Author: Lydia Schoch (Twitter)
Genre: Mixed genres
Reading time: 45 minutes to an hour
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

There is a cynicism in the world that no review that doesn't have a twinkle of criticism is trustworthy; so be it if you feel that way about this review.

The stories in Lydia Schoch's "Waiting for Earl to Die" are the kind I most enjoy: strange and mysterious, with hints of science fiction or dystopia without overt explanations. She introduces you to her worlds through her stories and leaves you (the reader) to imagine the rest. My personal opinion is that this is the hallmark of a writer who understands the short story construct perfectly. There are no wasted words.

As for the plots of the different stories, the common thread is the feeling that "something is not quite right" as you read through them. You keep waiting for the hammer to fall. Sometimes it is does gloriously, other times it is much more subtle. Stories such as "The Proof" shine especially bright as interesting and unique stories that provoke thought.

To read the whole book in one sitting would not be a stretch, most could finish it within an hour. Each story is between a five or 10-minute read, depending on how quickly you go. Either way, unless you just don't like these kinds of stories, you will find yourself mildly disappointed that there isn't at least one more story to read. It's an excellent collection, well worth the time!

Author: Ashleigh Bonner (Amazon/Twitter/Goodreads/Wattpad)
Genre: Mixed, mainly Science Fiction
Reading time: varies, 5 to 25 minutes per story
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

It's not that much of a stretch to say that you have probably never read a book quite like Ashleigh Bonner's "Well Wishes from a Prompt". Writers rarely pull back the curtain on their craft, and they certainly don't tend to do it in a book that they're selling. That's only part of what makes this book so unique.

The writing is so beautiful and eloquent at times, other times it pushes you to some uncomfortable place (in a good way), but it never sags or drags. Between the prompts and stories are tips and discussion questions. I felt like I was reading "Read" magazine from 1985 all over again. (I loved that magazine, by the way.)

It's almost like an entertaining "textbook" for authors, one that takes the time to provide examples of writing techniques as opposed to simply explaining them. The writing in the stories themselves almost seem effortless. One reminded me of "Harrison Bergeron" by Kurt Vonnegut. It was that good.

The book will take you several sittings to get through. There are a few longer stories, but most are relatively short and can be read in 10 minutes or so. Take the extra time and read the tips, then go back and re-read just how they were applied. It really is a book about writing that doesn't feel like a book about writing, with suggestions to help you improve.

I highly recommend it, even though it falls outside of my primary mission of procuring quick reads.

Author: Michael J. Wyant Jr. (Amazon/Twitter)
Genre: Science Fiction
Reading time: approx. 10-15 minutes
​Rating: 5 out of 5 stars.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will admit that I like science fiction. I realize the genre isn't for everyone. But when it is done well, it can elicit a deep reflection on life's greatest questions in ways that other genres can't. You'll find such a reflection in Michael J. Wyant Jr.'s "Perfecting Humanity".

The writing style is captivating, you'll find yourself frantically reading the story because the main character is frantic. The story straps you in tightly, and your curiosity speeds you through the plot. You have to understand what's happening. In a way, it doesn't matter that there are elements of science fiction in the answer. The answer could have been anything and you would have appreciated the journey.

There are a couple of loose ends in the story that I wished I could know more about, like whether there were others like the main character. A writer would often tell you that's the hallmark of a good story, but you expressing a desire to know more, that little seed of dissatisfaction that the story's over -- it means you're hooked and invested. 

It's definitely worth a read unless you detest all things sci-fi, and even then you might find yourself enjoying this story.

Note on where to find this story: This story was originally published in Aphotic Realm's Dystopia issue in July 2018. You can order the issue here.