Status Updates From Christmas and Other Horrors...

OUR RECENT UNPLEASANTNESS Stephen Graham Jones is a lengthy entry in the anthology unless it just seemed like it. I read for an hour and a half. Jones'works from what I have read, do not resonate with me. This tale is pure science fiction IMO but it certainly maintains an emphasis on Christmas and the solstice. The story is well written and the plot fantastic. Not one of my favorites. 2.75 Stars.

LAST DRINKS AT BONDI BEACH by Garth Nix teleports the reader to a crowded beach in bright, sunny Sydney, Australia at noon on Christmas Day. Christians were gathered in the thousands to celebrate the birth of Jesus. But our story is very far from the Lord. It has more to do with Russian Lit and verdelaks. An old woman has travelled far to reunite with her only living sister.Her daughter must find her.3 Stars

Nice nice, I hate how we talk about the anonymous fat woman like she’s a little less human. Gravé of birds is really testing me with how long it is

DRY AND READY by Glen Hirshberg takes the reader to Northwestern Washington State to witness the macabre ending to a Jewish family's dedication to honoring a dead man's Hanukah tradition. The surviving spouse, daughter, and granddaughter travel to a man made garden of bizarre sculpted renditions of animals and wildlife. The story is a slow burn but maintains a threatening atmosphere throughout. Rated 3 Stars