Interesting allegorical short story collection. Not perfect, but not bad either. More of a mood read, rather than a definite recommendation.

This collection of fables, tales, and stories was an interesting read. I personally, would not have started out the collection with the longest story ever written. The premise of the first story was interesting, but it felt like it dragged on forever and I kept finding myself wanting to just skip to the next stories. The writing was beautifully descriptive, and some stories were very memorable. My favorites were The Confidence Coat and Strudel Farm. I think this could have used a better editor to help the author pair down some of that first story (Troubled Waters) and beef up a couple more (The Cling Wrap Kid, for one). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

I received this DRC from NetGalley.

The story subjects are all very different, and all bleak in their own ways. A couple of the stories had time jumps so you could see how society progressed, but I just found it a bit tedious. The apocalypse stories didn't feel particularity unique. I think the stories in general could have been darker. It felt like they were teetering on going there, but couldn't go all the way. I also didn't find them to have humor, except for maybe one of the stories. There were elements that were interesting, and as I was reading, I was curious where they were headed, but they just didn't all have a big enough impact when each ended.

Interesting stories. Molik writes well and while I like some more than others, a good batch overall.

I really appreciate the free copy for review!!

A great book full of excellent examples of the tall tale. No Once Upon a Time could have been better than these tales. Read them, share them, tell them, you'll build some great memories and hear some great stories in exchange. What more could you ask for?

Good existential storytelling is like peering into a mirror that reflects the deepest corners of our minds and souls. It challenges us to confront the big questions of life and stirs something profound within us. Bizarre fiction, on the other hand, adds a touch of the fantastical, the surreal, and the downright strange to the mix, creating a unique blend of storytelling that captivates and bewilders.

I must admit, I would have given the "collection" 3.75 to 4 stars, if it wasn't for three specific stories. The first is 'The Confidence Coat" which was entertaining, hopeful, and imaginative. Although laid-out in a simple hero's journey style, the protagonist attaches all hope to a talisman, digs deep and discovers the power of the mind. In fact, attachment is also the theme expressed in "The Cling Wrap Kid", which explores this concept in a more psychologically dark context. Talismans in whatever form they occur, draw their power from our need to define and control our environment. But, in the end, are we not forced to confront our inner psychic demons and face the consequences of our own actions? Molik creates a compelling narrative throughout these stories that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Through the eyes of the protagonists, we are forced to confront the absurdity of existence and the overwhelming alienation that comes with having fear-based attachments.

Although, the hidden gem for me was "The Strudel Farm." Lust for power and ambition are recurring themes in many stories, whether it's a quest for political dominance, supernatural abilities, or personal vendettas, the pursuit of power often comes at a high cost. In "The Strudel Farm," Molik, using a style reminiscent of Stephen King, explores the darker aspects of human nature and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. "The Strudel Farm" is a prime example of gritty fiction that delves deep into the abyss of existential desire for ultimate power. For me, the philosophy behind the narrative is reminiscent of Kierkegaard-- that there is a universal, ethical divining force (love and truth). And despair (sin) is to assert oneself "above" the universal ethical imperatives. Temptation is the impulse to commit that sin, which only leads back to despair and the separation from love and truth (the vain eternal purgatory that is the strudel farm).

Overall, some stories required a few polishing touches, which may be more reflective of the need for a more seasoned editor. Either way, I truly enjoyed this collection.

By story:
Troubled Waters. 4 stars. Excellent premise, good character development. The author could have edited this to be shorter, crisper. Alternatively, longer and into a Novella / Novel format.

My God! 3 stars. Light, whimsical and satirical. Epilogue story to "Trouble Waters" yet in a different voice. My least favourite.

The Confidence Coat. 5 stars. Reviewed above.

The Cling Wrap Kid. 5 stars. Reviewed above.

The Perpetuals. 4 stars. Polemic apocalyptic thriller. I just so happen to agree with the author's vision toward a free society, yet many others will not.

The Strudel Farm. 5 stars. Reviewed above. Existential philosophical nightmare about confronting the absurd.

DNF @ 20%. I struggled through most of the first short story (Troubled Waters) and stopped reading after a gratuitous rape scene that was completely unnecessary in my opinion. It was really triggering to read about a woman being drugged and raped, and made me feel angry that this was part of the story (if you’re creating your own sci fi world, why create a world where rape exists?).

The premise of the first story was great, and would do well as its own novel. However the writing itself was basic and the dialogue was flat, the writer would tell not show.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

ARC Review
3 stars 1/2 - Some hits and misses

None of the stories were particularly bad, but nothing exceptional either.

I also found that the short stories had a habit of feeling like great drafts of a few potential books rather than short stories.

I understand that these are short stories, but they suffer the unfortunate fate so many stories of this type face. Some felt too long (Troubled Waters) and some felt a bit too short (The Cling Wrap Kid). By having the story length and depth vary so significantly, it made this a bit harder to read than I would have liked.

I also skimmed a few (trouble waters for me) out of a lack of interest.

HOWEVER, The Strudel Farm , The Confidence Coat , and The Cling Wrap kid ( big reason why I wish there was more!) were all quite fun.

The best way to see this book, is as a sci-fi pulp fiction compilation.
Nothing here will revolutionalise the genre, but it makes for a pleasant breather between bigger books or to break up a larger one to read one of the short stories in here( this is when I read this one).

This was written by someone out of a clear passion to express their creativity, and they did plenty to prove their internal world is worth hearing.

Telling Tales is a collection of short, rather bizarre stories, and as with any book of short stories, some were better than others but on the whole I found this to be a worthwhile read.

This was just OK for me, a few stories I liked and some I wasn't that into but overall it was OK to pick up and read a short story between other more heavy books.

Brilliant I repeat brilliant...  the world is coming to an end and a shelter is being built to protect some designated people to keep humanity going! But what will happen next with the new civilization and its evolution?? Read to find out... The story is slightly chilling and sticks in your mind as you keep asking what comes next. I highly recommend this book out of the box!

Very bizarre and, at times, disturbing.

This collection of short stories was like a smorgasbord of genres and voices. And, like any collection, not all were to my taste.

The first story left me scratching my head. A post apocalyptic tale of many generations, I felt a bit adrift I. The storytelling and seemingly gratuitous violence.

The remaining stories had that same fatalistic, horror tinge to them. And I don’t feel smarter or soothed or entertained. I just feel, disturbed.

The author relies too much on the fantastic and the dark in the human condition. I guess this reader of cozy mysteries wasn’t his target audience.

"Telling Tall Tales" by John Molik is an interesting collection of stories that had its moments. Molik's writing style is witty and imaginative, and there were certainly some humorous anecdotes scattered throughout the book. However, I found that some of the tales fell flat or dragged on longer than necessary. While the characters were quirky, they lacked depth, making it hard to fully invest in their adventures. Overall, "Telling Tall Tales" is an okay read if you're in the mood for light entertainment, but it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.

This is a truly intriguing and cerebral collection of stories, ranging from the dark, to satire, to speculative fiction.

The Strudel Farm was the story that sent a shiver down my spine due to the interactions between characters being so brittle at times, but it was so well done that I had to keep reading

The story that resonated with me most was 'The Confidence Coat' not least for the poem in the Ziploc bag

A very good collection that was both interesting and enjoyable

Thank you to NetGalley for the Arc, I leave this review voluntarily

I started reading this book, but thus far it just can’t keep my focus. I don’t think this is my kind of book. The book has several stories in it, so I’ll try reading it again in a while, maybe starting one of the other stories.