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Ten Threads
An Idaho farmer who earns a second chance at life finds that the past has a hard time letting him go. A young girl navigates funeral-goers, family, and the unusual circumstances of her grandmother’s death in Pennsylvania. A risk-averse young man must make a bold move after stumbling into a nightmarish government biohazard. An aging alcoholic vigilante is asked to find common ground with a teenager in a secret witness protection program.
These and six more short stories grow from and intersect with 50 States, the award-winning debut anthology that surprised readers with 50 thought-provoking stories across different genres. Together, these new stories stand on their own and expand upon a growing body of work that takes place across the American landscape.
Ten Threads is a brisk 100-page companion to Richard R. Becker’s stellar debut, 50 States. It's presented as a Kindle exclusive, providing a glimpse into his next anthology and future novel.
These and six more short stories grow from and intersect with 50 States, the award-winning debut anthology that surprised readers with 50 thought-provoking stories across different genres. Together, these new stories stand on their own and expand upon a growing body of work that takes place across the American landscape.
Ten Threads is a brisk 100-page companion to Richard R. Becker’s stellar debut, 50 States. It's presented as a Kindle exclusive, providing a glimpse into his next anthology and future novel.
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 21, 2022
16 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
Richard R. Becker
4 books60 followersRichard R. Becker is an award-winning American author whose gripping stories blend resilience and moral complexity. His upcoming novel, Born on Monday (2025), promises a thrilling tale of small-town sins that will leave readers breathless.
His debut novel, Third Wheel (August 2023), soared into Amazon’s top 100 thriller and suspense literary fiction novels, earned a Kirkus Reviews feature, and won seven awards, including Literary Thriller of the Year by the Artisan International Book Excellence Awards. His debut collection, 50 States (2021), born from a challenge to write one story a week for 50 weeks, topped Amazon’s literary short story charts for three months and secured multiple honors, including first place in the Spring 2022 BookFest Awards.
Raised in Milwaukee by his grandparents after his father’s tragic death, Richard overcame poverty, club feet, and his grandmother’s cancer. These challenges infuse his work with emotional depth. After relocating to Las Vegas, he worked diverse jobs (fast food, retail paint, muralist, stage foreman, and convenience store clerk among them) to fund his education at Whittier College and the University of Nevada, Reno, where he shifted from psychology to journalism, with an emphasis in advertising.
A seasoned writer, Richard founded Copywrite, Ink., a 35-year-old communications firm, and invested 20 years of teaching at UNLV. An active community volunteer, he serves on the Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Richard enjoys acting, hiking, photography, and time with his wife and two adult children.
His debut novel, Third Wheel (August 2023), soared into Amazon’s top 100 thriller and suspense literary fiction novels, earned a Kirkus Reviews feature, and won seven awards, including Literary Thriller of the Year by the Artisan International Book Excellence Awards. His debut collection, 50 States (2021), born from a challenge to write one story a week for 50 weeks, topped Amazon’s literary short story charts for three months and secured multiple honors, including first place in the Spring 2022 BookFest Awards.
Raised in Milwaukee by his grandparents after his father’s tragic death, Richard overcame poverty, club feet, and his grandmother’s cancer. These challenges infuse his work with emotional depth. After relocating to Las Vegas, he worked diverse jobs (fast food, retail paint, muralist, stage foreman, and convenience store clerk among them) to fund his education at Whittier College and the University of Nevada, Reno, where he shifted from psychology to journalism, with an emphasis in advertising.
A seasoned writer, Richard founded Copywrite, Ink., a 35-year-old communications firm, and invested 20 years of teaching at UNLV. An active community volunteer, he serves on the Las Vegas Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. Richard enjoys acting, hiking, photography, and time with his wife and two adult children.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 29, 2022
"Ten Threads" is an interesting book written by Richard R Becker, where different stories are intertwined to create an interesting book with simple but super engaging stories. Following the author's first book 50 States, Ten Threads invites reflection on the different genres that appear in the latter.
I really enjoyed this book a lot; it was a quick read, but full of new teachings. We are not the same after reading a book and this one, without a doubt, marked me completely, that is why I encourage all readers to give it a try. I highly recommend this short but powerful book.
I really enjoyed this book a lot; it was a quick read, but full of new teachings. We are not the same after reading a book and this one, without a doubt, marked me completely, that is why I encourage all readers to give it a try. I highly recommend this short but powerful book.
June 28, 2022
Ten Threads is a collection of standalone short stories written by Richard R Becker. Although it is a standalone novel, it is a continuation of the author's debut book, "50 States," because it features specific stories and characters from it.
