A collection of thirty-three award-winning short stories, two graphic novels, and a novella, each about one-of-a kind characters solving serious problems in challenging settings. The stories are crafted by William H. Coles with artistic intensity for engagement and entertainment. Each short story is illustrated by one of six artists commissioned for the story. Coles’s stories are inspiring, memorable, and enjoyable–a treasured addition to any library.
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The Gift • Speaking of the Dead
Homunculus • Suchin’s Escape
The Wreck of the Amtrak’s Silver Service
The Indelible Myth • The Stonecutter
The Necklace • Nemesis • The Bear
Gatemouth Willie Brown on Guitar
The Golden Flute • Dilemma
The Amish Girl • Dr. Greiner’s Day in Court
The Cart Boy • Lost Papers
Inside the Matryoshka • Big Gene
Grief • The Miracle of Madame Villard
Clouds • Reddog
The War of the Flies
Crossing Over • Father Ryan
Facing Grace with Gloria
The Perennial Student • The Activist
Curse of a Lonely Heart
On the Road to Yazoo City
Captain Withers’s Wife
The Thirteen Nudes of Ernest Goings
Graphic Novel: Homunculus
Graphic Novel: Reddog
Novella: Sister Carrie
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Amazon (Kindle click here) and Barnes & Noble
Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016
Includes all the stories listed above, with b/w illustrations. Graphic Novels are not included.
Black and White print edition available at
Amazon and Barnes & Noble
Reviews
The Amish Girl Short Story from the book: The Amish Girl is a sweet but sad story of love loss and yearning. The author left a hint of reconnection by mentioning Belize a country in central America that she may have been forced to go to where there are a number of Amish folk. While that would be interesting I personally like the way it ended. Old memories grow sweeter by the day. I have read thousands of short fiction stories and this along with two others I believe I will always remember. Dusky Ruth and the Higgler by A. P. Coppard interestingly he is an English author. And now William H. Coles an American author, The Amish Girl. Marshall L. Dell
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Every short story I read was simply relatable, which was my number one monumental positive aspect about the book. The author seems to possess a skill to assessing the status-core of today’s norm and depict it in stories. Once again, recalling from the story of the gift, Catherine’s parent seems to fail to understand that premarital sex is a thing of the past. Instead of counselling her and cautioning her about life at large, they just throw her into a hard place and a rock. Secondly, I also loved the collection of short, which were brief and straight to the point. Instead of exponential chapters, I, as the reader, got the liberty to soothe myself in a paradise of fiction. Nothing instills vulnerable lessons and refreshes the mind like having different pieces of manuscript of the same theme. A personal applaud to the author for a marvelous job done.
I sincerely had no negative aspect about the book, this was a masterpiece in its truest form, undoubtedly. I also have to mention the effortless flow I encountered while reading the book, which is all thanks to careful grammatical editing down to detail.
Furthermore, I, therefore, rate this book, a perfect 4 out of 4 stars for a one of kind picture perfect fictional stories.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
He is arguably known as the father of modern short stories and one of its most prolific writers. He is none other than the great poet, Edgar Allan Poe, who once said:
‘A short story must have a single mood, and every sentence must build towards it.’
In Illustrated Short Fiction of William H.Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles, Edgar’s statement rings true. The book comprises thirty-three short stories, two graphic novels and one novella.
The book is a page-turner. I like how my attention was quickly engaged even though the characters were underdeveloped. It also leaves a lot of scope for imagination so the reader can always draw their conclusions on the plot. I like the way each story leaves me yearning for more. Unlike a novel that almost certainly has a conclusion, this short collection story is like playing a deck of cards. It is unpredictable yet engrossing. The author’s narrative writing style is rich and seamless, weaving its magic smoothly through each storyline.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I did enjoy reading this book. As an avid reader and huge fan of short stories, this has to be among the best pieces I have read so far. The plots are written in beautiful and artistic ways that help readers form imagery as they read. All the themes discussed are very contemporary, making the whole book relatable. At first, I thought the themes were too dark and morbid but the themes addressed are real-life problems that cannot always be swept under the rug. The characters were also well-formed making it easy to pull into their stories.
There wasn’t any part of the book that did not impress me. I found a few errors, which meant that the novel was exceptionally edited. I found all characters well developed and the plot to be very intriguing. The ending of most of the stories is unexpected and very creative. Portraying this book in any negative light would be unfair and unjust. It certainly did tick all the right boxes for me.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I appreciate the dark-adapted characters I have met in these stories. Characters that may easily be perceived as pure evil and malevolent until you get to know them more and realize how capable of goodness even these people can be. One example I can think of is Harry. The nature of his work alongside his cousin, Antoine, is too despicable for words. Their job is to transport a Chinese kid they had just picked up from a ship. On their way to deliver the girl, they get into an argument that leads to an accident. The car is smoking. Antoine runs for his life while Harry goes back for Suchin who is taped and without a chance to go out. I’d like to think that Harry’s decision of saving Suchin is not driven by business matters but by his sympathy for another human being. I find the ending beautiful, the way Harry achieves redemption through Suchin’s Escape. There is a technique in painting which I will liken to the theme of this story; for a light color to stand out, one must paint it over the darkest shade. Of such is the nature of these narratives wherein the characters’ light, however faint, is made visible through the darkest shadow of imperfect situation brought about by adversity and unhappiness.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Most of the stories in this book are exceptionally beautiful, unique, and come from different topics. Reading this book was a very interesting and exciting experience. Each ending is satisfying, even though most of them are sad and mysterious. At the end of my reading, I wondered which chapter was my favorite, and I had a hard time picking one. However, one of my favorite chapters is “The Wreck of the Amtrak’s Silver Service.” The best paragraph of it is, “Heinrick saw Agnes, her face pulsing red, then white. From the blaze of the crossing lights. She sat motionless, and he was sure she still smiled. He pulsed with anger.” I love that part because it implies strength, braveness, and power in women. Agnes is a powerful and sweet character created by William H. Cole that represents female empowerment.In general, this book feels magical.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. Every story is brilliant, unusual, and fascinating, but still has a realistic touch to it. I call it realistic because the settings and characters are things that I can find in reality.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I liked how his stories didn’t always have a “happy ending” but an ending that I had least expected. Although they hit us hard, they portrayed the reality of life. The stories are navigated based on human emotions and not based on anything that justifies which is right or wrong. The readers can have a different perspective on life after reading this book. I’d suggest people to read any one of the stories whenever they felt low to cheer their mood. There is no aspect I found in this book, which might mark as negative.
