Just in Case by Laura McHale Holland - Book Tour & Review + Giveaway
Just in Case: Twenty-one Bite-sized Stories
Laura McHale Holland
Publication date: August 17th 2019
Genres: Adult, Contemporary
Imagine a world where shadows of enchantment instantly render ordinary experiences eerie, terrifying or sublime, and where the unexpected becomes the norm. The twenty-one micro stories in Laura McHale Holland’s Just in Case comprise such a place: a universe where a wife betrayed relishes her revenge; a couple chugging toward retirement takes a surprising U-turn; a much maligned character finally has his say; a cozy family scene chills the blood; a curious relative cannot leave a half-human baby alone. These, and more, are what you’ll find in this book.The dark, often revealing themes in this collection marry exquisitely with the precise flash fiction form, offering a full reading experience in few words. If you enjoy engaging, short reads with deliciously poetic prose, plenty of imagery, and context left to the imagination, you’re likely to love the concise gems found herein.
My Review
Just in Case is a collection of 21 stories, but they're all in the vein of flash fiction. Only a few sentences long, the stories can be read in any order you'd like, and only take a matter of minutes to get through. Each one is strange and unique in its own way. Some of the stories weren't really my cup of tea, but they were still okay. Others were weirdly fascinating and mildly dark. Like the title story, Just in Case. Only a handful of sentences long, that ending just kind of slaps you in the face. I liked it.
Cold Case was another fun one. In fact, I'd love to see the basic premise of that story fleshed out into a full-blown novel. That would be amazing.
No Need is an amusing little read about a woman who taunts the barista at the coffee shop. It reeks of pettiness, and I loved it so much.
Before is another story I think would be awesome if it were to be fleshed out. It's got the beginnings of a suspenseful thriller or straight-up horror novel.
And the last story, When She Wakes Up, is just plain odd. I found it strangely disturbing.
If you're looking for a short, quick read that will stir your imagination and make you wonder, check out Just in Case.
3.5 stars from me.
Author Bio:In all of her work, Laura McHale Holland strives to stir people’s emotions and find hope hidden in unlikely places. Her novel, The Kiminee Dream, set for release in 2020, introduces a cast of quirky characters in a fictional Illinois river town where unseen forces both help and hinder, and people learn to rise in the face of adversity, accept what can never be and embrace big dreams anew. Laura’s published books include two memoirs, two collections of flash fiction, and an anthology on sisterhood. In addition, three of her plays have been produced in San Francisco’s North Bay region.
3 Comments
I've never actually read flash fiction but it sounds entertaining and really unique! Great review! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! Flash fiction is usually billed as around 100 word stories, and some of these are a little longer or shorter, but I feel that term works better than short story. It definitely takes a skilled hand to write flash fiction and make it work.
DeleteSounds intriguing
ReplyDeletePlease try not to spam posts with the same comments over and over again. Authors like seeing thoughtful comments about their books, not the same old, "I like the cover" or "sounds good" comments. While that is nice, putting some real thought and effort in is appreciated. Thank you.