The first thing that stood out for me in this book was the simple and unique writing style that the author used to capture his thoughts on the pages. Similarly, the tone, word choice, sentence structure, and other details were well-carved, leading to a worthwhile read. Also, every story was fascinating, regardless of the fact that I had my best among them.
My favorite story was the one titled "Fault Lines," since it stuck and kept ringing in my head even after a series of other stories. As a result, I asked myself certain questions. Was Kathryn right about Jonathan? How did she describe a person as a "monster" and "the lowest of lowlife," while another individual saw him as a "hero."
Something struck me during this time of pressing thoughts. Indeed, at every point in time, different people will have varied opinions about us — the good, the bad, and even the ugly. As such, it is not right to swiftly write someone off because of a single unpleasant viewpoint. Arguably, this behavior was largely exhibited by Jessica, and I found it to be a lesson to embrace.
This book will appeal to readers who find short stories interesting. This is because the author beautifully combined the key elements that make up a short story, leading to an engaging piece.
It is necessary to state that I will give this book the highest rating there is. Hence, on a scale of 5, I have no choice but to rate it 5 out of 5 stars. In fact, every bibliophile should read this.
The first thing that stood out for me in this book was the simple and unique writing style that the author used to capture his thoughts on the pages. Similarly, the tone, word choice, sentence structure, and other details were well-carved, leading to a worthwhile read. Also, every story was fascinating, regardless of the fact that I had my best among them.
My favorite story was the one titled "Fault Lines," since it stuck and kept ringing in my head even after a series of other stories. As a result, I asked myself certain questions. Was Kathryn right about Jonathan? How did she describe a person as a "monster" and "the lowest of lowlife," while another individual saw him as a "hero."
Something struck me during this time of pressing thoughts. Indeed, at every point in time, different people will have varied opinions about us — the good, the bad, and even the ugly. As such, it is not right to swiftly write someone off because of a single unpleasant viewpoint. Arguably, this behavior was largely exhibited by Jessica, and I found it to be a lesson to embrace.
This book will appeal to readers who find short stories interesting. This is because the author beautifully combined the key elements that make up a short story, leading to an engaging piece.
It is necessary to state that I will give this book the highest rating there is. Hence, on a scale of 5, I have no choice but to rate it 5 out of 5 stars. In fact, every bibliophile should read this.
June 30, 2022
Remarkable shorts.
Ten Threads is a collection of short stories of different characters living or were in different locations. I loved and hated how each story is a stand-alone story. I loved it because it was short but well thought out story and characters. I didn't like that it was short because I wanted to learn more of what has happened to them. My favourite was titled “Fallen Idols”, a story I believe everyone can relate to. It has a very compelling but short story about those people who were the “it crowds” in HS but you don't know what happened to them after that. I can imagine one of my classmates as Dustin or even Jessica. I have not read the author’s other book but they say that it is somewhat connected to these stories, if so, I would want to read that one too!
Ten Threads is a collection of short stories of different characters living or were in different locations. I loved and hated how each story is a stand-alone story. I loved it because it was short but well thought out story and characters. I didn't like that it was short because I wanted to learn more of what has happened to them. My favourite was titled “Fallen Idols”, a story I believe everyone can relate to. It has a very compelling but short story about those people who were the “it crowds” in HS but you don't know what happened to them after that. I can imagine one of my classmates as Dustin or even Jessica. I have not read the author’s other book but they say that it is somewhat connected to these stories, if so, I would want to read that one too!
June 30, 2022
great companion pieces
Ten Threads by Richard R Becker is a collection of short stories about people spread across the U.S. going through the unthinkable. This is the same author as 50 States, a longer collection of short stories with settings across time and space in the United States.
I didn’t notice at first, because there were many stories in the first anthology, but a few of these are about stories from 50 States. I noticed when I got to my favorite of this collection, A Miserable Day, which follows the life of Ellie Mae in Pennsylvania in 1990. It is a touching read, covers a delicate topic, and includes great writing around complex family dynamics. I definitely recommend this author’s works!
Ten Threads by Richard R Becker is a collection of short stories about people spread across the U.S. going through the unthinkable. This is the same author as 50 States, a longer collection of short stories with settings across time and space in the United States.
I didn’t notice at first, because there were many stories in the first anthology, but a few of these are about stories from 50 States. I noticed when I got to my favorite of this collection, A Miserable Day, which follows the life of Ellie Mae in Pennsylvania in 1990. It is a touching read, covers a delicate topic, and includes great writing around complex family dynamics. I definitely recommend this author’s works!
