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Devour That Spaghetti
These 23 short stories cover a range of topics and are set in various places around the United States. Stories that are included are Devour That Spaghetti, Like a Comet, Oscar and Roscoe, Sands of Time, Best of Indie, Death of Marcus, Emerson and the Voice, Finders Keepers, Ghost, Tule Fog, Amateur Night, Tunnel Vision, Transmountain Cowboy, A Mover and a Shaker, Mountain Roads, The Barrel, Wheelies, Believe, He Barked, Sloshed, Between the Lines, Shut-eye, and The Long Shift. All were written between 2020 and 2022, and reflect a time when the author lived in the mountains of southern New Mexico, but moved back to Illinois. This is his tenth volume of short stories, and they are certain to be considered classics as many of the ones in his early volumes are.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 5, 2025
If you enjoy a good short story, "Devour That Spaghetti: and 22 Other Short Stories" by Thomas Leverett is bound to please.
This eclectic collection offers a wide-ranging assortment of tales that are all over the place—in the best way—when it comes to characters, situations, and narrative styles. Leverett doesn’t confine himself to a single genre or tone, which keeps the reading experience fresh and unpredictable.
Beyond the quirky but heartwarming title story, I found several others especially compelling. “Amateur Night,” which captures the chaos of a brawl in an Irish bar on St. Patrick’s Day, and “The Barrel,” about honeymooners at Niagara Falls, both stood out for their vivid detail and emotional punch.
Many other stories are enjoyable too, thanks to Leverett’s knack for grabbing the reader’s attention and quickly immersing them in each new world. His prose is brisk and engaging, often building tension or curiosity within just a few paragraphs. That said, not every story hits the mark. A few suffer from underdeveloped characters or rushed, implausible plotlines.
The author frequently uses surprise twists—some are clever, others far-fetched. He seems to often be aiming for an O. Henry-style punch, but that kind of twist requires careful setup and payoff, which isn’t always convincingly delivered.
Still, the collection is a satisfying read. Leverett’s willingness to experiment with tone and structure makes for an engaging mix, and even the less successful stories contribute to the book’s charm. Whether you're after humor, suspense, or emotional depth, there’s likely something here to suit your taste. Devour That Spaghetti is a lively and enjoyable collection, sure to provide a few pleasant—and occasionally thought-provoking—hours.
This eclectic collection offers a wide-ranging assortment of tales that are all over the place—in the best way—when it comes to characters, situations, and narrative styles. Leverett doesn’t confine himself to a single genre or tone, which keeps the reading experience fresh and unpredictable.
Beyond the quirky but heartwarming title story, I found several others especially compelling. “Amateur Night,” which captures the chaos of a brawl in an Irish bar on St. Patrick’s Day, and “The Barrel,” about honeymooners at Niagara Falls, both stood out for their vivid detail and emotional punch.
Many other stories are enjoyable too, thanks to Leverett’s knack for grabbing the reader’s attention and quickly immersing them in each new world. His prose is brisk and engaging, often building tension or curiosity within just a few paragraphs. That said, not every story hits the mark. A few suffer from underdeveloped characters or rushed, implausible plotlines.
The author frequently uses surprise twists—some are clever, others far-fetched. He seems to often be aiming for an O. Henry-style punch, but that kind of twist requires careful setup and payoff, which isn’t always convincingly delivered.
Still, the collection is a satisfying read. Leverett’s willingness to experiment with tone and structure makes for an engaging mix, and even the less successful stories contribute to the book’s charm. Whether you're after humor, suspense, or emotional depth, there’s likely something here to suit your taste. Devour That Spaghetti is a lively and enjoyable collection, sure to provide a few pleasant—and occasionally thought-provoking—hours.
October 5, 2022
Another little volume of short stories from author Thomas Leverett, incidents and observations from the lives of ordinary people living around the USA. These aren’t great happenings, nor are they comprehensive stories with a satisfying beginning, middle and end, because real life’s not like that. Rather they are slices of life, as experienced by the various narrators, including the author himself, things that happen every day, even though they aren’t everyday happenings—if that makes any sense—and which may be newsworthy, although they don’t always make it into the news.
Thus we have the man whose zest for life is demonstrated through his consumption of spaghetti, his appetite for it waxing and waning along with his fortunes; the girl, fleeing a threat, whose fate is ultimately decided by a comet; the gravediggers who are good neighbours to somebody who was a bad one to them some years ago. There are truckers affected by a death, a hero who attributes his act to the guidance of God, phoney FBI officers, ghosts in a house and in the hills over El Paso, as well as a bar brawl and so many more.
And then there’s my favourite, Best of Indie, when the relationship of two authors becomes a lost opportunity through mutual misunderstandings. Fate, chance, personal choice and community consensus: Thomas Leverett documents them all, with his signature realistic style.
Thus we have the man whose zest for life is demonstrated through his consumption of spaghetti, his appetite for it waxing and waning along with his fortunes; the girl, fleeing a threat, whose fate is ultimately decided by a comet; the gravediggers who are good neighbours to somebody who was a bad one to them some years ago. There are truckers affected by a death, a hero who attributes his act to the guidance of God, phoney FBI officers, ghosts in a house and in the hills over El Paso, as well as a bar brawl and so many more.
And then there’s my favourite, Best of Indie, when the relationship of two authors becomes a lost opportunity through mutual misunderstandings. Fate, chance, personal choice and community consensus: Thomas Leverett documents them all, with his signature realistic style.
October 8, 2023
On a whole I liked the short stories. There is an earnestness in the writing which make these each an easy read, and I was able to complete all of them in one weekend around the usual hustle and bustle of children. Like any collection of stories there are ones that standout, and ones that lag, but consistently were good.
The biggest issue I found, which stopped me from giving this five stars, was the thread that tied all these stories together. When looking at a book which is a collection of stories or poems I am always looking for the overall connection between the works, but I couldn't find it. Perhaps an intro by the author giving the reason for this collection would have helped give that context. I know this is not something which will impact each reader.
The biggest issue I found, which stopped me from giving this five stars, was the thread that tied all these stories together. When looking at a book which is a collection of stories or poems I am always looking for the overall connection between the works, but I couldn't find it. Perhaps an intro by the author giving the reason for this collection would have helped give that context. I know this is not something which will impact each reader.
September 29, 2022
can't wait for the next book.
Having read a number of books of short stories by this author, I followed him to get updates on new releases. It paid off and I downloaded this one as soon as I knew about it.
The book title is also the name of the first story. Set over Thanksgiving, it gives, like so many Thanksgiving stories, an inside view of a family at a time unknown to us Brits, but we are fascinated by it.
Tule fog I found poignant, as if maybe the thick fog was a grim reaper with no escape.
Enjoyed all the stories, will keep following the author, and will wait for the next book.
Having read a number of books of short stories by this author, I followed him to get updates on new releases. It paid off and I downloaded this one as soon as I knew about it.
The book title is also the name of the first story. Set over Thanksgiving, it gives, like so many Thanksgiving stories, an inside view of a family at a time unknown to us Brits, but we are fascinated by it.
Tule fog I found poignant, as if maybe the thick fog was a grim reaper with no escape.
Enjoyed all the stories, will keep following the author, and will wait for the next book.
October 2, 2022
A collection of short stories
Unfortunately most of these short stories didn't reach my expectations.
They were just stories that held no motives.
The first story devour the spaghetti nearly made me give up reading.
And the second one "like a comet." had me interested at the beginning but the way it ended all that interest vanished.
What happened to Celeste where did she go, was she a ghost?
Then Oscar and Roscoe, they discovered who the woman was and her dead husband.
But then the story ended after they received chickens. The story was dull.
Best of Indie was interesting I wish the story continued and had an ending of some sort.
Sands of Time also didn't make sense.
If it was not because of death of Marcus and Emerson and the voice I wouldn't have given the book four stars.
Unfortunately most of these short stories didn't reach my expectations.
They were just stories that held no motives.
The first story devour the spaghetti nearly made me give up reading.
And the second one "like a comet." had me interested at the beginning but the way it ended all that interest vanished.
What happened to Celeste where did she go, was she a ghost?
Then Oscar and Roscoe, they discovered who the woman was and her dead husband.
But then the story ended after they received chickens. The story was dull.
Best of Indie was interesting I wish the story continued and had an ending of some sort.
Sands of Time also didn't make sense.
If it was not because of death of Marcus and Emerson and the voice I wouldn't have given the book four stars.
October 6, 2022
A wonderful collection of short stories, heartwarming, sad, funny in parts and beautifully told. I have always liked Leverett’s writing style, it leaves you with a warm feeling. The eclectic mix of stories is a slice of life, beautifully observed by the narrator. There are no great heroes here, but ordinary people whose lives touch others and are explained in an entertaining, easy-paced way. Perhaps it is the easy way in which the stories are told that makes them so accessible. As always, the stories are a lovely read and can be picked and put down easily - as such, great fillers in a day.
August 26, 2023
short stories!
I like short stories. I should read more of them but I like getting lost in novels too. The one about fog I can kind of relate too. The one I was in wasn’t anywhere near as thick as the story but I had to set my sights on an 18-wheeler once just to get through an area in South Dakota one morning. The one about authors made me want to smack him. He could have fixed things with her. A few of these left me shaking my head. A lot if didn’t have a conclusion but the way they’re told leaves me to believe they weren’t meant to. Still it was a nice weekend read.
I like short stories. I should read more of them but I like getting lost in novels too. The one about fog I can kind of relate too. The one I was in wasn’t anywhere near as thick as the story but I had to set my sights on an 18-wheeler once just to get through an area in South Dakota one morning. The one about authors made me want to smack him. He could have fixed things with her. A few of these left me shaking my head. A lot if didn’t have a conclusion but the way they’re told leaves me to believe they weren’t meant to. Still it was a nice weekend read.
December 31, 2023
Extraordinary insights into everyday struggles!
These stories are not plot driven. Instead they are insightful vignettes into the lives of forgotten people who face
human tragedies and challenges that often happen due to a twist of fate. A little Jack Kerouac like, they are the stories that you wonder about on those road trips through nondescript towns where so much is going on behind the scenes that we are not privy to. Leverett paints scenes with his words that can leave you stunned and wondering--how do we all manage life and is there meaning in death?
These stories are not plot driven. Instead they are insightful vignettes into the lives of forgotten people who face
human tragedies and challenges that often happen due to a twist of fate. A little Jack Kerouac like, they are the stories that you wonder about on those road trips through nondescript towns where so much is going on behind the scenes that we are not privy to. Leverett paints scenes with his words that can leave you stunned and wondering--how do we all manage life and is there meaning in death?
May 30, 2023
A wonderful jaunt around several states of USA through the eyes of regular characters, whose yarns are anything but ordinary. An assortment of dramatic scenarios, giving an insight into the lives of ordinary people through a range of emotions. The stories saddened, shocked and made me laugh at times. Beautifully written and a book well worth reading. I will certainly read more from this author.
September 11, 2025
I love all of Thomas Leverett's work no matter which genre he writes in. I find his offerings so interesting and this book of short stories is no different. I worked my way through at a slowish pace as I felt no need to race. The variety of the stories kept me glued to the pages and I felt a connection to many of his tales. Thank you, Thomas, for providing yet another interesting read. I recommend this book to any reader who likes short stories and has an hour or two too relax.
September 23, 2023
Great Variety
This collection of short stories has a little bit of everything. Readers are sure to enjoy the variety of characters and story settings. Author Thomas Leverett does a nice job writing vivid imagery that draws the reader in. I particularly enjoyed The Best of Indie and Ghost. If you’re into short stories, this might be the book for you.
