The Lesson - Toni Cade Bambara (short story)

Short Story Title: The Lesson

Author: Toni Cade Bambara

Book: More Stories We Tell

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:
"Back in the days when everyone was old and stupid or young and foolish and me and sugar were the only ones just right, this lady moved on our block with nappy hair and proper speech and no makeup."

Miss Moore is her name and she was an educated woman living in a poor neighborhood. She would take the kids places and teach them lessons. This story revolves around her taking the kids to FAO Schwarz. They window shop and see a toy sail boat that costs over $1,000. The kids can imagine that anyone would pay this for a boat when it could feed their whole party for a year. They come to the conclusion that democracy doesn't exist for the poor.

I thought this was ok. I agree that $1,000 is outrageous for a boat, but I don't think that democracy doesn't exist for the poor. I think that one of the best things about the US is that you can be dirt poor and invest in your eduction and make enough money to live well (at least before the recession!)

John at The Book Mine Set is hosting Short Story Mondays! Pop over there and see what people are reading or let us know what short stories you are reading.

Small Words - Gretchen Laskas

Short Story Title: Small Worlds

Author: Gretchen Laskas

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"Marnie Haselton is going to Florida to have an affair with a a man she met on the Internet."

Marnie thinks having an affair will save her marriage that has been rocked by a miscarriage. She finds along the way that some of her friends have had affairs and explores what the affiar will mean to her marriage. She ends up in Disney World and we find that she is bored with her life and knowing what everyone at home is doing at this exact moment.

Review

I thought this one was ok, but struggled a lot with Marnie - why would she have an affair and why she thought her marriage was so bad. The writing did keep me entertained.

John at The Book Mine Set is hosting Short Story Mondays! Pop over there and see what people are reading or let us know what short stories you are reading.

Forty Days - Jill Smolinski

Short Story Title: Forty Days
Author: Jill Smolinski
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"I didn't think it was any big deal. Turning forty."

This is a quirky story about Donna who is turning 40 and feels her life is too conservative. So she decides for the 40 days before her birthday she is going to do something she has never done an each day is different. Her first task is to go skinny dipping - which goes great until her Dad walks into the pool.

I really liked this story and liked the concept of doing 40 things and Donna going out of her comfort zone. Getting out of her comfort zone was a big success...and her last task was excellent. I could really relate to Donna feeling like she lead too conservative life and challenging herself...I might think to do this when I turn 40 (which will be in a little over a year and 1/2).

One of my favorite ideas from this story is "Ghost Fat" -this is for people who have lost weight but still see themselves as fat and still act as if they are fat.

"...There's a whole other world out there. It's filled with the type of people who don't think twice abut going away last-minute. Who as a matter of habit drop everything and do the sorts of things I was trying desperately to cram into forty days. Making up for forty years."

I really like this quote because I can relate...I am also not a spontaneous person and couldn't just run off to Vegas because someone else was ready...especially now that I am a Mom...as if I couldn't get more conservative and less spontaneous...but it happened!! LOL! But then again I wouldn't give it up!

Bad Manners - Chris Manby (Short Story)

Short Story Title: Bad Manners

Author: Chris Manby

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses
First Line:

"And then one day my Prince did come along..."

This story was well named - about a British man who the main character was dating who had horrible manners to others and pointed out every mistake others made. The main character and he finally broke up - and she had a one night stand...then she had bad manners. It was a cute 12 page story.

My favorite quote:

"You don't have to look too closely to realize that those little things he jokes about at the start of your passionate romance are going to be the big things that tear you apart later on. Your funny laugh is going to become a witch's cackle. That cute mole on your neck is the beginnings of a wart."

Just Visiting - Nancy Sparling

Short Story Title: Just Visiting

Author: Nancy Sparling
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 5 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"'You didn't.' I say, gripping the phone so tightly my knuckles turn white. I must have misheard her. My mother wouldn't have told those tow they could stay at my place. She wouldn't do that to me."

This is a story about Danni - who has moved to London after her fiance Tom married Susie - 2 weeks before Tom and Danni's wedding. And to add insult to injury purchased the house that Danni loved for him and Susie. A real winner huh?!