June 30, 2022
great
“Ten threads” by Richard R Becker is an amazing assembly of various short stories that are all very unique and different in their own way. They portray very real situations that people go through in the US, but also everywhere else in the world. Sometimes, the circumstances and situations the main characters of each short story find themselves in might seem uncomfortable to read through, because they are so raw and real, but it is definitely worth it to read them all! It reminds you of all the things that might be happening in this exact moment to other people… my favorite short story was “always lost”, which takes place in Wisconsin in 1975.
All in all, I can really recommend this book! It will bring a lot of realness and entertainment with it!
“Ten threads” by Richard R Becker is an amazing assembly of various short stories that are all very unique and different in their own way. They portray very real situations that people go through in the US, but also everywhere else in the world. Sometimes, the circumstances and situations the main characters of each short story find themselves in might seem uncomfortable to read through, because they are so raw and real, but it is definitely worth it to read them all! It reminds you of all the things that might be happening in this exact moment to other people… my favorite short story was “always lost”, which takes place in Wisconsin in 1975.
All in all, I can really recommend this book! It will bring a lot of realness and entertainment with it!
June 30, 2022
A very good book!
Ten Threads is another compilation of short stories written by Richard R Becker. Although it is the sequel of 50 States, each story of this book is independent and you can read it without the need to know the previous book. However, I enjoyed seeing many of the characters again and knowing what happened to them. This made it even more interesting.
The author has a great ability to write these kinds of stories. They are well developed, characters are attractive and the plot closes perfectly. One thing I value is that the tales belong to different genres and at no time they become repetitive. Also, I think the book connects with the readers through many emotions, that is something very difficult to achieve and very good!
Ten Threads is another compilation of short stories written by Richard R Becker. Although it is the sequel of 50 States, each story of this book is independent and you can read it without the need to know the previous book. However, I enjoyed seeing many of the characters again and knowing what happened to them. This made it even more interesting.
The author has a great ability to write these kinds of stories. They are well developed, characters are attractive and the plot closes perfectly. One thing I value is that the tales belong to different genres and at no time they become repetitive. Also, I think the book connects with the readers through many emotions, that is something very difficult to achieve and very good!
June 30, 2022
I have been waiting for a compilation of stories like this one for such a long time and voilà, ten Threads showed up and it has it all. Thoroughly entertaining, the different life stories and intriguing sequences of events present in the short stories that make this book up have kept me up for quite a few nights. Becker has created strong characters who are passionate and absolutely compelling.
This book is not just a well-written entertaining concoction of stories, it's action, tears, anger, betrayal, emotions and revenge.
By combining likable characters and beautiful settings drawn in a descriptive style, the reader is drawn into a story where subtle unease turns into something genuinely disturbing.
A book like this one should definitely be on the top of the to-be-read lists.
This book is not just a well-written entertaining concoction of stories, it's action, tears, anger, betrayal, emotions and revenge.
By combining likable characters and beautiful settings drawn in a descriptive style, the reader is drawn into a story where subtle unease turns into something genuinely disturbing.
A book like this one should definitely be on the top of the to-be-read lists.
June 30, 2022
Ten Threads is a compilation of short stories written by Richard R. Becker. The book presents a fascinating mixture of genres and events that may ring a bell. The author narrates with great ability a variety of stories that are action-packed, suspenseful, moving and fascinating. A good construction and development of characters is what makes a book outstanding and this one is an excellent example of this. The narratives describe landscapes and events that span across America with exquisite details.
The writer has built ten plots and stories that portray events and circumstances that captured my attention and imagination and made me read without stopping. I really loved these stories.
The writer has built ten plots and stories that portray events and circumstances that captured my attention and imagination and made me read without stopping. I really loved these stories.
August 28, 2022
Ten Threads by Richard R. Becker is a wonderful collection of short stories. The author's writing is engaging. Every single story was captivating, well-written and with perfect pace. This is the first book I read from this author but it won't be the last. I highly recommend the book, it is worth your time for sure!
May 15, 2025
Ten Threads is a powerful, tightly woven collection of short stories that expands on the rich literary landscape introduced in Richard R. Becker’s 50 States. Each story offers a unique, poignant glimpse into the lives of diverse characters across America, ranging from an Idaho farmer haunted by his past to a teenager entangled in a secretive government program. Becker’s storytelling is sharp and evocative, capturing raw human emotion and subtle social commentary within just a few pages. With clean prose and unexpected intersections, Ten Threads is both a worthy companion to his debut and a promising preview of what's to come.
January 11, 2023
Leading where? I expected the threads (or stories) to tie together in an unexpected common conneche
I enjoyed reading each individual story. I disliked that the endings of each were unattached to what had come before.
I enjoyed reading each individual story. I disliked that the endings of each were unattached to what had come before.
December 14, 2023
Like authors writing, prefer a longer read. The stories leave me unsatisfied.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews