Official Review: Just Another Day by E. Alan Fleischauer
Posted: 24 May 2020, 10:07
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Just Another Day" by E. Alan Fleischauer.]
Just Another Morning by E. Alan Fleischauer is a collection of short stories ranging from thought-provoking to sweet to mysterious. The titular story revolves around the World Trade Center on 9/11. Diane, in a cast from skiing, is inside when the first plane hits. With everyone rushing to leave, will she be able to find a way down the stairs while on crutches?
One of my favorite stories was about a man who worked in a chocolate factory. On his last day, he kisses some of the chocolate kisses and says a prayer over them. Do these blessed kisses have any special impact on those whose hands they find themselves in?
The longest story was entitled Sherlock and Tiger. Davidson Rockefeller is found dead in the trunk of his car after the safe in his mansion is emptied. Tiger and Sherlock are the detectives that investigate his death, including looking into his widow, Ruth. Who killed Mr. Rockefeller and why?
The short stories were fun, entertaining and even sometimes odd. With a little something for everyone, I was never bored; occasionally, though, I did wonder what the point of the story was. For example, the first story consists of a man's brother visiting him from the afterlife because "...the good Lord lets everyone come back to earth on their birthday to visit one special person for twenty-four hours." I'll leave you to find out how he spent his twenty-four hours.
I was impressed with the author's use of words. The descriptions were unique and vivid. When discussing the plane hitting the World Trade Center, he says: " And the World Trade Center shook as if it were attempting to dance."
Several of the stories were compelling, making one think differently of everyday people and situations. Homeless... But Then... follows a homeless veteran with amnesia. For me, I thought about those I've seen on the streets and wondered what their stories were. A few tales featured modern issues. The Chalice centers around a group of men abused by Catholic priests. One is even about Covid-19.
I must mention that many of the stories seem to have some element of religion. In the last story, purgatory is involved, making me think the author is Catholic. Though not overly off-putting, there were statements I didn't agree with. Not everyone would appreciate these elements throughout; therefore, if you're overly sensitive to matters of religion, you might want to avoid this collection.
As far as editing, I only found three errors. More bothersome, though, were the editor's (or perhaps beta reader's) comments in the margins of the stories. As a reader, I found this unnecessarily distracting.
Due to the editor's comments, I give Just Another Morning 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to those that enjoy short stories of all types. There is some profanity and sporadic goriness, so it should be limited to high school age or older.
******
Just Another Day
View: on Bookshelves
Just Another Morning by E. Alan Fleischauer is a collection of short stories ranging from thought-provoking to sweet to mysterious. The titular story revolves around the World Trade Center on 9/11. Diane, in a cast from skiing, is inside when the first plane hits. With everyone rushing to leave, will she be able to find a way down the stairs while on crutches?
One of my favorite stories was about a man who worked in a chocolate factory. On his last day, he kisses some of the chocolate kisses and says a prayer over them. Do these blessed kisses have any special impact on those whose hands they find themselves in?
The longest story was entitled Sherlock and Tiger. Davidson Rockefeller is found dead in the trunk of his car after the safe in his mansion is emptied. Tiger and Sherlock are the detectives that investigate his death, including looking into his widow, Ruth. Who killed Mr. Rockefeller and why?
The short stories were fun, entertaining and even sometimes odd. With a little something for everyone, I was never bored; occasionally, though, I did wonder what the point of the story was. For example, the first story consists of a man's brother visiting him from the afterlife because "...the good Lord lets everyone come back to earth on their birthday to visit one special person for twenty-four hours." I'll leave you to find out how he spent his twenty-four hours.
I was impressed with the author's use of words. The descriptions were unique and vivid. When discussing the plane hitting the World Trade Center, he says: " And the World Trade Center shook as if it were attempting to dance."
Several of the stories were compelling, making one think differently of everyday people and situations. Homeless... But Then... follows a homeless veteran with amnesia. For me, I thought about those I've seen on the streets and wondered what their stories were. A few tales featured modern issues. The Chalice centers around a group of men abused by Catholic priests. One is even about Covid-19.
I must mention that many of the stories seem to have some element of religion. In the last story, purgatory is involved, making me think the author is Catholic. Though not overly off-putting, there were statements I didn't agree with. Not everyone would appreciate these elements throughout; therefore, if you're overly sensitive to matters of religion, you might want to avoid this collection.
As far as editing, I only found three errors. More bothersome, though, were the editor's (or perhaps beta reader's) comments in the margins of the stories. As a reader, I found this unnecessarily distracting.
Due to the editor's comments, I give Just Another Morning 3 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to those that enjoy short stories of all types. There is some profanity and sporadic goriness, so it should be limited to high school age or older.
******
Just Another Day
View: on Bookshelves