Now Danni's Mom has invited Kim (Tom's sister) and Michelle to Danni's for a 2 week visit. What Danni's Mom doesn't know is that Danni has been lying about her life in London - the great apartment she lives in is actually the home of one of the dogs that she walks and the gorgeous boyfriend is actually a client she has never met.

So now Danni has to hide her lies from Kim and Michelle so they take news to her small town that she is doing great. In the middle of one of her lies she meets a handsome man who helps her with her lies and it seems wants to take her out on a date!

A quote I liked:

"They should put us a warning signs on the highway at the edge of town. Beware: you are now entering a high-gossip area. Before taking any action, you should first stop and think, What will people say? Or, even better, WWPS bracelets should be handed out at birth and worn at all times. (263)"

I have lived in several small towns and this is SOO true!

I would like to read more of this author.

I Know a Woman - Quinn Dalton (short story)

Short Story Title: I Know a Woman
Author: Quinn Dalton
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"Let's call her Judy. I like the simple names that sound as if they could belong to your next-door neighbor or the mother of your best friend in the second grade."

This story is about a woman and her husband Dennis. They work together and there is a woman in the office who is discovered to be a stripper. The couple goes to see Judy strip...which seems to be the beginning of the end of their marriage...Dennis soon has an affair (not with Judy). The main character divorces him and takes half of the company. She then crashes parties and is busted out of a Millionaire's dinner by Neil. This is where we hear the details of the demise of the marriage.

Review

I really liked this story and would like to read more by Quinn Dalton. I liked the way the story connected to Judy and the things that happened to her and her daughter and how it doesn't reveal everything at the beginning.

Is it just me or does anyone else have a hard time with the story teller's name in short stories? I am not sure if some of them are not called by their names or if it just happens so infrequently that I miss it. It's very frustrating for me!

The Two-Month Itch - Sarah Mlynowski (short story)

Short Story Title: The Two-Month Itch

Author: Sarah Mlynowski

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"You're having an urge to kiss the boy sitting next to you on the plane."

This story is about a girl who is debating on cheating on her boyfriend of 2 months with a guy who is on the plane. This story has different options - does she cheat and what happens - does she not cheat and what happens. The interesting thing is that regardless of her decision to cheat or not the story ends the same! I thought that was a neat twist about the story - and also if you are like me and a "what if" person it's comforting to know that regardless of the decision the story ends the same. It kind of reminds me of the movie Sliding Doors - only because the story is the same no matter what choice Gweneth Paltrow character picks.

Also I have been on the receiving end of the 2-month itch. I went through a couple of years where my relationships RARELY went 2 months 1 day! :)

Andromeda on the Street of Ducklings - Judi Hendricks (Short Story)

Short Story Title: Andromeda on the Street of Ducklings
Author: Judi Hendricks
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 5 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"It's eleven o'clock on a Tuesday morning in May, and I'm Standing on Boulevard St. Germain des Pres in front of the beautiful old church of the same name. My suitcase sits next to me on the sidewalk and my daypack is slung over my back. I'm vaguely aware that tears are leaking out of my eyes and rolling down my face."

This is a story of getting through grief. Andy has lost her soul mate 1 month before they are supposed to get married. He passed away in a motorcycle accident. After having problems dealing with her grief and the 1 year anniversary of Evan's death she spontaneously decides to take a trip to Paris.

While in Paris she stays at a bed-n-breakfast run by Pauline. Andy and Pauline become friends and Pauline helps Andy get through her grief like none of her friends have been able to do.

I really enjoyed the writing and the characters of this story. I want to know more about what happens with Andy and Pauline and if they stay friends. I also like how the title works into the story. I love that when stories guide you to why it is titled the way it is. I feel like it's a mystery solved. I highly recommend this story. I have Bread Alone by Judi Hendricks so I am eager to start reading it!

Amore - Laura Wolf (short story)

Short Story Title: Amore

Author: Laura Wolf

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 2 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"So why was everyone bend out of shape?"