This collection of short stories has a little bit of everything. Readers are sure to enjoy the variety of characters and story settings. Author Thomas Leverett does a nice job writing vivid imagery that draws the reader in. I particularly enjoyed The Best of Indie and Ghost. If you’re into short stories, this might be the book for you.
September 29, 2023
An easy-to-read slice-of-life book from author Thomas Leverett, these stories depict the ordinary lives of people around the USA. The stories were interesting enough to keep me coming back to the book, and with a wide enough variety of themes and ideas to keep me engaged. Great for reading in short bursts.
September 15, 2022
First I am a big fan of Mr. Leverett's books and short stories. I really enjoyed in this book the short story- Like a comet. A young girl who found her way into the Heaven's gate cult. The author has a smooth way of telling a stories with a bit folklore, fairytale, and real life.
February 2, 2023
A collection of interesting short stories. At the same time, the writing style is all-telling (containing long narratives with minimal dialogues). Perhaps it’s just me. I prefer reading fiction with dialogues and emotions.
September 1, 2024
Journeys, Meetings and Plot Twists
This is a well-written collection of short stories that take you on many different journeys. They have plot twists at the end and tend to be on the darker side from home town tales, road adventures, and meetings between strangers.
This is a well-written collection of short stories that take you on many different journeys. They have plot twists at the end and tend to be on the darker side from home town tales, road adventures, and meetings between strangers.
October 2, 2022
Simply Enjoyable!
I love the author’s style of writing. The stories were realistic and of a great variety. A great collection! Highly recommend!
I love the author’s style of writing. The stories were realistic and of a great variety. A great collection! Highly recommend!
November 10, 2022
Very well done
Impressed! Read from this author before and loved reading all the short stories. I love the variety of the different stories and not sticking to one theme.
Impressed! Read from this author before and loved reading all the short stories. I love the variety of the different stories and not sticking to one theme.
April 6, 2023
impressive Collection!
This interesting collection of short stories were entertaining. Something that is good for anyone to read. Well done and interesting!
This interesting collection of short stories were entertaining. Something that is good for anyone to read. Well done and interesting!
July 25, 2025
A Great Read
A good collection of short stories. All on different themes. Realistic characters. I thought the book was well written and the stories were a good length too.
A good collection of short stories. All on different themes. Realistic characters. I thought the book was well written and the stories were a good length too.
June 6, 2024
Snippets of life
The author gave us various short stories that won’t end the way you would expect. When you complete a tale, you will often think, ‘And then what happened?’ It will take a couple of stories to get over this notion of the traditional perfect ending, and you will come to realize the author is presenting vignettes – snippets of life that don’t always have an ending, perfect or otherwise.
You will experience tales of complicated relationships, misunderstandings, untimely and unexpected deaths, abuse, depression, and even a couple of supernatural tales. Regarding the latter, I particularly enjoyed ‘Ghost’ and the way the couple accepted their extra house guest and surmised why he was still hanging around, as well as the tale ‘Believe’ about Cindy the clairvoyant.
These stories are not only thought-provoking but also highly enjoyable. They are perfect for bedtime reading, although I must warn you, it’s hard to stop at just one.
The author gave us various short stories that won’t end the way you would expect. When you complete a tale, you will often think, ‘And then what happened?’ It will take a couple of stories to get over this notion of the traditional perfect ending, and you will come to realize the author is presenting vignettes – snippets of life that don’t always have an ending, perfect or otherwise.
You will experience tales of complicated relationships, misunderstandings, untimely and unexpected deaths, abuse, depression, and even a couple of supernatural tales. Regarding the latter, I particularly enjoyed ‘Ghost’ and the way the couple accepted their extra house guest and surmised why he was still hanging around, as well as the tale ‘Believe’ about Cindy the clairvoyant.
These stories are not only thought-provoking but also highly enjoyable. They are perfect for bedtime reading, although I must warn you, it’s hard to stop at just one.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews