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Comes This Time To Float: 19 Short Stories by Stephen Geez
Prepare to think as you explore these wildly disparate literary short stories by author, composer, and producer Stephen Geez. Avoiding any single genre, this collection showcases Geez's storytelling from southern gothic to contemporary drama to coming-of-age, humor, sci-fi, and fantasy--all finessed to say something about who we are and what we seek. Some of these have been passed around enough to need a shot of penicillin, others so virgin they have never known the seductive gaze of a reader's eyes. So when life's currents get to pulling too hard, don't fight it, just open the book and discover nineteen new ways of going with the flow, because NOW more than ever Comes this Time to Float.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2020
2 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Geez
18 books44 followersUndergraduate and Graduate degrees from the University of Michigan. Stephen has worked as a composer, editor, producer, publisher, and a writer. Major influences include the natural world, life experiences, and the works of the great literary masters.
Stephen's works include Dance of the Lights (a story of loss, grief, and renewal), What Sara Saw (an odyssey of discovery), Zhasou Pure (a moving sci-fi story), Papala Skies (about a young woman's search for herself), and Been There, Noted That (a collection of new and favorite essays). Stephen is a proud member of the Fresh Ink Group!
Stephen's works include Dance of the Lights (a story of loss, grief, and renewal), What Sara Saw (an odyssey of discovery), Zhasou Pure (a moving sci-fi story), Papala Skies (about a young woman's search for herself), and Been There, Noted That (a collection of new and favorite essays). Stephen is a proud member of the Fresh Ink Group!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 18, 2022
'Comes This Time To Float' is a wonderful & enchanting book of short stories that can really take your breath away. With unique plots, excellent narration skills & timeless words of experience from a skilled author who knows his craft, Stephen Geez creates magic in words. The book consists of 19 short stories from practically almost all genres which can be appealing to any earnest reader of good fiction. From the science fiction 'Vapor Girl' to the fantasy narrative 'The Age-Eater', from the easy going humorous 'Kitty Makes Three' to the literary fiction number 'Comes This Time To Float', from the memoir fiction tale 'Bus, Boy' to comedy number 'Family Treed'., all the short stories are excellent reads perfect for a cold weekend at home on your favorite couch with a cup of hot coffee by your side. The book's stories have a soul which is plainly seen even in the fantasy & science fiction tales. The love stories like 'Half-way House' & 'Blind Is Love' are tender & told with the sensitivity of a really empathetic writer in the field. The story of the jail mates in 'Band Call Out' who love jamming together is one such story which can make any lover of liberty feel compassionate. Every story brings out an aspect of Stephen Geez's life, literary career & value system that just shines out beautifully like a pole star in the vast sky of great indie-fiction. Geez is an author therefore whom you can trust to give you quality short fiction everytime you turn the page of this book, especially in those stories like the first 5 in this collection with double or even triple plot twists. The stories begin with an introductory background of how & when they were conceived & then included in this marvelous collection. Pictures & photographs chronicle every story making the characters & their adventures stick in the minds of the reader. The book is a breeze to read & perfect for all those who love American literary fiction. The book is great for gifting to readers of all ages & is excellent as a teaching tool in English Literature graduate, undergraduate & high-school classes. The thing about the all-rounder Stephen Geez is that he through his stories likes to share what it means to be truly human at the core of one's being which makes the reader feel really good at the end of every short story. My favorites in this collection were 'Tailwind' about best-friend pilots & 'About Face' which was a fantasy moralistic fable which took me by surprise. I also appreciated 'Side-kick', a tale of a young superhero & his accomplice, which was the first the very first story in this awesome collection with a smart twist in the tale which grabbed hold of me & kept me engrossed for the rest of the short story collection. 'Comes This Time To Float' is about relationships, losing, winning & sometimes just being there taking in the beauty of what it means to be human as one floats on the surface of the turbulent waters of a very chaotic world. Grab your copy of this short story collection today & enjoy the swim! Kudos to Stephen Geez on a job well done. Happy Reading to you always!
January 2, 2023
Comes This Time to Float is a collection of short stories. The author has prefaced them with pictures and snippets of information and the range of genres is surprising and extensive. What links them is a lyrical prose and eye for detail that imbues the narrative with depth and emotion.
The ‘voice’ changes and one of them was trickier for me to follow because of an unfamiliar dialect, but the human relationships and authenticity ring out and strike home.
The author describes the sky as ‘patches of green and grey dimmed to the purple bruise of dusk’ and one of his characters (a florist) is ‘determined to coax the bloom of happiness from a life ground to dirt’.
I never knew what to expect from one tale to another but I can honestly say that I enjoyed each of them. If I had to pick a favourite it would be the futuristic Vapor Girl.
I will look out for other books by this author.
The ‘voice’ changes and one of them was trickier for me to follow because of an unfamiliar dialect, but the human relationships and authenticity ring out and strike home.
The author describes the sky as ‘patches of green and grey dimmed to the purple bruise of dusk’ and one of his characters (a florist) is ‘determined to coax the bloom of happiness from a life ground to dirt’.
I never knew what to expect from one tale to another but I can honestly say that I enjoyed each of them. If I had to pick a favourite it would be the futuristic Vapor Girl.
I will look out for other books by this author.
May 9, 2023
This is the first book of short stories I’ve read from this author, and I was impressed. The quality of the writing is excellent, and the 19 stories in this generous collection cover a variety of genres including a bit of speculative fiction. I was swept away by the many heartwarming tales of friendship, love, and loss. A number of the stories have a “slice of life” feel to them, reminiscent of flash fiction, a style that I enjoy.
I had a lot of favorites in this book including:
Sidekick – an amazing tale about the power of friendship between two boys
Veneer – a story about two people who discover the truth about each other.
Lunatic – beautiful writing about an unusual being and a little boy
Halfway House – a tender story about second chances, full of twists
Vapor Girl – a wistful sci-fi love story with amazing descriptions
Ready for Company – a sci-fi tear-jerker
Kitty Makes Three – another love story. Sigh
Tailwind – a story about the friendship between two old men.
Need I say more? Obviously, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of short stories and beautiful writing and to readers who want to be moved by some memorable stories.
I had a lot of favorites in this book including:
Sidekick – an amazing tale about the power of friendship between two boys
Veneer – a story about two people who discover the truth about each other.
Lunatic – beautiful writing about an unusual being and a little boy
Halfway House – a tender story about second chances, full of twists
Vapor Girl – a wistful sci-fi love story with amazing descriptions
Ready for Company – a sci-fi tear-jerker
Kitty Makes Three – another love story. Sigh
Tailwind – a story about the friendship between two old men.
Need I say more? Obviously, I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to fans of short stories and beautiful writing and to readers who want to be moved by some memorable stories.
December 31, 2023
This collection is an intriguing and varied one. No two stories are remotely the same and they are all equally engaging. The author starts each story with an appropriate picture and a short commentary about what inspired the story or what he intended to achieve with the story. I found that helpful and it put me in the correct frame of mind, as a reader, for each piece.
Four of the stories stand out in my mind as I contemplate this collection. Those four are as follows:
About Face - This is a story about a young man who wakes up one morning with someone else's face. He soon comes to know that his altered identity is only for a period of three days. I enjoyed the psychology of this story as the main character goes from complete disbelief and horror to making use of his 'new identity' to benefit himself from a work perspective. His 'disguise' is so complete that the young man decides to make the most of the short period during which he isn't identifiable and set straight a wrong from the past. This decision has unintended and surprising consequences for the young man. It also sets in motion some interesting thoughts for the reader.
Holler Song - Retta and Lurlene are elderly and poor. The pair have cared for Lurlene's brain damaged granddaughter, Cammie, for nearly twenty five years and are dependent on the benefits they receive for Cammie's care. They are expecting a desperately needed lump sum payment on the girl's forthcoming birthday. An unexpected event changes their circumstances and they are left facing destitution. Quick thinking by Retta, and tacit capitulation and compliance from a young woman who is on the run from her abusive boyfriend, help to save the situation for all parties.
Bus, Boy - This was my favourite story in the collection. A young delinquent, Andre, is forced to get a job as a busboy as part of his suspended jail sentence. Andre is against the job, believing it is demeaning to him and that he will be an object of ridicule by the community. Andre's attitude and understanding of the world undergo a huge overhaul as he gets to know a bit about the circumstances and lives of the waitresses and other staff working with him in the restaurant. He is also surprised by the treatment he receives from people in the community who know him.
The Age-Eater - This is a fantasy short story which made it unique from the other stories in the collection. A Face-Changer is assigned the task of tracking down the mythical Age-Eater on behalf of the Master of his village. The Master's intentions are good as he would merely like to gift some of his elders a longer and better life. The Face-Changer's interactions with the Age-Eater bring about a partnership that goes on to make the world a better place for many years to come.