This story is about Linda who likes to date foreign men and her family can't understand this. When they have the opportunity to meet these men they typically don't like them. She starts dating an Italian man named Raffael and arranges a dinner with him and her family. To her surprise her family loves him. She is so worried about how her family feels about him that this incredible dinner she has planned is ruined dish by dish because she is trying to ease drop on what is happening with her family and Raffael. She is so preoccupied that the meal is ruined and the kitchen eventually catches on fire. The story insinuates that she may have started the fire on purpose. I think she was so obsessed with making a great meal that it wouldn't surprise me to know that she burned the kitchen down rather than to admit that the meal was ruined. Also, the story insinuates that after the evening she doesn't see Raffael again - so clearly she was looking for a man that her family didn't like.

This story was odd. I didn't really enjoy it much. I would be interested to hear of anyone who has read anything else by Laura Wolf and what they thought about her writing. At this point I don't think I would read anything else by her without a high recommendation by someone else.

The Truth About Nigel - Jennifer Weiner (short story)

Short Story Title: The Truth About Nigel
Author: Jennifer Weiner
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"Sarah Compton started work at the First Bank of London on the third Monday of September, and Nigel Jones started two days later."

This story is about Sarah who is having a difficult time with men. She has sworn off all men with names starting with vowels. Sarah meets Nigel when starting a new job at a bank. He is handsome and she can't believe that he may be interested in her. They have drinks together every other day and become friends. Sarah even sneaks in a kiss on Nigel and the next day he disappears with a secret. This is a secret that gets Sarah press coverage and she goes into hiding.

I really enjoyed this story and will read more by Jennifer Weirner, since this is the first story I have read of hers.

Voodoo Dolls, C-Cups and Eminem - Melissa Senate

Short Story Title: Voodoo Dolls, C-Cups and Eminem

Author: Melissa Senate

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"Before brunch, I was engaged and happy. After brunch I was engaged and cursed - in more ways than one."

Micheal proposed to Rebecca after dating only 6 months. Well, Rebecca's family has taken offense to this and don't understand why they would rush to get married - even though their marriages to people who they dated longer didn't work. So her entire family is against the marriage and stage an intervention. Also, Rebecca is getting a bride voodoo doll and nasty notes to go with.

I thought this story was cute and it was funny during some parts. I think I will read more by this author.

The Bamboo Confessions - Lauren Weisberger

Short Story Title: The Bamboo Confessions

Author: Lauren Weisberger

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"I knew the moment I'd arrived in the lobby of the oddly named Viet-Tang Hotel for our group's 6 p.m. meeting that I'd made the biggest mistake of my life."

Katie decides impulsively to travel to Vietnam by herself. Her friends and family are shocked because she doesn't do anything by herself. We find out in the story that her relationship with her live in boyfriend Matthew is not going too well - not that she has shared this with anyone and she felt the need to get away.

The trip is not so great at first - sub par accommodations an annoying tour guide...that is until Katie starts making friends and ditching the group. She learns a lot about herself in the process.

I enjoyed this short story.

Yoga Baby – Lauren Henderson (short story)

Short Story Title: Yoga Babe

Author: Lauren Henderson

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 1 out of 5 horses

First I would like to start off saying this story was not for me. You may enjoy it, but for me it had the following issues:

1) I don’t like to exercise, so I don’t really care to read about it
2) I didn’t like the main character at all – she is exactly the type of person I hope not to meet in life – ever!

So this story is about a woman who is taking a yoga class. During the class she competes and criticizes (in her mind) everyone in the class about everything. So this is the gist of the story. Clearly the character has many insecurities to feel the need to do this. For me, I don’t want to be exposed to these people in life – let alone in something that I am reading for pleasure. I don’t think she got any life lessons on why she shouldn’t be self centered or so critical or anything that would change her attitude – so for me I am thinking what is the point? By the way – her boyfriend is as critical of her as she is of everyone else.

Moving Day - Cindy Chupack (short story)

Short Story Title: Moving Day
Author: Cindy Chupack
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:
"It was three days before her ten-year high school reunion when Madeline's husband told her he thought he might be gay. He wasn't sure if he was gay, having never been with a man, but he thought it was somthing he out to figure out."

