The Thing Is: Short Stories of Things and the People They Encounter

by Rivers Houseal (Author, Illustrator)

Like people, some stories are shorter than others.

Here are five such petite stories, the perfect length for an afternoon read. Each of them is a jaunt in noticing things—be it a typewriter, a medieval church bell, a grandfather clock, a fiddle, or a potato. Noticing things in the world God made always comes with consequences of some sort; and thanks be to God, levity is often part of the deal.

Genres: Short Stories

116 pages, Hardcover

Published October 18, 2022

About the author

Rivers Houseal was self-awarded the title Defender of Typewriters at a young age. She’s a graduate of homeschool, and she didn’t wait until graduation to begin writing stories. She completed her first fantasy, Of Nature and Kings, at age 14 and was then too far gone to bail. Nowadays she keeps a running list of story ideas that will keep her hopping well into old age.

Her books are diverse, but they all stem from her love of new stories, old ways, and ageless truth. And though her main gig is storymaking, she also rejoices in being a professional oldest child, a Lewis/Tolkien fan, and a vanquished subject of King Jesus.

Some of her greatest influences have been C.S. Lewis, Andrew Peterson, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Douglas Bond, Rich Mullins, and an ark-load of others. If in this life she is allowed to sit on a pumpkin in the shadow of their thrones, she might just croak from too much joy.

She resides in the Ozark foothills in Northeast Arkansas, where she dreams of the day she can set foot in Narnia. She’d settle for Scotland, though.

To learn more, visit Rivers at rivershouseal.com.

Reviews

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

new stories told like old ones, in a dickens' style of warmth and good humor and profound truths in ordinary places.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Likely even 4.5 stars.

I saw this book come through my Facebook feed and thought that I would pre-order it. However, much to my delight I found it released early at a conference I was at, so I purchased it straight away. I had high hopes of enjoying these stories over hot tea on particularly nice fall days or grabbing a few pages at upcoming appointments. Rather, they were a comfort as I camped on the couch sick for several days. Sigh. These stories resonated with me in different ways (as a writer, coming to faith, hard providences, in finding purpose, encouraging gifts...) Not all will hit the same but all are enjoyable. Miss Houseal is quite a wordsmith and creative thinker. I enjoyed her pacing for the most part and I think she may like settings that include the country side of the UK, which is a good thing, because I do, too.

If you have an aspiring writer in your family, a fondness for mostly quotidian things, enjoy relatable characters, stories that point to that which is beautiful and true, then I would highly recommend this set of stories from Rivers.

[Charles Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful--loved the sharp wit and observations, the clear vision, and the different angles of life. The people are all so real, so full.

[Michael Kidd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes people will say of an author, "Oh, I just love them." But I wonder how often people feel that before they pick the book up. That was the case for me with this little collection of short stories. Rivers Houseal is a beloved member of my congregation. And I can say emphatically that I loved this author before I read the book. When this is the case, I suppose the reading of said book could cause that affection to increase or decrease. I feel confident in saying that anyone who reads this book, were they not to love her already, will love this author when it's all said and done. Because, in the words of Pastor Douglas Wilson, "That girl can write."

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, and I love the author’s voice. In the most complimentary way possible, Rivers should’ve been born in Ireland a hundred years or so ago :)

[Alexander Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This happens to be the first book that has actually made me write a review for it.
The Thing Is is one of the best books I have read in a very long time. Each of the stories is exactly the length it needs to be and no longer, the voices of the various authors are distinct even though Rivers’ personality is on display in each of them. Furthermore the framing of the stories, being centered around mundane things in life, really struck a chord within me, and I look forward to reading all of her other works and any other that come in the future!

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this on a whim and it turned out to be a nice, cozy read! Lots of nostolgia built in, which can be a bit much for some readers, but I found it to be a fun quick read. Perfect for curling up with a cup of tea on a rainy day!

[Ryan Ahlenius · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stories that bring you into seeing new facets of God’s beauty and truth. A really enjoyable read before a fireplace on a Sunday afternoon!

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun.

[Brandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. This little book of short stories brought me much joy.
I particularly liked Such Precious Potatoes as These.
Definitely worth a read

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful.

[Jennieowen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy short stories