People Like Frank and Other Stories from the Edge of Normal

by Jenn Ashton

A young woman in a group home investigates a mysterious piece of knitting. An obsessed bag boy does grim battle with a squirrel. A woman, an asparagus bag and a garbageman have a tumultuous short-term relationship.

In the tradition of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, Room and If I Fall, If I Die, this uplifting collection explores the world through the eyes of protagonists whose perspectives are informed by their unique circumstances.
Some are struggling with physical challenges while others seek to overcome psychological barriers.

Far from being defined by their limitations, these characters revel in achievements others take for granted and find wonder in unexpected places. By celebrating the private triumphs of people who are all too often dismissed, Ashton reminds us all of our own humanity.

Genres: Short Stories

188 pages, ebook

Published October 15, 2020

About the author

Jenn Ashton is an award-winning author and visual artist living in North Vancouver, B.C. She is the author of the prize-winning "Siamelaht" in British Columbia History in 2019.

She is a Director on the Board of the Federation of British Columbia Writers (Hiatus), is a member of the Indigenous Editors Association and her latest book: People Like Frank and Other Stories from the Edge of Normal (Tidewater 2020) has just been shortlisted for the Indigenous Voices Award for Fiction 2021.

Jenn has also just completed a year as a Teaching Assistant in the Simon Fraser University's Writer's Studio and is now studying at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Professional Education after winning the 2020 Jackson Mooney Grant from The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, Canada.

She is currently working on numerous projects including a book about the history of her family in the lower mainland and is the 2021 Writer in Residence at The British Columbia History Magazine.

Reviews

[Wayde Compton · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final story is especially excellent.

[Forrest Orser]

It seems to be her first book, a collection of short stories. They are good. She knows a lot about health care and she writes about, amongst other things, how people struggle and usually overcome their illnesses. “Pee” is about a woman who has had a stroke and who lives at home alone. It’s morning and her caregiver is late. But the woman needs to urinate. The story is about her struggle to get to the bathroom despite having only partial control of her body. It’s a good story; you root for her. She does get into the flush. And she feels victorious.
I read the book because of a review by James M. Fisher in The Miramichi Reader ( miramichireader.ca/ ). He was pleased with the book’s “optimism.” That sounded good to me. And I was pleased too.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this collection of stories about ordinary and often overlooked people: a differently-abled woman who delights in finding odd objects in donation boxes, a wife caring for a spouse with dementia, a stroke victim struggling with mobility. The stories are fresh, honest, and a delight to read.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving, witty, gritty and real. People Like Frank and Other Stories from the Edge of Normal will delight and surprise you. The characters are familiar, relatable, and move you to be curious about the humans that you meet. The short stories thread a common stitch of empathy to those with physical and mental health challenges. Put the kettle on, it's a perfect pairing with a nice cuppa tea.

[Harmony Balizet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtfully written, People Like Frank delves into difficult topics with humour and understanding. The stories range from outright hilarious to poignant and emotionally evocative.
As someone who works in Healthcare this book touched my heart both in its honesty and humour, but also in its gentle observations of marginalized people. This should be required reading for anyone in Healthcare.

[Numberbox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Striking collection. Had me won over by the first story “Nest”.
Captured two short stories on dementia: “Sundiwn” and the title story “People Like Frank”. Beautiful contributions.
Curious about the author, who seems to have many talents.

[Taylor Siskind · Rating 1 out of 5]

Why is this getting so many good reviews? It's quite boring, and I didn't find much meaning or "poetry" to the stories.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a lovely engaging book of short stories. I thoroughly enjoyed the offbeat and quirkiness of these stories. In many cases after a brief description of a character I was drawn into their ethos.

[Debbie Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 57-year-old who decides to pose naked for artists in a foreign country. A stroke victim's heroic struggle to reach the toilet. A homeowner's ongoing battle with an infestation of squirrels. The little stories in People Like Frank are populated by quirky individuals I'd love to meet. Always interesting, sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes hilarious, sometimes unsettling--these stories feel as welcome as gossip from a kindly grandmother who loves everyone equally. A fun and moving book that somehow managed to remind me the world is good after all.