This story revolves around Madeline’s who’s husband Matt has told her that he thinks he might be gay. He broke this news to her just as they found a house that they both loved. She comments that his “forever” vow with marriage didn’t seem as intimidating to him as a commitment to a 30 year mortgage. The story revolves around with how Madeline copes with the news.

There are some very funny parts of this story. For example she goes to the book store to find a book on how to deal with the fact that your husband thinks he is gay. Here is what happens:

“The next day before work, she screeched into the parking lot of B. Dalton Books and went directly to the self-help section, where all problems could be solved. However, there was no book for the wives of men who suspect they might be gay. There was a book called Loving Someone Gay for teachers and family members, but nothing for spouses. That’s when she officially started to panic. She did not want to pioneer a problem. She wanted the validation of a book, the anecdotes of other women, the statistics of a study. It occurred to her that the whole point of the self-help section was simply the reassurance that your particular problem was at least widespread enough to merit a book.” (page 54) Then the poor clerk asks her if she needs help and she tells him, “This is the self-help section, Patrick. So clearly, I would like to help myself.” (56). I thought this was humorous. Madeline does eventually find her book but she goes to a specialty book store to get it.

I thought the story was ok, but really enjoyed the writing. I would probably read more by this author if the book plot pulled me in. She defiantly hit some humorous cords with me.

Leaving a Light On - Claire LaZebnik (Short Story)

Short Story Title: Leaving a Light On

Author: Claire LaZebnik

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 3 out of 5 horses

First Line:

"It was one of those glorious evenings in early fall when the light turns golden at around seven o'clock, and the way it glitters on certain leaves and windows and throws everything else into deep shadow makes your throat catch, and you think, from now on, I'm not going to be ordinary or do ordinary things. There is greatness in my future."

This is a story about Kathy a woman going out on the town. She goes to a bar and meets a man who is married.

**SPOILER ALERT**

The man is Kathy's husband (Larry) and they are having a "date/affair" at a bar/restaurant that has a hotel attached. The have a fantasy fling with each other. And then have to go back to the reality of going home to their kids. At the end of the story she thinks about how the young her and the old her mix their thoughts together. How in some ways you don't grow up.

"You could have two kids and love them more than anything else in the world and still kind of believe that only an idiot would sacrifice her freedom to have kids. You could be grown up and settled down and satisfied with the way things had turned out and still sniff the air on a golden fall night and feel like you're only just beginning the adventures that will come to define your life."

I feel like that sometimes, especially about kids. Oh the sacrifice...and then my little one gives me a hug and a kiss on her own and it all seems worth it!

Five - Julianna Baggot (Short Story)

Short Story Title: Five
Autor: Julianna Baggott
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 2 out of 5 horses

This is the story of a Tilly a woman who is leaving her fourth husband. She leaves him and goes to her only family her sister Elysius and her first and only husband Alex. Elysius is complete oppisite of Tilly, but has some sadness in her own life - the inability to have a baby. This is a story about them and their childhood and Tilly's hunt for husband #5.

Quote that I liked:

"Fourth husbands have to be both blindly optimistic and soberly realistic."

My Great Brit Book Tour (Short Story) - Adrinana Trigiani

Short Story Title: A Day in the Life of My Great Brit Book Tour

Autor: Adrinana Trigiani

Book: American Girls About Town

Rating: 4 out of 5 horses

In honor of Andria Trigiani's new book coming out next week I read one of her shorts!

This is a story about an author who is going to Britain on a book tour with her husband and small baby. She has visions that the tour is going to be wonderful an wildly successful. After a harrowing plane ride where her daughter wanted to be held but only for 15 minute intervals she deplanes and breaks a tooth. Her PR manager is shuttling her to a TV interview, where no one can understand her. Here is my favorite quote:

"It's our first day of the book tour and I have already learned a big lesson: let go. Let go of the perfect picture and embrace the moment because the moment is extraordinary."

I need to remember this quote on a daily basis!

I highly recommend the Big Stone Gap series by Adriana Trigiani. Keep watching here I am chomping at the bit to read her new book and plan to do it soon -possibly in the hospital after I have my new addition.

Take a look at The Book Mine Set for more Short Stories Monday's.