BEYOND: Tales of the Afterlife

by James Flanigan, Linda Dulleba (Illustrator), Joanne Freeman (Editor)

This book won an award as Finalist in the 2021 Readers' Favorite Award Contest in the category of Tall Tales.If you have ever considered what happens after this life, then this collection of short stories should interest you. All 16 original stories are told with a touch of humor and barroom philosophy. They include stories set in the past, present, and imagined future. Here are the titles and topics for each Tale #1 - Doggone - What if God isn't human? Tale #2 - A Monkee to Die For - A pop star and a deal with the devil Tale #3 - Ashalation - Things to do with cremated ashes Tale #4 - Swimming to Eternity - Penance in the afterlife Tale #5 - A Magical Life - A quasi-unicorn inspires a free spirit Tale #6 - After the Afterlife - What happens after the afterlife? Tale #7 - Return to Sender - Mobsters and the Rapture Tale #8 - Ask God Anything - God on a game show Tale #9 - Till Death ... - Dating in the afterlife Tale #10 - Save Yourself - Prosperity Gospel preachers Tale #11 - A Sorry State - Apologies Tale #12 - In Memoriam - Memories Tale #13 - ALEs Well That Ends Well - Visiting the afterlife Tale #14 - Project Astral Projection - Astral projection Tale #15 - Writing a Wrong - Writing as penance Tale #16 - Parable of the Grapes - A nose and grapes in a dystopian world This collection of stories may be considered by some as heretical or blasphemous. However, they are simply stories written to give the reader a chuckle and stimulate contemplative thought about the ultimate destination for us all. The hope is that readers can find a story or two to do just that.Here's the professional review from Readers' Favorite." Tales of the Afterlife by James J Flanigan is a slightly morbid collection of fiction short stories with a dash of humor. Every one of us has wondered at least once what happens after death. This book will be the right fit for those interested in the afterlife. All sixteen original stories are a perfect blend of dark humor and barroom philosophy. They include stories from the past, present, and possible future. From seeing a very different form of God to a deal with a rebel angel, this collection has everything you could want. Written to make its readers laugh and think about life's ultimate destination, this book is bound to blow your mind!James J Flanigan hit the ball out of the park with his collection of short stories. I love how James vividly described each scene, allowing me to properly understand what the character is facing and what he is feeling. Each sentence within these tales advances the plot and serves a purpose. James has interesting concepts for each short story, for example, 'Doggone.' My favorite short story would have to be 'A pop star and a deal with the devil,' seeing as I find it ironic that little things can make humans drastically want to end their lives. Each story made me laugh, just as it has made me rethink my perception of life after death. Tales of the Afterlife definitely doesn't hold any punches back, and it's a book not to be missed!"

219 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2020

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a group of unexpected jewels of short stories. They are humorous, thoughtful, and filled with LOTS of surprising twists, references, and emotions. I got so caught up in each story I rushed to the end, now I plan to read them again more slowly and treasure the humanity in each story. A great read!