I finished reading Farewell Navigator by Leni Zumas last week and it’s taken me a while to figure out how to talk about this book. With writing that brings to mind the style of magical realism, this collection of ten short stories features characters who are the misfits and the disenfranchised in society.

The characters are often sad and their situations are filled with despair yet even with the odds stacked against them, they are finding hope and are hanging on for survival.

For example take the story of “The Everything Hater.” The main character’s brother, Horace, feels misunderstood and hates everyone and his family is careful around him.

“My brother has enrolled in a writing class at the community center and says the other students make him want to kill himself and one day soon, he warns us, he probably will. Our mother laughs, but tells me to keep an eye peeled.”

At first, after every pronouncement made by Horace you can’t help but think this guy is just a jerk but as the story unfolds there is a greater sense of acceptance and understanding of why Horace is this way. I think you’ll even root for him in the end.

The author explores bizarre situations and makes the surreal feel real. Here’s a snippet from my other favorite story in the collection, “Blotilla Takes the Cake,” in which the main character, who is receiving treatment for an eating disorder, takes a stand against a bully.

“At the end of the counter are little baskets of salt, pepper, and Sweet ‘N Low. Linda watches to make sure we don’t take more than one packet of each. Sweet ‘N Low is a prized commodity, hoarded by anorexics to trade with overeaters for cigarettes or favors. Sandra, who’s got a violent sweet tooth, has been known to pay cash. Charlotte, who is a bitch, charges a dollar per packet. Murphy, who has a heart of gold, gives Sandra her Sweet ‘N Low for free.”

If you want to read something with a bit of an edge then this is the short story collection for you. I found the stories imaginative and touching.

And, now I get to mark this as another book down for the Short Story challenge. I also want to thank Open City Books for sending me this collection. I’ve just taken a look at their web site and have added more titles to my wish list.

Good Morning Everyone – How’s your Sunday so far?

I’ve been enjoying a weekend with some very good books so I thought I’d share some snippets on those.

I finally started Coraline by Neil Gaiman. I know, I’m the last person to read this right? What can I say, this book has all the elements of a very creepy tale… A mysterious locked door, sinister corridors and big, black buttons. I know I could easily finish this story in one sitting but I am savoring it and taking my time. Plus, I don’t think I want to read this at night. ha. This book counts as one of my R.I.P. III Challenge reads.

My other read is perhaps not as scary but it’s very dark, Out by Natsuo Kirino. This is actually my second attempt at this novel and I think this time I’ll stick with it. Fantastic character development is keeping me intrigued about these four Japanese women embroiled in a violent crime and their way out. This book counts as one of Japanese Literature Challenge reads.

I’m almost done with Blue Sky July by Nia Wyn. A moving memoir of a mother who goes against everything the doctors say in order to heal her son after he suffers a brain injury and is diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy.

And, I’m also nearing the end of Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaret Campbell Barnes. This is another fictional account of Anne Boleyn. I wonder how many books there must be about Anne? Either way, I don’t care because she is fascinating and this story manages to keep me on the edge of my seat even if I already know how it ends.

So, what are you reading this Sunday?