tears.
11/09/2015
Review Rating:
4 stars.
Reviewed By Sarah Stuart for Readers’ Favorite
In Everybody Has a Story... These Are Ours... Audrey N Lewis offers seven stories of varying lengths on the theme of nobody’s life is perfect, all but one told by a female at some stage of her life. The Closet centres on a young married woman who has dreamed of having a family from early childhood and her experiences with her second child from birth onwards. Chamele’s Rules is told by a neglected youngest child in a family whose only real carer is the maid. Fading Frost concerns the damage a successful but egotistical man can inflict on the family that depends on him. The Perfect Load features a married mother visiting a frail older sister. Girls’ Night shows several women and their partners separately, enabling the reader to see both sides of their stories. Saying Goodbye is a fascinating peep into the mind of a suicidal woman, whilst the concluding If Only You Could Hear Her Sing closes the circle of life.
The circle of life is an apt description of Everybody Has a Story... These Are Ours... by Audrey N Lewis; she has shown every age with great insight. The appeal of the stories varies but, to a degree, that is inevitable, depending as it does on the personal circumstances and age of the reader. Young mothers will empathize with “Mommy” and her trials with Lexi, and pray the “terrible twos” comes to its natural end; it is as chilling as it is brilliant. Fading Frost, set in 1934, is terrifying. Girls’ Night Out has its comic moments, but a masterly twist makes the ending a surprise. Saying Goodbye… “I just called to say I love you” brought me to tears.
September 5, 2015
This book consists of thought-provoking, raw, unique and creative material. Each story was clever, well planned and well-executed. The author is not afraid to push the limits of anguish and allow the characters to share the darkest of secrets and the worst of their suffering. These characters allow us a peek into some situations that most of us will never be so intimate with.
Each and every story has its own unique feel to it, lending a very real quality to the narrating characters. Every single word is battered with feelings and deep fried in sentiment. There is a loose smattering of small editing mistakes throughout, which instead of taking anything away from the stories, they add a feel-good quality to them and bring even more of a reality to the characters.
At the end of the book, I found what I consider to be a great idea. There are carefully crafted book club discussion points that both provoke a deeper contemplation of the stories and potentially provide the author with feedback. I was glad that addition was made and I hope I see more of that in the future.
All in all, I was taken and my interest was held captive during each story. I thought the artistic value of the book as a whole was a bold thing to leave intact through edits, and to be quite frank, I was more than pleased with the way that worked in this situation.
Each and every story has its own unique feel to it, lending a very real quality to the narrating characters. Every single word is battered with feelings and deep fried in sentiment. There is a loose smattering of small editing mistakes throughout, which instead of taking anything away from the stories, they add a feel-good quality to them and bring even more of a reality to the characters.
At the end of the book, I found what I consider to be a great idea. There are carefully crafted book club discussion points that both provoke a deeper contemplation of the stories and potentially provide the author with feedback. I was glad that addition was made and I hope I see more of that in the future.
All in all, I was taken and my interest was held captive during each story. I thought the artistic value of the book as a whole was a bold thing to leave intact through edits, and to be quite frank, I was more than pleased with the way that worked in this situation.
November 30, 2015
This author has one of those rare "ears" for the beauty in words, sentences, and ideas. "The Closet" is reminiscent of We Need to Talk About Kevin, and "Chamele's Rules" is reminiscent of The Help. My favorite story, that is, the most deeply disturbing and darkly beautiful, was "Fading Frost." It was also the most troublesome. It never held my suspension of disbelief. Both the characters' actions and complacency seemed contrived to fit the desired plot, but the plot itself was original and harrowing. Two of my favorite sentences in the book:
Between them they had 11 children, three grandchildren, five dogs, two cats, a bird and had been married 138 years.
I wonder who you complain to, or to whom you file a report, when for four days in a row the weathermen are wrong.
Between them they had 11 children, three grandchildren, five dogs, two cats, a bird and had been married 138 years.
I wonder who you complain to, or to whom you file a report, when for four days in a row the weathermen are wrong.
September 20, 2015
Review of the Short Story Chamele's Rules in the book, Everybody has a story...these are ours, by Audrey N. Lewis.
In reading Chamele's Rules, Audrey Lewis reminds us of the innocence of childhood. Like some of us, Abigail ponders the "why" question a lot. She is handed off to Chamele, the family maid, who takes Abigail under her wing and teaches life lessons about trust, happiness and finding one's true self. Abigail has moments of belonging, and other moments of fear, doubt, uncertainty, wonder, and sadness at injustices that are a part of this life. The reader is confronted with the true meaning of family who are not always those related to you by birth but often those you feel most connected to. As I read, I felt it too, and I remembered my happy places and the reasons to hold onto youthful innocence.
In reading Chamele's Rules, Audrey Lewis reminds us of the innocence of childhood. Like some of us, Abigail ponders the "why" question a lot. She is handed off to Chamele, the family maid, who takes Abigail under her wing and teaches life lessons about trust, happiness and finding one's true self. Abigail has moments of belonging, and other moments of fear, doubt, uncertainty, wonder, and sadness at injustices that are a part of this life. The reader is confronted with the true meaning of family who are not always those related to you by birth but often those you feel most connected to. As I read, I felt it too, and I remembered my happy places and the reasons to hold onto youthful innocence.
October 26, 2015
XXX I received a pdf of this book of short stories from Audrey Lewis in exchange for a review. Thank you, Ms. Lewis, for sharing your work with me!
Several of the stories in these tales are mind blowing. That said, I could not put them down. I adored Chamele's Rules, Girls Night, and If Only You Could Hear Her Sing. I found Fading Frost disturbing. So many years of nothing. I would not un-read it, even if I could, but I wished for a happier conclusion. The Closet brought to mind a new story by Joy Williams called Brass. Saying Goodbye had a special conclusion. These are stories I will keep, to read again on a gloomy day, or when I am having trouble being grateful for what I am blessed with.
The illustrations and poetry are an added plus that makes this book really special.
Please read this book. You will be glad you did.
Several of the stories in these tales are mind blowing. That said, I could not put them down. I adored Chamele's Rules, Girls Night, and If Only You Could Hear Her Sing. I found Fading Frost disturbing. So many years of nothing. I would not un-read it, even if I could, but I wished for a happier conclusion. The Closet brought to mind a new story by Joy Williams called Brass. Saying Goodbye had a special conclusion. These are stories I will keep, to read again on a gloomy day, or when I am having trouble being grateful for what I am blessed with.
The illustrations and poetry are an added plus that makes this book really special.
Please read this book. You will be glad you did.
March 16, 2016
Audrey n Lewis is a writer unlike any I have read before. Her series of short stories in Everybody has a story... These are ours... are gripping, poignant, raw, and sometimes dark. My favourite is definitely Saying Goodbye. It teaches us to appreciate every moment and make memories all the time rather than when we have time. I truly love Audrey Lewis's writing style, I love the flow and the depth to which her descriptions and world building can reach in and stir memories or create atmospheres. While there is some violence and sexually graphic scenes, the arc of the story is never lost in these.
A truly wonderful book, with many heart-wrenching and touching moments that really make you think. I can't wait to read more from Audrey N Lewis.
I was gifted a copy for an honest review, but my opinons are my own.
A truly wonderful book, with many heart-wrenching and touching moments that really make you think. I can't wait to read more from Audrey N Lewis.
I was gifted a copy for an honest review, but my opinons are my own.
September 4, 2015
This book is a fascinating look into the lives and experiences of a variety of women. At moments the book can be uncomfortable, but because it makes you think. Several of the stories left me wanting to know what happens next, to me that is the mark of a great short story. I think this would be a great read for book groups.
October 8, 2015
Who doesn't love short stories, I love them. If you want a quick read this is the book for you. You can probably relate to these stories in some way. Audrey Lewis is a great writer/author/storyteller.
http://www.amazon.com/Everybody-has-s...
http://www.amazon.com/Everybody-has-s...
December 13, 2015
The short stories contained within are immersive and unique. In particular the first of the stories was incredibly captivating and realistic. The "Girls Night" story while very interesting, left some questions unanswered at the end for me. Overall I highly enjoyed this read and I found each story to be unique and engaging.
I received this book as a part of the Goodread Giveaways
I received this book as a part of the Goodread Giveaways
July 5, 2015
Stories. Everyday as we go through our lives we encounter many people. As this collection is titled, every person has a story.Some stories are written onto pages. Audrey Lewis introduces us to these people and then writes their stories onto our hearts.
October 18, 2015
I got this book for free in a drawing from Goodreads giveaways.
It's nice to sometimes read short stories for a change. All these stories keep you interested and wondering until the end. I really thought the ending of Fading Frost was outstanding.
It's nice to sometimes read short stories for a change. All these stories keep you interested and wondering until the end. I really thought the ending of Fading Frost was outstanding.
July 24, 2015
The stories caught your interest immediately and kept the reader interested throughout each story with the unexpected plot lines.
December 1, 2015
Won this book through Goodreads. Loved this book. Such an enjoyable read.
October 30, 2020
Enclosed in this book are stories that give you a peek into their lives. These people are learning to handle new situations in their live. You will learn much about the story behind the actions. You'll have a bigger picture to view. You will soon see, some of the stories might be familiar.
I love this book. It's well written and has wonderful characters. Each story tugs at your heart, so tissues are advised. I felt as if I knew these people personally. When reading the stories they hit home. I recommend this book for everyone. Add it to your TBR pile! Ms. Lewis crafts a terrific book. I would love to read more of her work.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it is a spectacular read. copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
I love this book. It's well written and has wonderful characters. Each story tugs at your heart, so tissues are advised. I felt as if I knew these people personally. When reading the stories they hit home. I recommend this book for everyone. Add it to your TBR pile! Ms. Lewis crafts a terrific book. I would love to read more of her work.
I found no issues.
I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it is a spectacular read. copy of book provided by author and I voluntarily reviewed it.
November 3, 2017
I really enjoyed Audrey's collection of stories. After reading a couple of the stories I thought they may be some what autobiographical, but I am assured they aren't. My favorite story is "If Only You Could Hear Her Sing" which happens to be the final story in the collection. I love quirky characters and there were a smattering of them in this short tale. My favorite lines were..."This reaction made me somewhat embarrassed to be a member of the human race. Was there no dignity or pride? Had it really all just come down to egotism?" I feel these lines are poignant in our recklessly self involved world
January 19, 2021
I was blown away by these short stories. I'm usually not one to be drawn in by them but the quality of the writing was better than I imagined! The closet was my favourite and i did not see the ending coming! Cannot wait to find more from this author!
Brilliant and complex, the stories weave a decadent tales that will have you gripped. The imagination that went into these stories is a cut above and I can't recommend this book more.
Brilliant and complex, the stories weave a decadent tales that will have you gripped. The imagination that went into these stories is a cut above and I can't recommend this book more.
January 5, 2016
Everybody does have a story.
"The Closet" was nothing but an ode to motherhood, relaying a tale of one woman's quest for a big family and endurances of raising children. Oh, brother.
I guess this is a collection of works--some are stories and others are some type of poetry. In all honesty, they weren't very interesting to read.
"The Closet" was nothing but an ode to motherhood, relaying a tale of one woman's quest for a big family and endurances of raising children. Oh, brother.
I guess this is a collection of works--some are stories and others are some type of poetry. In all honesty, they weren't very interesting to read.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews