A Small Fiction

This collection of very short stories is funny at some points, thought-provoking in others and surreal in some still. This book can be read all in one sitting or slowly over the course of days. It's a refreshing change of pace. I did find the formatting to be a little annoying, but it didn't distract from the stories being told or make me dislike the book as a whole.

“’I read your story.’
‘And?’
‘It’s so short. Why did it take so long to write?’
‘It took time to get all the extra words out of the way.’”

A Small Fiction is an illustrated collection of little stories by James Mark Miller, with illustrations by Jefferson Miller. The author describes the collection as the seeds of stories; a few lines each, they are succinct and evocative, often able to convey a thought, a feeling or an idea better than a much longer work. Many of these are so good, it is difficult to limit the quotes in a review.

These little gems, dipping into various genres, will have the reader smiling, frowning, gasping and, very often, laughing out loud. They are wise, clever, poignant, insightful, witty, sad, profound, funny (sometimes darkly so), scary and really quite wonderful!

“Ownership is an illusion, the cat knew. Nothing is forever.
They needed to learn.
He began pushing another glass toward the table’s edge.”

“’This model is perfect. It will even think it’s human.’
‘What about the optical flaws?’
‘The “floaters”? We’ll just say we all have them.’”

This one is reminiscent of Hitchhikers Guide B ark: “’Robots will replace us all pretty soon,’ he said.
‘Not everyone. Not you.’
‘Really?’
‘Yeah, no one needs what you do. You can go,’”

“’Dad, why do Santa’s deer have bells?’
‘Remember how we put the bell on the cat because he kept eating birds?’
‘Yeah?’
‘That. But kids’”

“’Teach me how to be happy,’ she said.
The dog whuffed at her, then flopped down to nap.
‘I wish you could talk.’
He wished she would listen.”
And there are many more, just as marvellous. What a great little collection!
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing.

I've been following this twitter feed for a while, and always enjoy it. These were a smattering of some of the best, with some I didn't remember (maybe new additions?). I love these short little tales. They remind me of the Hemingway 6-word story format, but for the contemporary world. It'll be perfect for those who want something they can just sporadically peruse.

A very interesting collection- the small snapshots weave together and almost create a complete novel, or a network of interlocking novels. A really unique work that is very funny and very readable.

The book is a mix of sweet, thought-provoking, and melancholy tiny stories that come together beautifully. There are a few stories that turn common phrases or beliefs on their head. They will make you laugh and may give you some hope. I listed a couple of my favorites below.

We were the stars.
Meaningless alone.
Defined by our constellations.

The dog's tail wagged.
It was his tail's job: to synchronize all nearby moods to the measure of his joy.
A metronome of happiness.

Do you remember what Forrest Gump's mother always said?
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."
"The same applies to A Small Fiction," says Tau and as a Belgian she can know
That the chocolates in this book are really delicious. In one word: "Wow!"

Don't be fooled by the packaging

Whether the cover appeals to you or not, pick up this book!
You will be pleasantly surprised.
Over and over again.
Because - like the title already says - it is all about 'small fiction'.
As in: lots of little stories of just a few sentences and maximum 140 characters.
What started as an exercice in creativity on Twitter, became an almost daily habit and resulted in this book.

There's no arguing about taste

That is a truism.
But the good news is: there's for everyone's taste in here.
Philosophical and poetic observations, science-fiction with robots and aliens, fantasy with ghosts and death and oracles, romances with a twist, …
Even a true wedding proposal!

You never know what you're gonna get

At first sight the stories are published in random order and not by theme or genre (although several themes keep coming back throughout the book and some may appeal more to you than others).
But when you look a little closer, you begin to see that there is always some connection between two successive stories. Sometimes it's the setting, sometimes just a keyword. Anyway, it's nice to see that the book was compiled with so much eye for detail.
Although you never know where the next story may take you, there are a few constants.
Several stories contain references to poems, books, … (always fun if you recognize them)
Others are supported by pictures made by Jefferson Miller, the brother of James Miller (the author). These black and white pictures often form a beautiful symbiosis with the words.
There is also a lot of inventive wordplay, which will delight language lovers.
And most importantly, there is humour in abundance. From witty over absurd to mostly dark.

Beware: as addictive as chocolate

This is definitely a book to read and reread, especially when you can use a bit(e) of inspiration or humour to brighten up your day!
And if you need a higher dose, you can always take a look on the Twitter-account of A Small Fiction where new stories are still regularly posted or on the website ;-)


*Disclaimer: Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free e-book in exchange for an honest review.
** This review also appeared in an article on my blog World of Tau.

Little bits. Tiny snippets. Just enough to wet the whistle and keep curiosity flowing. Loved it!!!!

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and James Miller for an ARC in return for an honest review.