Official Review: Just Another Day by E. Alan Fleischauer

Post by **kandscreeley** » 24 May 2020, 10:07

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Just Another Day" by E. Alan Fleischauer.]

3 out of 4 stars

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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.

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Just Another Day
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Finakaranja · Post by **Finakaranja** » 26 May 2020, 05:22

Very interesting review, leaves the reader thinking of a way to get their hands on the book to answer some of the questions posed about the various stories.

Adanna Inya · Post by **Adanna Inya** » 26 May 2020, 05:57

Wow! The chocolate kiss and disabled Diane's story sounds interesting. I've read a book for Alan titled Rescued and I enjoyed it. I'm glad to see that another of his book has great ratings too. Makes me decide that he's a fantastic author and his books are worth my while. Thanks for a great review.

Laurina Michael Olowoniran · 26 May 2020, 07:41

Wow. The story of 9/11 still makes me tear up. I wonder how the lady in clutches survive. Did she? A beautiful review, I should read this one.

Samwisekoop · Post by **Samwisekoop** » 26 May 2020, 12:53

This sounds like a really good book! The chocolate kisses thing really appealed to me, as did the 9/11 story summary. I am honestly really surprised that one is about COVID. It must have come out really recently to be about that. Anyway, thank you for your review! Keep up the good work!

Post by **Kirsi Cultrera** » 26 May 2020, 15:23

Oh my, I just love word artists! Short stories also work well for a mother of two, it is sometimes so very hard to find time for reading... I suppose I need to read Just Another day. Thank you for the interesting review, you did a good job!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 26 May 2020, 17:42

Finakaranja wrote: ↑26 May 2020, 05:22 Very interesting review, leaves the reader thinking of a way to get their hands on the book to answer some of the questions posed about the various stories.

I hope that if you read it you enjoy it. The stories were varied and mostly interesting. Thanks!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 26 May 2020, 17:43

Adanna Inya wrote: ↑26 May 2020, 05:57 Wow! The chocolate kiss and disabled Diane's story sounds interesting. I've read a book for Alan titled Rescued and I enjoyed it. I'm glad to see that another of his book has great ratings too. Makes me decide that he's a fantastic author and his books are worth my while. Thanks for a great review.

I'll have to look into Rescued. I vaguely remember seeing a review for that somewhere. Thanks so much!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 26 May 2020, 17:44

Laurina_Olowo wrote: ↑26 May 2020, 07:41 Wow. The story of 9/11 still makes me tear up. I wonder how the lady in clutches survive. Did she? A beautiful review, I should read this one.

It really made you think, think about what you would do in that situation, think about what that day was like. Thanks so much!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 26 May 2020, 17:44

Samwisekoop wrote: ↑26 May 2020, 12:53 This sounds like a really good book! The chocolate kisses thing really appealed to me, as did the 9/11 story summary. I am honestly really surprised that one is about COVID. It must have come out really recently to be about that. Anyway, thank you for your review! Keep up the good work!

I too was surprised about the story regarding Covid. That one may be too soon for some people. Nevertheless, even if you skip that one, there are some good stories worth reading. Thanks.

Post by **kandscreeley** » 26 May 2020, 17:45

Kirsi_78 wrote: ↑26 May 2020, 15:23 Oh my, I just love word artists! Short stories also work well for a mother of two, it is sometimes so very hard to find time for reading... I suppose I need to read Just Another day. Thank you for the interesting review, you did a good job!

Yes, this collection would be great for those with only little bits of time to read here and there. Thanks! I hope you can get a copy and enjoy.

Post by **Melisa Jane** » 27 May 2020, 02:39

I like short stories. This sounds like a great book to read. Thanks for the review.

Reubeney · Post by **Reubeney** » 27 May 2020, 05:53

Haha..I think I will have to read the book to read more on the chocolate kisses. This story sounds quite charming and interesting. Well done for the brilliant review.

Caffrey_19 · Post by **Caffrey_19** » 28 May 2020, 02:24

This narrative seems intriguing, so much so that I might have to grace the pages for confirmation. The writer sounds like a passionate descriptive storyteller. Nice work.

Brenda Creech · Post by **Brenda Creech** » 28 May 2020, 09:15

Thanks for the excellent review! I am not an avid short story fan, but some of these do sound interesting.I would be put off by the profanity and goriness, so I had better pass on this one! I enjoyed your review!