1986

Stories

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Pub Date Jan 15 2025 | Archive Date Jun 15 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.

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...


A Note From the Publisher

Based on some confused reactions from readers, I feel it necessary to mention that 1986 - Stories is a literary fiction collection, in the vein of Denis Johnson or Flannery O' Connor. Although I am a fan of Stranger Things, my book does not have much in common with it or any other retro 80s nostalgic media. That said, the book does have moments of wonder, adventure, and humor, and I hope some plain old good storytelling as well. Thank you, Will Stepp

Based on some confused reactions from readers, I feel it necessary to mention that 1986 - Stories is a literary fiction collection, in the vein of Denis Johnson or Flannery O' Connor. Although I...


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)

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...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9798991503600
PRICE $13.99 (USD)
PAGES 164

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Average rating from 44 members


Featured Reviews

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.

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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.

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I love when a short read stays with you for a long time. This is an important book! Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this free eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

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I had no idea what I was getting into but this collection of stories was fantastic. I devoured each one. I finished in one sitting. My only complaint was the stories weren’t long enough. I gave this book a 4.5 star rating.

Each story left me feeling dazed and like I didn’t know how to feel. If I could read it for the first time again I would. A book you can’t put down and that will keep you deeply invested. A gripping must read.

Thanks so much NetGalley and Brody and Malachi Press for the eARC.

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