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Mannequin Challenge: & 20 other stories you can't put down
21 short stories best described as bold, intense Americana, though one is set in Thailand. Written between 2016 and 2017, the stories display the author's mastery of the craft of short story writing - this is his sixth collection.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 22, 2021
Profound glimpses into normal people's lives and thoughts
The short collection of stories offered glimpses into the mind of normal people, both young and old. Like young Cassie who was trying to get everyone interested in the Mannequin contest of her city, ignoring the fact that Frank, another man from the same church had died at around the same time. Her thoughts at the time of the challenge were brought out very well at that time.
Or could be the story of "Their own devices", where a homeless man gives the right advice to teenagers about getting to the next level on an online Virtual Farm game.
"Your dead" was about an anime comic writer and a threat which he received about the story that he was writing. But the plot twisted in the end, making it quite unexpected.
Particularly enjoyed Bottle Game where a substitute teacher is taking a class where Cadence is studying.
Marfa Lights, the last story was a card game and took an interesting turn offering a unique insight into the author's thinking.
Wide variety of characters and very interesting short glimpses into the lives of the people. Liked it.
The short collection of stories offered glimpses into the mind of normal people, both young and old. Like young Cassie who was trying to get everyone interested in the Mannequin contest of her city, ignoring the fact that Frank, another man from the same church had died at around the same time. Her thoughts at the time of the challenge were brought out very well at that time.
Or could be the story of "Their own devices", where a homeless man gives the right advice to teenagers about getting to the next level on an online Virtual Farm game.
"Your dead" was about an anime comic writer and a threat which he received about the story that he was writing. But the plot twisted in the end, making it quite unexpected.
Particularly enjoyed Bottle Game where a substitute teacher is taking a class where Cadence is studying.
Marfa Lights, the last story was a card game and took an interesting turn offering a unique insight into the author's thinking.
Wide variety of characters and very interesting short glimpses into the lives of the people. Liked it.
September 30, 2021
A Variety of Tales
I enjoyed this collection of short stories. The main characters were diverse, as were the plots. There was something almost calming about the stories -- perhaps because they were real-life, matter-of-fact, and had no weird or shocking twists. Sometimes it seemed like there should be more to the stories.
I enjoyed this collection of short stories. The main characters were diverse, as were the plots. There was something almost calming about the stories -- perhaps because they were real-life, matter-of-fact, and had no weird or shocking twists. Sometimes it seemed like there should be more to the stories.
April 1, 2023
The Mannequin Challenge was an interesting read, each of the short stories told a tale that was completely different from the last. None had the ending I had expected, it was more like matter-of-factly. The style of the author was different from most others I've read, as he used a lot of repetition to help illustrate his points.
This was the first book of short stories I've read. It was challenging for me as I'd get invested into a character, then the story would end and I'd have to start all over again. That's on me, not the author. It would have been interesting to add a bit of fiction to the stories to give them a little more drama and suspense.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and most of the short stories.
This was the first book of short stories I've read. It was challenging for me as I'd get invested into a character, then the story would end and I'd have to start all over again. That's on me, not the author. It would have been interesting to add a bit of fiction to the stories to give them a little more drama and suspense.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and most of the short stories.
April 30, 2021
An intriguing little book of short stories; no thrillers or whodunnits or neatly- rounded endings but small slices of everyday life, situations in progress and which don’t necessarily end. We look in, we observe, we move elsewhere.
All America is here: Alaska, Baltimore, Chicago, Colorado; Hawaii, Kansas, Los Angeles, Miami; Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York; North Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, Washington; and others.
The protagonists likewise vary: children, students, a young homeless man, an engaged couple, a mother and her children; a middle-aged woman, a tennis pro, policemen, Vietnam veterans, a substitute teacher who reminded me uncomfortably of myself; and others.
Their situations: stuck in a traffic jam, a card-game on a train, a policeman spooked by past events, a discussion of ‘the sacred’ on a drive through the plains, obsessions with time and unsolved crime, deaths of dementia, relationships of any orientation; and others.
I can’t fault this author’s attention to the minutiae of the lives of ordinary people; they may not be larger-than-life heroes, but they experience both highs and lows, and they matter.
All America is here: Alaska, Baltimore, Chicago, Colorado; Hawaii, Kansas, Los Angeles, Miami; Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York; North Dakota, Texas, Oklahoma, Washington; and others.
The protagonists likewise vary: children, students, a young homeless man, an engaged couple, a mother and her children; a middle-aged woman, a tennis pro, policemen, Vietnam veterans, a substitute teacher who reminded me uncomfortably of myself; and others.
Their situations: stuck in a traffic jam, a card-game on a train, a policeman spooked by past events, a discussion of ‘the sacred’ on a drive through the plains, obsessions with time and unsolved crime, deaths of dementia, relationships of any orientation; and others.
I can’t fault this author’s attention to the minutiae of the lives of ordinary people; they may not be larger-than-life heroes, but they experience both highs and lows, and they matter.
May 24, 2022
Another set of brilliantly told short stories.
I've read two other books of short stories by this author, one based on Walmart, the other based on McDonald's. It felt different and non-restricting therefore to start this one with no fixed theme and to enjoy each and every individual story knowing that the next one would be on a completely different theme.
I know, from his novels and the history of this author that he has led an extremely varied and interesting life. Whether stories in this volume are based on his experiences around the world, or whether they are inspired by things that have happened to him, only the author knows. For us though, we get yet another volume of short stories, told brilliantly and a pleasure to read.