The stories all require attention from the reader. It is not the sort of book you can semi-snooze through or you won't follow the storylines which are fairly complex. The author's style of writing and use of colloquial language also means you have to pay attention. It is worth it as the stories are fascinating and thought provoking.
Four of the stories stand out in my mind as I contemplate this collection. Those four are as follows:
About Face - This is a story about a young man who wakes up one morning with someone else's face. He soon comes to know that his altered identity is only for a period of three days. I enjoyed the psychology of this story as the main character goes from complete disbelief and horror to making use of his 'new identity' to benefit himself from a work perspective. His 'disguise' is so complete that the young man decides to make the most of the short period during which he isn't identifiable and set straight a wrong from the past. This decision has unintended and surprising consequences for the young man. It also sets in motion some interesting thoughts for the reader.
Holler Song - Retta and Lurlene are elderly and poor. The pair have cared for Lurlene's brain damaged granddaughter, Cammie, for nearly twenty five years and are dependent on the benefits they receive for Cammie's care. They are expecting a desperately needed lump sum payment on the girl's forthcoming birthday. An unexpected event changes their circumstances and they are left facing destitution. Quick thinking by Retta, and tacit capitulation and compliance from a young woman who is on the run from her abusive boyfriend, help to save the situation for all parties.
Bus, Boy - This was my favourite story in the collection. A young delinquent, Andre, is forced to get a job as a busboy as part of his suspended jail sentence. Andre is against the job, believing it is demeaning to him and that he will be an object of ridicule by the community. Andre's attitude and understanding of the world undergo a huge overhaul as he gets to know a bit about the circumstances and lives of the waitresses and other staff working with him in the restaurant. He is also surprised by the treatment he receives from people in the community who know him.
The Age-Eater - This is a fantasy short story which made it unique from the other stories in the collection. A Face-Changer is assigned the task of tracking down the mythical Age-Eater on behalf of the Master of his village. The Master's intentions are good as he would merely like to gift some of his elders a longer and better life. The Face-Changer's interactions with the Age-Eater bring about a partnership that goes on to make the world a better place for many years to come.
The stories all require attention from the reader. It is not the sort of book you can semi-snooze through or you won't follow the storylines which are fairly complex. The author's style of writing and use of colloquial language also means you have to pay attention. It is worth it as the stories are fascinating and thought provoking.
June 4, 2022
This is a collection that touches hearts, brings old memories to the surface and provides thought provoking moments. Enhanced by images and individually introduced by the author, creating anticipation for the enjoyment to come.
Stephen Geez has a rich writing style that treats the reader to a beautifully detailed narrative bringing the settings of the stories and their characters into focus.
“Magician’s-box swords of sharp sunlight stab the gloom. Leaves turn and reach. An urgent rivulet slaps rocks. Water falls”.
‘The vapors would rise strong and true on this rare night when neither of the two moons dared show a shiny face to warn the emboldened tingle-winds back into the chasm where they bide.’
From the first story, about an unlikely sidekick of a superhero, to the poignancy of a red tractor in the middle of a field, the author ensures that you are fully engaged and ready to believe his characters have something to share that will reflect something in your own life.This makes the stories personal and relateable as we feel the loss, joy, love and the humour within them.
It is tough to suggest particular favourites, but Sidekick, Holler Song, Blind is Love, The Age-Eater and Time and Space touched me deeply.
Highly recommended as a collection of stunningly created vignettes about the human condition.
Stephen Geez has a rich writing style that treats the reader to a beautifully detailed narrative bringing the settings of the stories and their characters into focus.
“Magician’s-box swords of sharp sunlight stab the gloom. Leaves turn and reach. An urgent rivulet slaps rocks. Water falls”.
‘The vapors would rise strong and true on this rare night when neither of the two moons dared show a shiny face to warn the emboldened tingle-winds back into the chasm where they bide.’
From the first story, about an unlikely sidekick of a superhero, to the poignancy of a red tractor in the middle of a field, the author ensures that you are fully engaged and ready to believe his characters have something to share that will reflect something in your own life.This makes the stories personal and relateable as we feel the loss, joy, love and the humour within them.
It is tough to suggest particular favourites, but Sidekick, Holler Song, Blind is Love, The Age-Eater and Time and Space touched me deeply.
Highly recommended as a collection of stunningly created vignettes about the human condition.
September 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this diverse collection of nineteen short stories by Stephen Geez, who is an exceptional writer and storyteller. Each story is unique, written in a style appropriate to the characters and setting, and has an important message. The genres are varied; science fiction, coming of age, fantasy, humor, and contemporary drama. I was truly impressed by Mr. Geez’s versatility. I loved that each story has a short introduction with its inspiration and history. Despite the genre, the stories all conveyed a very human message. Geez skillfully uses allegories, personification, humor, wit, whimsy, and drama to enhance his stories and bring them to life.
Although they are all wonderful stories, three of my favorites were Veneer, Comes this Time to Float, and The Age-Eater. Having grown up in the south, I have seen thinly disguised prejudice under the surface of some so-called refined or rich folks. Veneer has a powerful message I have witnessed firsthand. There are people who make judgements or assumptions based on skin color and social class. Comes this Time to Float is an allegorical metaphor. It was so moving and powerful. The Age-Eater speaks to how our attitude can influence how well we feel. I don’t want to give the details away, because they are captivating stores that need to be experienced.
I highly recommend this wonderful collection of stories.
Although they are all wonderful stories, three of my favorites were Veneer, Comes this Time to Float, and The Age-Eater. Having grown up in the south, I have seen thinly disguised prejudice under the surface of some so-called refined or rich folks. Veneer has a powerful message I have witnessed firsthand. There are people who make judgements or assumptions based on skin color and social class. Comes this Time to Float is an allegorical metaphor. It was so moving and powerful. The Age-Eater speaks to how our attitude can influence how well we feel. I don’t want to give the details away, because they are captivating stores that need to be experienced.
I highly recommend this wonderful collection of stories.
March 18, 2020
Author Stephen Geez possesses a talent for crafting tales that draw readers into the unique and vivid worlds he creates. This collection of 19 short stories offers a smorgasbord of genres, characters, lives, and situations with which everyday people can and will identify. From the very first story to the last, Geez has a way of keeping the reader enthralled and entertained.
“Halfway House” tells a sad tale of loss and the search for redemption. “Vapor Girl” is trippy and far out, and one that will surely remain with you. “Family Treed” sprinkles the weird and humorous on this wonderful word salad. “Tailwind” is a thoughtful piece about a pair of aging friends in the latter stages of life. “The Age Eater” carries a note of science fiction and a hint of creepy. But my favorite is a story entitled “Holler Song”. This story harkens to the Ozark Mountains of Daniel Woodrell’s modern classic Winter’s Bone, where poor people caught up in impossible circumstances will do whatever it takes just to survive the lives handed to them.
There isn’t a bad story in the entire collect. Stephen Geez has been a favorite of mine since I first read his novel What Sara Saw many years ago. If you’re a reader with a keen eye for the literary, this is one you’ll want on your bookshelf.
“Halfway House” tells a sad tale of loss and the search for redemption. “Vapor Girl” is trippy and far out, and one that will surely remain with you. “Family Treed” sprinkles the weird and humorous on this wonderful word salad. “Tailwind” is a thoughtful piece about a pair of aging friends in the latter stages of life. “The Age Eater” carries a note of science fiction and a hint of creepy. But my favorite is a story entitled “Holler Song”. This story harkens to the Ozark Mountains of Daniel Woodrell’s modern classic Winter’s Bone, where poor people caught up in impossible circumstances will do whatever it takes just to survive the lives handed to them.
There isn’t a bad story in the entire collect. Stephen Geez has been a favorite of mine since I first read his novel What Sara Saw many years ago. If you’re a reader with a keen eye for the literary, this is one you’ll want on your bookshelf.
August 23, 2021
“Comes This Time to Float” is an impressive collection of short stories that cover many genres. I enjoyed all of them, but “Vapor Girl,” “Comes Time to Float,” and “Age Eater” were some of the very favorites that I know will stick with me for a while. Each fictional piece had a common thread of attention to detail and emotions that drew me in. Before each story, Mr. Geez shared why he wrote or the history behind each one, which was fun to know. There was also an accompanying picture that added to my reading pleasure. There's a lot of heart inside the 19 short tales, which I really felt in “Veneer,” but humor, intriguing insight, and variety were also woven in. It’s a wonderful read where each piece offers something different. A well-written collection that I can easily recommend.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews