Chad Pelley

I struggled with this book. I came to it very eagerly because I was familiar with another book of short stories by the same author. The problem I mostly had was that I really disliked the characters. I liked Cohen Davies, the protagonist, well enough. We met this young man at the beginning of the book in a prison cell. The main thrust of the book was to tell the story leading up to his imprisonment. We learn about his family (mom, dad, and brother Ryan), his boss Clarence at work, and his new flirtatious neighbor, Allie Catherine Crosbie. As things began to go wrong, I had this thought that I would like to take Cohen out of this novel completely and put him in another story with kinder, gentler people.

As the story came to its conclusion, I finally saw the need for everything that went wrong to be that way...as it was indeed the reason he had been sentenced to prison. The end of the book had a plot twist which I found interesting enough, but then the very end...was vague. Why...after reading through the entire story...was there no real outcome? I felt cheated in a way.… (meer)

I loved this book. It was dark and creepy, and yet funny at the same time. Some stories are deeply sad, but I wonder if the author is not just playing with us. He has an amazing ability to use words to evoke emotions as well as make the scenes of his stories super-descriptive. I really enjoy how he handles the short story form. I'd love to go on to read one of his novels.

For some reason, the copy of the book I had needed some editorial work. For example, I found these glaring errors: "bare the weight", "devilled eggs", "a new nervous tick". Despite the occasional editorial lapse, I thoroughly enjoyed this small volume of interesting and unique short stories.… (meer)

Review: Heartbreaking, poignant, raw and honest. Won't lie short stories aren't my favorite as I always want more and get frustrated because the stories just end. However, this is truly a beautiful piece and am glad that I agreed to review it. I also admire anyone who opens up about painful moments in their life in order to help others. A must read for anyone who has lost someone they cared about to suicide. As well as to those who are contemplating ending their life. Also money goes towards suicide prevention so its a win win situation. Go pick up a copy you will not regret it.

4.5 Dewey`s

I received this from Fierce Ink Press in exchange for an honest review… (meer)