My favourite, and the one that will stick in my mind, was 'House Party' for one simple reason. Wales, my home country is world number 3 in recycling performance, collecting separately from each home, metal, glass, plastic, paper, food waste, nappies / diapers, compostable materials. Reading House Party took me back to pre-recycling days that now feels like decades ago, but you'll have to read the doggy story to find out why.
I've read two other books of short stories by this author, one based on Walmart, the other based on McDonald's. It felt different and non-restricting therefore to start this one with no fixed theme and to enjoy each and every individual story knowing that the next one would be on a completely different theme.
I know, from his novels and the history of this author that he has led an extremely varied and interesting life. Whether stories in this volume are based on his experiences around the world, or whether they are inspired by things that have happened to him, only the author knows. For us though, we get yet another volume of short stories, told brilliantly and a pleasure to read.
My favourite, and the one that will stick in my mind, was 'House Party' for one simple reason. Wales, my home country is world number 3 in recycling performance, collecting separately from each home, metal, glass, plastic, paper, food waste, nappies / diapers, compostable materials. Reading House Party took me back to pre-recycling days that now feels like decades ago, but you'll have to read the doggy story to find out why.
July 9, 2022
A great collection of short stories.
Each and every one of these stories sucks you right in. Each one of them could also, in their own right, be a full novel. It’s like a snippet of life as told by that one uncle at the family reunion who has a story for everything. Some of the stories left me wanting more from the story and I was rally impressed by the fullness of the characters. I absolutely recommend reading this author’s stories, they are so good!
Each and every one of these stories sucks you right in. Each one of them could also, in their own right, be a full novel. It’s like a snippet of life as told by that one uncle at the family reunion who has a story for everything. Some of the stories left me wanting more from the story and I was rally impressed by the fullness of the characters. I absolutely recommend reading this author’s stories, they are so good!
September 12, 2023
Enjoyable
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories. The author's command of the craft shines through in these bold and intense narratives, which are predominantly Americana but also offer a refreshing change with a story set in Thailand. With a sixth collection under his belt, it's clear that the author has honed his storytelling skills over the years. Four stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I thoroughly enjoyed this collection of short stories. The author's command of the craft shines through in these bold and intense narratives, which are predominantly Americana but also offer a refreshing change with a story set in Thailand. With a sixth collection under his belt, it's clear that the author has honed his storytelling skills over the years. Four stars! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 22, 2022
Great things come in small packages
This is great mix of short stories. From the town performing the mannequin challenge to the dogs helping each other get scraps from a bin. From the guy teaching a girl a card game and noticing her step dad is abusing her to the woman who has no concept of time and has a disastrous date because of it. There is something for everyone.
This is great mix of short stories. From the town performing the mannequin challenge to the dogs helping each other get scraps from a bin. From the guy teaching a girl a card game and noticing her step dad is abusing her to the woman who has no concept of time and has a disastrous date because of it. There is something for everyone.
August 17, 2023
Great things come in small packages
This is great mix of short stories. From the town performing the mannequin challenge to the dogs helping each other get scraps from a bin. From the guy teaching a girl a card game and noticing her step dad is abusing her to the woman who has no concept of time and has a disastrous date because of it. There is something for everyone.
This is great mix of short stories. From the town performing the mannequin challenge to the dogs helping each other get scraps from a bin. From the guy teaching a girl a card game and noticing her step dad is abusing her to the woman who has no concept of time and has a disastrous date because of it. There is something for everyone.
June 30, 2022
I love how this author can take slice of life stuff and turn into great story. There's all kinds of things in here, and they're all excellently done. I'm never disappointed when I read this author's works. I highly recommend it.
September 14, 2022
Love a book that has short stories. This one was a good one, and I am a fan of the author. All of the short stories have different themes, and genres. I like how they are all different, and never the same. I love when books especially short stories have diversity. Well done to the author
April 12, 2023
twenty quick read you’ll struggle to put down
twenty quick read you’ll struggle to put down
Much like Pringles except the taste sensation of all flavours spread across a single packet.
All your favourites will be there!
Yes yes I excellent read
twenty quick read you’ll struggle to put down
Much like Pringles except the taste sensation of all flavours spread across a single packet.
All your favourites will be there!
Yes yes I excellent read
May 19, 2023
Chilled out entertainment
These stories are very chilled out and totally addictive. I never knew or heard of Denver Boots or what they were before this.
All in all, the author has a knack of being able to write freely and about anything
These stories are very chilled out and totally addictive. I never knew or heard of Denver Boots or what they were before this.
All in all, the author has a knack of being able to write freely and about anything
July 22, 2023
A good selection of short stories.
I enjoyed reading these short stories. They were well written and kept my attention as I read on.
I enjoy this writers style, having already read another of his books a while ago, I decided to give this one ago, and I'm glad I did.
Five stars.
I enjoyed reading these short stories. They were well written and kept my attention as I read on.
I enjoy this writers style, having already read another of his books a while ago, I decided to give this one ago, and I'm glad I did.
Five stars.
January 10, 2024
A collection of short stories taking the reader around many states of the USA. Snippets of information or educational facts on each location was a bonus. The stories focused on everyday people and their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this and look forward to more from this gifted author.
July 24, 2023
Collection of short stories.
The author has created a well-written collection of short stories, each one keeping my attention till the end. I would recommend this great book.
The author has created a well-written collection of short stories, each one keeping my attention till the end. I would recommend this great book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews