Let's Read Some Shorts

Let's take some time to talk about a variety of shorter reads; novellas, samplers, or short stories.  As many of these shorts that are out there, there are reasons for reading them.  Some readers I know take on a short as a way of sampling a new author or genre.  Not a bad thought!  There are those of us who select a short story when we need a break, maybe from a big chunk of a book or perhaps from a subject that has been difficult to handle emotionally or absorb intellectually.  Also, a good idea!  Whatever your reason, and I don't believe there's a bad one, let's wade into a little of these three possibilities.

Novellas are probably the first thing that jumps to mind when you hear "short read", but what is a novella?  And will a brief piece of writing be able to convey a plot?  A novella is generally described as a piece of narrative fiction, shorter than your "average bear" novel🐻, but longer than most short stories.  How about an idea or two?  

Recently, I stumbled upon this example of a strong novella, Track Her Down by Kate Tristan.  Forgive me, Kate, I don't remember how I actually found my way to you, but I'm glad I did.  I got to meet a new character, Merit Reid, clearly destined for her own thriller series.  Set in a scenic locale, Reid's story plays out in a national park in my home state of Ohio and has a twist of an ending that did this story justice. (No pun intended.) While this is Kate's first book, it's not her last!  Just the jumping off point for a series, starring FBI Agent Merit Reid.   

My favorite version of a short read is the sampler and among them is The Minotaur Sampler.  Now this I do remember.  I came upon these tasty treats as a Net Galley consumer reviewer where a few, five or six, books are offered in advance of publication each season.  One recent sampler is Volume #11 and contains about 25% of six different books.  I absolutely love the fact that you sometimes see a favorite author who is releasing a new book.  Occasionally you trip and fall in love with a brand new writer, who may become a much loved one!  Sarah Stewart Taylor is such an author for me.  Sarah's novel, Agony Hill, is the first in a new historical fiction series featuring Detective Franklin Warren.  I am looking forward to seeing more of Warren.  Like, Track Her Down, the setting is key - smalltown Vermont of the 1960's fraught with the changing times and a town that is clinging to its traditions. Oh yeah, don't forget, one of the town's residents being killed in a fire!  As I said in my Goodreads review, "I can't remember when, or if I've read a book that was so visually portrayed with words.  Wonderful job!"  Feel free to hike on over to Goodreads for my review of Agony Hill.

Finally, let's take a look at the short story.  What's the difference between a short story and a novella?  Some say the word count, usually between 1,600 and 20,000, a simple plot, and fewer characters make up a short story.  I say it generally jumps right into the deep end of the pool and tends to leave you floating on the inflatable raft, wondering what happened.😉 As an example, let's go to one of my favorite authors, Michael Connelly and his Harry Bosch.  I love Connelly, but I love Bosch even more.  He embodies so many of the qualities that make a great police detective, both on the page and the small screen.  His famous quote, "Everybody counts, or nobody counts."  hits home because his actions exemplify his words.  He's much more than lip service.  

I thought I'd read all Connelly had to offer in the strictly Bosch universe, but was surprised to see I was wrong when I came upon Angle of Investigation. It's actually three short stories; Christmas Even,  Father's Day, and Angle of Investigation.  Bosch contemplates a link to his past, explores his feelings as a father, and goes back to his early days as a rookie patrolman.  All three glimpses into the heart and mind of this complicated man.  There's much more to Harry Bosch than the cases he works as a police detective. Grab Angle of Investigation and find out.

As we close the book on "shorts", remember, "A book is a gift you can open again and again."  

Just a quick plug for the Texas Book Festival - coming up in mid-November.  I'll be there along with my brother.  This is our third year attending, what has become a great fall weekend we share with each other and fellow book lovers.  Think about joining us!  More to come -