Short Stories Books

Ray Bradbury is one of the great short story writers. Very few can pack as much emotional punch into so few pages as he can: just read "The Lake" or the haunting "Rocket Man" (which inspired the Elton John song of the same name!) to understand the power of his writing. And while I think most of his novels are mediocre at best (I've never liked "Something Wicked This Way Comes," as much as I admire it for the obvious influence it had on genre writers), I insist that Bradbury should never be forgotten, if simply based on the merit of his short fiction. And this book especially, which collects 100 of his best, should be celebrated.

If you buy this book with the newer Bradbury collection, you will have a fairly comprehensive collection of short stories by the master. This collection is not the best. It has it's share of mediocre stories, but even so the great stories are wonderful. "The Veldt", "The Fog Horn", and "The Jar" are my absolute favorites, but there are more gems scattered about the book.


As others have pointed out, it is a tad bit dated. (One of the stories talks about the year 2003). So if you want more up to date stories the newer volume is better. All in all, some interesting stories, but not essential reading.

It is hard to categorize Ray Bradbury as a writer. To many he is known as a science fiction writer, largely due to "The Martian Chronicles." However, he is much more versatile than that, his stories cover many different themes of life, death and strange things in between.
When I was in high school, my favorite story was "The Veldt", where a couple purchase a high quality virtual reality room for their children. However, rather than experience normal children's playrooms, they prefer constant scenes of an African veldt, complete with lions who hunt and kill their prey. The parents try to put a stop to it, but their children whine until they get to keep the veldt. However, the parents finally decide to stand firm and are going to shut the room off. At this time, the room comes alive and the lions kill and devour their parents. I considered this story so good that I must have read it at least twenty times during afternoon study hall. The imagery that the story conjures up is almost visual, which I find is a characteristic of so many of Bradbury's stories.
He is the best writer I have encountered in putting down words in a simple style that still manages to generate tremendous virtual images in your mind. This book is a collection of his short stories and I have read this book at least three times and most of the stories in it in other collections at least twice. Even after all these readings, they are still wonderful, as the images are different each time. Most stories by other writers keep my attention when I first read them, but I find them boring if I try to read them again. It does not seem that that will ever happen with Bradbury stories, which is why I strongly recommend this book.

What can I say about this collection, except that is essential reading for anyone serious about Science Fiction or Fantasy as a form of literature (that's right I said it-the dreaded "l" word) Bradbury has piled up enough superlatives in his life that I don't think I need to go into them.

Anyway, this is a book of Ray Bradbury's greatest stories, which means that these are some of the best stories that imaginative literature has to offer. Why not make it a two-fer and get the "Bradbury Stories" collection with it? Both are worthy, think of "The Stories of Ray Bradbury" is the top shelf A-list stuff, and "Bradbury Stories" is the Solid B list collection. Still great, and best of all, no repeat stories in the two collections! The man was so prolific that he could probably fill up a third volume with no repeats as well...

This collection of stories affected my writing. At least one story I've written has been professionally compared to Ray Bradbury's style. While I never sought to mimic him, I believe I was drawn to his stories because of my writing style and childhood daydreams. This collection is a prime example of Bradbury's work. It's inspiring, startling, spooky, and just plain hypnotic.

Even though I first borrowed this collection from my local library, (and having read some of these stories in others collections), I tracked down a used copy to own just so I could pull it down and revisit my favorite people and places.

A must have for any Bradbury fan... novice or cult-like follower.

I enjoyed this book and I could not stop turning the pages. It has drama, suspense and true love. This author never disapppoints and I can't wait for the next novel.

I Believe This Was A Very Interesting Read. Darren Kept Me Guessing the Whole Entire Time. I Would Highly Recommend This Book to Others

Hailey Height lived with her mother in the projects and would spend afternoons swooning over her fine neighbor, Manny, who lives across the hall. Although Manny is much older than Hailey's fifteen years, she becomes involved in a sexual relationship with him. Because of her skills in the bedroom, he affectionately nicknames her "Honey". After experiencing the worst type of betrayal by her best friend and tragic events that follow, Honey finds herself
having to grow up fast and survive on her own. She uses the only talent she has to make money; as a high-priced call girl.

Khalil Graves is a movie producer with several movie deals being considered for the big screen. The demons from his past follow him, but he's able to cope with the help of medication and therapy. When he meets Honey he is instantly
smitten and she is also attracted to Khalil, but her motives for initiating a relationship are purely selfish. The resulting consequences make for a very thrilling and stimulating adventure. This is the first time I've read a book by Darren Coleman and it won't be my last. Coleman presents great characterization and plot development. The book quickly grabbed my attention and held it to the end. A TASTE OF HONEY is an absorbing and entertaining read, a great addition to your home library.

Reviewed by Paula Henderson
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Hailey was given the alias Honey by the first man that ever paid her for sex. At an adolescent age of 16 she learns early that what she has between her legs is sweet just like honey. With that, Honey leads the life of a self-employed high priced escort. On her way back from a business meeting Honey and Khalil meet on a plane ride back home, and shortly after she finds out the true meaning of why everything happens for a reason.

This is a GOOD read, I read it in less then 24 hours and it keeps you intrigued through the entire story. NEVER a dull moment!!! Even though Honey was a sneaky snake, I had no choice but to root for her.

Just wanted to jump on the wagon with everyone else who said this was a great novel. It was just that. Keep the good books coming.

I liked ballet shoes so since this was the sequil I wanted to read it and was disapointed. It's not as funny and there's not as many crazy adventures as the first. It also has lots of flaws that the first didn't have. But read the third shoe book called dancing shoes way better than even the first one!

I think Theater Shoes is a great book fo kids intrested in acting,dancing or singing.This book had three strong charcters intrested in diffrent areas of theater so it was easy to find a charcter I could relate to.I would suggest this book for girls ages 9 to 14.

Theater Shoes is a wonderful story with an attention grabbing plot, a lovely setting, and a well thought out conflict and resolution. This is, now, one of my favorite books and I really enjoyed it.
Throughout this story, there is a great plot. In this book, Sorrel, Mark, and Holly's parents die. They are forced to live with their grandmother, a bitter, but famous, english actress. She puts the children through a Childrens Academy of Dancing and Stage Training. Almost everyone in their family, before the children, had been a famous in the arts. Their grandmother was determined to keep the family tradition. At first all three children hated the academy. They thought that all of the teachers were too harsh and too serious. Then, after getting used to it, the academy "grew" on to them. Each of the three children discover something about themself at the academy. Sorrel, the eldest, discovers that she is a real actress. She can be very dramatic and play roles quite well. Mark finds out that he is a really fabulous singer. Little Holly can do a lot. She charms almost everyone at the academy with her adorable ways of doing things.
There is a lovely setting in this book. It takes place in England! I have always wanted to go to England, and by the way Noel Streatfeild, the author, describes it in the book, it seems so beautiful. It is in such detail and it is so easy to put an image in your mind.
The conflict / resolution in the story, almost stated in the second paragraph, is the children are forced to go to an academy, by their bitter grandmother, that they have no interest in. But in the end, it all pans out. Each child learns something different about themselves and are now striving to learn more. They end up loving the academy and treating it like their home. It means more to them now, than just pleasing their grandmother. Do you think that all of the hard work the children put into learning will result to something? Read this wonderful book and you will find out quickly.
In conclusion, this book was really great! I think that one reason why I liked it so much was because I can really relate to it. I love to do musical theater, and I think that reading about something that I really enjoy helped me understand the text better than it was already described. You don't have to love musical theatre to enjoy this book, but I think that it really helped. This book was enchanting and I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!

I started the Shoe books a few years ago. The first one was absolutley stupendous and cute. This one is amazing too.

Although each book is its own story, they are all linked with an amazing writing quality and performance.

This one is the story of Holly, Sorrel and Mark, whose grandfather, who supports them, just died -- so they go and live with their grandmother who puts them in an Academy for Stage Training and Dancing. It starts out rough but they learn to like, and even love it.

The overall story is really sweet a precious, which still warms my heart to this day.

This book is about three children named Sorrel, Mark and Holly. When their grandfather dies and they are sent to live with their maternal grandmother, and former famous actress. They are sent to the Children's Academy of Dancing and Stage Training so that they can carry the family's stage tradition. Holly is very good at dancing, Mark at singing and Sorrel at acting. The grandmother is very distant and cold, yet the children find love in their nanny and other family members. Meanwhile, they must put up with their talented, bratty cousin.
The story is wonderfully told and once again, the characters are completely lovable. Kids and adults will love this story, especially Shoes fans.

I grew up reading books like the Hardy Boys, Tom Swift, The Three Investigators and the Danny Dunn series. I loved these stories and now my children read these old favorites in addition to many of the new offerings. It was my love for these stories that shaped my own children's book.John Fastramp and the Dakota 3000 Challenge

Lost books from my childhood. The writing is very clever and witty, with that old 1950's charm.

My [...]son loved these books. I've always had a hard time finding books that keep him interested all the way through. He picked up the first book and read it cover to cover.

This set of books has caused quite a stir in our home! My boys (8 and 6) love to hear us read to them so much that bedtime has often been delayed because of "just one more chapter!"

For a wonder, I never read a Hardy boys novel when I was growing up, probably because they weren't on the shelves at the librarywhere I got most of my books. Of course I saw the Disney versions and the tv series, but I never read one of the books until I was sixty one years old. Then while shopping online I found this boxed set and decided to buy it and read what the books were like.
The first thing I found was that these are not the original versions of the stories written in the late twenties and early thirties. The giveaway was when some of the villains stole a case of transister radios, which were not even invented til long after the forties. So this is the series rewritten in the sixties.
That said, the stories were ingenious and well written. Also, I liked the group of friends that were always ready to help the heroes with their adventures. Television lost out on a good thing when they did not mention these guys and girls on the shows.
After reading through the books, I passed them on to some of my friends, who are eagerly reading them, too.
These books are a good read and a fine memento of a time when it was considered possible for a pair of teenagers to take on a gang of criminals and not get killed out of hands.

My daughter is now 17 months old, ever since she started being interested in books (as early as 11 months) she has always loved this one. She gets more and more excited as we get closer to the end and she loves looking behind the door. I noticed all the little kids at the daycare also just stopped whatever they were doing when I read this book to them once. The best 'Peek-a-boo' type book we've seen.

If your child loves Maisy, they will love this book! My 20 month old never tires of "looking" for Maisy under the flaps and will sit for 15-20 minutes at a time "reading" this. Even her older sister enjoys it!

Both my son and my daugther LOVED this book from the age of 6 months on. It keeps them in rapt attention, and my daugther loves to "knock" on the door.

My daughter loves these books. They are simple, quick & colorful. She turns the pages & loves it. She is under 1 yrs old & has been reading theses with me for about 6 mo. Stays focosed since it is so fast, not so wordy!

My 21 month loves Maisy. She enjoys "looking" for Maisy and her friends in this lift the flap book. This book also introduces counting numbers, colors and shapes. A great book for toddlers. Another great Maisy book is Maisy's Playhouse.

Even tho I enjoyed Unforgettable more, this is still a good story on the 'best friends become lovers (at last)' plot.
For some reason I never empathised with the heroine I thought she could not see the obvious and the hero well what took him so long? But as always it all worked out in the end. There were some funny characters Selma, Uncle Willy and Jonas, (hope he hooks up with Toni Wright), deserve their own stories.

Ms. Byrd has done it, AGAIN! "The Beautiful Ones" is a brilliantly written sequel to "Unforgettable". I can't believe Solomon loved Ophelia for 25 years and she NEVER knew how he felt, talk about an unrequited love! Solomon learns of Ophelia's engagement to Jonas Hilton, another wonderful man, but is he the "Right Man"?!!!. As her lifelong friend, Solomon should be happy for her, but, how can he be happy when the ONLY woman he's ever loved is marrying another? Solomon wishes desperately that he had revealed his feelings for Ophelia long ago, but now he fears it is too late. And Ophelia should be thrilled, she is engaged to a wonderful man. So, why can't she stop thinking about Solomon? Does his feelings for her run deeper than friendship? More importantly, does hers? I thought Jonas was a good man and he was truly in love with Ophelia, but could he compete with her so-called best friend, Solomon?!!!! A wonderful love story.

The story of Ophelia and Simon is heartwrenching and real. How many people has this happened to? Sometimes the best things are right there in front of us and it takes almost losing them to realize what they truly mean.

The Beautiful Ones is Ophelia and Solomon's story. In this brilliantly written sequel to Unforgettable, Solomon learns of Ophelia's engagement to Jonas Hilton. As her lifelong friend, he should be happy for her. Yet, how can he be happy when the woman he loves is marrying another? Solomon wishes desperately that he had revealed his feelings for Ophelia, but now fears it is too late.

Ophelia should be thrilled. She is engaged to a wonderful man. Why can't she stop thinking about Solomon? Do his feelings for her run deeper than friendship? More importantly, do hers?

I highly recommend The Beautiful Ones. Adrianne Byrd has delicately woven a moving and compelling story. It is breathtaking, and leaves us to remember that you sometimes find love where you least expect it... right in front of you.

I absolutely love this author's writing style. I laughed, I cried, and I laughed some more. This is an emotionally charged love story about two friends who nearly miss out on a love of a lifetime to stick to what's safe. Bravo, Ms. Byrd.

This book surprised me. Everything I read is still very prevalent in our world today. Caleb managed to create characters who demanded that you feel them. There were times when I wanted to jump in the book and do something myself! As entertaining as the characters and the story line was, the message was very clear. This book is a must read!

Eastside is a true coming of age story for the streets. Throughout the novel, the main character, Travon Robinson attempts to remain true to his older brother's, dying wish of him staying on the straight and narrow, all the while struggling with the negative events that bring him closer to the gang life he wanted to avoid. Caleb Alexander's story is well written, though very disturbing to read.The story paints a vivid picture of Travon's obstacles and challenges the reader to wonder what choices they would make if given the same limited amount of options as Travon. Caleb brings you face to face with the uneasy reality of gang life, thus throwing his readers on a roller coaster of emotion that will keep them turning the pages to an ending that will leave you breathless.

1. What did you like best about this book?
It really appealed on an emotional level, you can really empathize with Travon's struggle and there was very little if anything that was predictable.

2. What did you dislike about this book?
The disturbing information.

3. How can the author improve this book?
Nothing, I thought it was well written.

Caleb Alexander has penned one of the most emotional, yet compelling novels of the year with "Eastside". His writing is so controversially realistic that you definitely have to develop a gangsta mentality to finish what you started. But you best believe if you start it, you WILL finish it!!! Who you wit!!!!

"Eastside" is the literary entrance to a look-see of gang life in the hood for real. If you loved 'Boys N The Hood' and 'Menace 2 Society' welcome to a more gut wrenching story than those two. Caleb's characters are so raw, they're cold blooded killers, but the love and allegiance that they bear for each other is stronger than you could ever imagine. He introduces us to Travon 'Tre' Robinson, who tries his best to stay away from the gang life because of the loss of his brother, but the pull of the hood is like a black hole, that continues to tug and tear at the young black men, that they either succumb to the life by omission or commission.

Caleb's plot is so addictive that despite the disgust that may emerge from the senseless killings, he keeps you enthralled with the slightest glimmer of hope that somehow, someone will be able to overcome the murderous antics and trials that follow. His depiction is so vivid, he challenges your ethics and provokes your thoughts in what could have been done different. Is there anyone or anything that could have stopped this treacherous, destructive craze that swept our country and captured so many of our African-American youth by the two greatest grim reapers of all times, the grave or the penintentiary. He addresses the stands that the mothers did try to make, although some may feel they were weak, he unveils all aspects of 'the life'.

Caleb Alexander's literary skills are magnificent and he will definitely continue to build a steadfast fanbase with his effortless, yet unique and original talent. Major, major props to you Mr. Alexander!!! Thank you for a wonderful piece of work!! Kudo's to you my brotha!

Elmira Robinson lost her oldest son to the gang infested San Antonio streets, so she'll do anything to ensure that her remaining child Trevon avoids the same fate. And when the same gang that his brother lost his life for attempts to induct Trevon she sends him packing to her sister's house for safe keeping. But can a new address change Trevon's fate? Even while trying to heed his brother's warning words from the grave how can Trevon escape the gang banging that's prevalent throughout his school and community? How can he avoid the pressure constantly being applied to him from his friends, his cousins and his brother's friends?

Eastside does way more than just highlight Trevon's struggle, author Caleb Alexander shines a brutal and yet honest light upon the gang violence that is still plaguing our communities. And although the portrayal is disturbing to read about is it far more disturbing for our youth that have to survive daily in these environments. And for this reason alone Eastside should definitely be required reading so an effort can be made much like Elmira Robinson's attempt to save her son.

How do you escape a hood you've been in all your life and live with the things you've done?

This is the story of Travon "Tre" Robinson walking in the shoes of his deceased big brother To-Low. All Travon can remember is their last conversation. "Tre don't ever join a gang. I do this so you don't have to" However, everyone around Tre is so deep into the gang life that he has no choice. It's either Blood in or Blood out.

Sent to live with his kinfolk, Tre has no idea how serious the hood really is. Will Tre learn to get down and live by the code of the 'Blood' or will he allow the last conversation he had with To-Low outweigh what's going on around him and live?

Eastside was so enjoyable that I really had a hard time getting my words together. Mr. Alexander really touched on every aspect of gang life, police corruption, and the relationship between mothers & their sons. Throughout the whole story, the author kept trying for Tre to stay positive.

Take a walk with Caleb Alexander as he introduces you to the hood. This is the real hood as far as I'm concerned. I've never read a book with so much violence before now. However, the violence paints a wonderful picture of one young man's struggle to live. Eastside is definitely a must read.

Reviewed by Angie
for Urban Reviews

I love this book it is very good from beginning to end. I did not want to put this book down. But I am looking for for the next part because I want to know what happens next......ReShonda Tate Billingsley is a wonderful author. I enjoy all of her books.

This book was a great and I am praying there will be a sequel. If you haven't purchased this book, shame on you. Keep up the good work Ms. Billingsley!!!

I finished this in two days. It only took this long because the kids would not let mommy read LOL

This is a great book. Very realistic. Beter than watching a movie. I highly recommend it. I cant wait until the sequel.. Will there be a sequel? Please let there be a sequel.. LOL

I really enjoyed this book. I could hardly put it down. Hated for it to end.

I really like this book once i started reading i could not put it down.Reshonda did wonderful in this book I'm waiting for the next one. I also read the Let the church Say Amen that was awesome. Reshonda keep up the good work .

This book gave me the healing i needed....i'm in the same situation. It is so ironic how great this book is, i am in love with this book, and recommend it to every single woman...

A Heart of Devotion was the most important book that I've read in the past two years. It is a MUST READ for any woman in her twenties, who is struggling with the her personal choices and desires, and is looking for the keys to having a heart devoted to God. I tell you, I NEEDED THIS BOOK when I was in my twenties.

It is the story of Anika and Sherri, who are best friends and inseparable until one of them, Anika, starts dating Tyson Randall. These ladies had intimate relationships with God, and were good accountability and prayer partners, but the issues of life sidetracked them. The story is one in which these young women attempt to get back into God's will and fulfilling God's purpose for their lives.

This was a unique and compelling story, very much in step with what I as a young woman went through in my twenties, and I am sure young women today are going through the same tug of emotions. The author efficiently hit on a variety of common problems: the choices we make, the consequences of those choices, and praying and waiting on God for answers and for direction.

If you are a young woman in her 20's, this book is a must read. Trust me, it will change the way you think about life and what you are currently going through...

Go get this book. You won't regret it.

This book was right on time for me. I finished it this morning and had a hard time letting go. I would love to see this book have a sequel. My soul was ministered to by reading it. I'm a true lover of christian fiction. I so want a HEART OF DEVOTION right now. I'll be incorporating many of the scriptures into my life. I gave it 5 stars because the author did an excellent job applying scripture. There were some parts of the story that I would have like to see develop a bit more, and for that I'd rate it a 4, but overall a 5. Good Job Ms. McCollors.

In her debut novel, Tia McCollors gives readers a taste of reality through the lives of best friends, Anisha and Sherri.

This thought-provoking story shares real issues of two attractive, single women who try to maintain their focus on their Christian walk. Though their lonely Friday nights are tallying up, Anisha and Sherri manage to hold onto their friendship and pact of dating accountability when the tables turn. Distractions come their way and sometimes hinder them, but their paths inevitably lead to faithfulness to God and friends.

McCollors has definitely given readers something to think about even after the story has ended. This is a great discussion tool for ALL singles.

I picked this up in the airport and could not put it down. If you are a young single christian female this book will be something you can relate to. It was so real to me that I cried just like it was a movie. The best part of the book is how Anisha hears the voice of God whispering to her and then seeing what happens when she ignores him as well as what happens when she is obedient.