Hiding Monsters in the Open
By Sharma Shields
Autumn House Press, $17.95, 140 pages
The best stories end with a twist, a deserved twist. Favorite Monster: Stories is an anthology of stories all centered around monsters of different types. Author Sharma Shields looks at the definition of monsters in our society and what it takes to be considered a monster. There are a number of legendary monsters that pop up every so often. In general they are used to provide a contrast to what we think of as monsters and show that sometimes having visible fangs doesn’t make you a monster as much as what is in your heart.
Although the stories are great, Shields writes as if she is a lit major. The good news is that she doesn’t waste words and the words she chooses do as much work as they possibly can. Her stories get right to the point. At the same time, this means that the tales seem a little short and points that need to be better explained are rushed. Sometimes writing isn’t about the race but the pace. Nonetheless, for those looking for a good afternoon read, this is definitely a book to check out.
Reviewed by Jamais Jochim
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