QUICK AND QUIRKY STORIES AND PHOTOS
by Lorin Lee Cary
“A clever collection that provides an effective combination of brevity and wit.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Cary presents a set of short tales that offer humorous and profound insights into the peculiarities of human existence. This collection includes more than two dozen flash-fiction stories, each less than 1,000 words in length, as well as scattered black-and-white photographs by the author. Each vignette introduces readers to a variety of offbeat characters, including a person with hypochondria who claims to have a “brain-eating” disease (“My Problem”). In “Superhero,” a superpowered man named Ken seeks medical help for intense, malodorous flatulence that affects his job: “In a few cases the bad guy has died because of…the emission,” he tells the physician. “It depresses me.” The doctor tries to be sympathetic while fanning the air and dabbing her nose. The images are as compelling as the text and add an extra layer of wit and charm; they aren’t meant to directly accompany the tales, but instead offer narratives of their own. Sometimes, they showcase observational humor, as in an image of street signs in front of cemeteries stating “No Passing” or “Dead End.” Cary’s ability to craft extraordinary tales from seemingly mundane scenarios is particularly impressive; stories such as “The Key,” which turns a simple find into a surprising narrative, present imaginative premises and satisfying payoffs. The author also has a knack for crafting opening lines that immediately draw readers in, as in “Accident”: “When Jake’s head exploded, it surprised me. I mean, what woman wants blood all over their living room?” A few stories feature writers as characters, including one of the standouts, “Rosie,” about a restaurant server who uses conversations and events she experiences during her shift to craft her own books.”
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/lorin-lee-cary/quick-and-quirky-stories-and-photos/
Review Posted Online: Aug. 1, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2024
D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer
Quick and Quirky Stories and Photos
Lorin Lee Cary
Independently Published
9798990057104 $10.99 Paper/$2.99 eBook
https://www.amazon.com/Quick-Quirky-Stories-Photos-Lorin/dp/B0D67VVTK7
Quick and Quirky Stories and Photos represents the concept of flash fiction at its best, synthesizing life experiences into vignettes of under 1,000 words. This will especially appeal to modern audiences whose attention spans or schedules limit their ability to digest longer works, but it also highlights a literary device in which the most can be said in the least amount of words.
In Lorin Lee Cary's case, the focus on diverse characters and disparate situations contributes to the surprises readers will experience as each story unfolds.
Take 'The Key' for one example. The one-page story succinctly documents the discovery of an unusual key, the finder's fantasy about the story behind it, and a reality which surprises.
In contrast is 'Superhero,' in which an uncommon occupation is stymied by a medical condition which challenges the superhero patient in an unusual manner. As the physical and emotional prowess of a superhero is inspected, readers receive a delightful interplay of wry humor and thought-provoking encounter.
Each story delivers a punch of uncommon development that will especially delight those seeking surprises in their reading. Each promises and delivers observations and revelations that enhance both the short story individually and the collection as a whole.
Cary is particularly gifted at building extraordinary conclusions from seemingly common (and also uncommon) scenarios, wielding the flash fiction's potential for excellence in a manner that modern literature or creative writing classes will also find attractive.
The black and white photos which liberally pepper these stories add their own special brand of attraction and, often, surprise that encourage readers to think.
All these factors play into Quick and Quirky Stories and Photos being a top recommendation for a wide audience of short story and flash fiction readers, from those looking for entertainment value to others who will appreciate the sense of wry humor that often permeates these adventures and experiences.
Well-crafted, beautiful; a rich experience. —The Prairies Book Review, June 21, 2024
Cary’s latest, a collection of short stories, offers profound glimpses into the idiosyncrasies and obstacles of daily existence. “Obsession” follows a man consumed by his fear of balding, as he spirals down a desperate path to maintain his hairline. In “Entrepreneur,” an eternally optimistic and entrepreneurial spirit repeatedly dives into doomed business ventures. “The Job” reveals the double life of a hitman masquerading as a meat salesman. The charming waitress in “Rosie” finds solace in her routine and the snippets of conversations she overhears. “Observations” explores how different perceptions and experiences shape our understanding of shared spaces and interactions. “My Word” revolves around a bereavement counselor’s commitment to fulfilling his client’s final wishes after his sudden passing. “Perception” humorously exposes the misconceptions and peculiarities in human relationships. Cary’s conversational and character-driven approach creates a lively and engaging narrative that keeps the reader invested. The accompanying black-and-white photographs beautifully compliment the narrative. Throughout it all, Cary delves into themes of perception, identity, resilience, and the complexities of interpersonal relationships. A stunner.
