1986
Stories
by Will Stepp
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Pub Date Jan 15 2025 | Archive Date Apr 30 2025
Description
Ten interconnected stories about a boy growing up in a small town in Georgia, set against the backdrop of the 1980s. From a secret pond nestled in the woods to the fog-shrouded rooftop of an interstate truck stop, to the shadowy corridors of a YMCA basement, familiar landscapes transform into realms of childhood wonder and discovery. Together, these dreamlike and often surreal tales weave a nostalgic meditation on family, home, memory, and time.
Advance Praise
Included in Independent Book Review's list of "The Best Books We Read in 2024".
"An absolutely haunting and emotionally charged reading experience. Stepp's superbly rendered and consistently heartrending vignettes may dramatize mundane things like class trips, birthdays, checking the mail, and fixing the washing machine with granddad, but they nevertheless brim with genuine profundity and true terror at almost every turn."
—Kirkus Reviews (https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/will-stepp/1986-stories/)
"Atmospheric & real—a recollective mood on childhood, family, and friends in the 1980s, coated with the nostalgia of times gone by. 'New Knife' might be the best short story I've read in years."
—Toni Woodruff, Independent Book Review (https://independentbookreview.com/2024/11/01/book-review-1986-by-will-stepp/)
"This book engrossed me in ways I struggle to explain as Will Stepp perfectly captures the ineffable qualities of reminiscing. While people tend to present their life stories as cohesive narratives with clear structure, themes, and resolution, things are rarely so simple: we misremember things, omit details that don't neatly fit into the narrative, and filter past events through our current perspectives and biases. The book embraces this messiness and keeps us immersed in the main character's raw experiences through vivid descriptions, bursts of streams of consciousness, and hazy, dreamlike scenes open to interpretation."
—Gabriel Santos, Readers' Favorite (https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/1986)
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9798991503600 |
| PRICE | $13.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 164 |
Links
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Nicole W, Reviewer
This Interlocked short collection was a nostalgic, tense ride, with an undercurrent that left me with a sense of foreboding. The setting and characters had me constantly on edge. The writing style was gripping and I enjoyed the easy flow as it came together. The 80s setting was believable and nostalgic in a real and gritty way. I enjoyed this very much and will read more from this author.
Ayli P, Reviewer
Such a relaxing read, stories like New Knife stand out for their ability to transform mundane moments into reflections of profound wonder and fear. The narrative employs a mix of surreal and stream-of-consciousness elements, inviting readers to immerse themselves in a hazy, memory-driven world. This approach mirrors the fragmented, often messy way we remember our past, making the stories resonate deeply with readers.
Each story revolves around a boy’s experiences with family, friends, and his surroundings, showcasing the universal struggles and discoveries of growing up, it was a fun and easy read and I definitely recommend, especially those born around the 80's.
Laura G, Reviewer
Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book!!
I LOVED this book! It was a bit slow in the beginning but then boom I was hooked!! I finished it in one sitting! My first by this author but will not be my last!!
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