I would recommend this book to those who would expect something to read that would change their whole perspective of life. The stories had something in common and that is “life is always simple and unpredictable”
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Another aspect that I like about this book is the uniqueness found in some of its short stories. Consider The Activist, for instance. The story doesn’t read like those I have read before. Told from the perspective of a young girl, this story has newness to it because it approaches activism from a very creepy angle.
Still on why I enjoyed reading this book, I like the sentences many stories here start with, specifically Dilemma, The Perennial Student, The War of Flies, The Stonecutter, The Cart Boy and On the Road to Yazoo City. In passing, below is the first sentence in the short story The War of Flies:
The summer when I was eight, the dead flies were so thick on Grandma’s porch that Mom swept them into piles and shoveled them into large plastic trash bags.
One more thing, the endings. I mean how most stories end in this book. Many endings here impressed me, more so Father Ryan’s. What Father Ryan does with a phone number written on a napkin exonerates him at last.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I liked this book especially because of the uniqueness of each of the stories. I found each story different and interesting, and was amazed at how all those ideas could come from one person. I also liked the illustrations for each of the stories because they satisfied my imagination. They were all unique and the two graphically illustrated books were an added bonus. Additionally, I liked that the book was able to draw my emotions both positive and negative. The stories were not straight forward and the endings were surprising. More so I liked that the book was well edited with very few errors.
rate this book 4 out of 4 because I found it entertaining and enjoyable. Each story was equally interesting and well edited.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
William H. Coles has put together an astonishing collection of thirty-three short stories, including breathtaking stories like; The gift, The Wreak of the Amtrak’s Silver Service and Nemesis. In his book, Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000- 2016, each character is caught in a specific situation- desperate to get out. Though the stories are, as the title suggests, fiction the accuracy of his stories blew my mind!
Each character is realistically created, and that has allowed me to connect with each and every one. Learning new things from each story was captivating and thrilling. Once you open the book, the beautiful illustrations catch your attention immediate and when you start reading the story you get lost in the words.
To all the readers who love to read about the real world and cry, laugh, and yell about it, this book would be ideal for you. William H. Coles really has a way with words and evoking emotions of all sorts. I would rate this book a full 4 out of 4 stars.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
It was my first time reading the works of Mr. Coles. I didn’t know what to expect but I got the most unexpected tales. Some complex emotional traits, such as betrayal, despair and anguish, are touched upon. I was totally hooked to the pages. The narrations will leave you thinking to fill the gaps at the end. It does not necessarily have happy endings. Most of the tales have dark motives behind them. One cannot remain cheery while reading but it is entertaining all the same.
I am pleased to award four out of four stars to this amazing collection. The overall theme of the stories is unconventional and out of the box. This is something we don’t usually choose to read but if one is looking for something different then it is best to give it a read.>
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I love how William H. Coles brought the characters to life in all the stories. Readers can feel the presence of the characters in the book and the different roles they played in each piece. There is nothing that I disliked about the book. The stories I found to be wholesome, and the characters were lively and well developed. I enjoyed reading this book, from the first narrative till the last one.I rate Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 a 4 out of 4 stars. I believe the book has been professionally edited as I only noticed a few typos. The thirty-six stories were all so different and entertaining in their unique ways. I enjoyed reading each story and interacting with the characters through the author’s descriptions.
I recommend this book to readers who like short fictional stories. This book comprises amazing diverse stories that readers can enjoy and complete one narrative at a sitting. Readers will have an easy time going through the book from start to finish.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I liked the book. The book grabbed me from the beginning till the end. There are no unnecessary events and situations which can distract the reader from reading this book. Many stories were opened, others ended in suspense while others were explained vividly. This book promotes moral values to young people in the society. Themes were relevant and well explained. Characters were different and involved in different situations and rolesThe book had a lot of lessons. The book highlights moral decay in the society. It also highlights challenges people face in the society. I did not have any negatives of this book. It was exceptionally well edited. There was no spelling or grammatical error. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. In conclusion, I recommend this book to be read by people loving fiction stories.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
These stories were well-written and easy to read. The stories are about human nature filled with love, hope, hate, and lust. But also with love lost, lost chances, hardships, sickness and so much more. I think what struck me most about these stories was love. We, humans, crave to be loved. To be accepted. We tend to look for this elusive thing in the wrong places, while what we are looking for is right in front of us.
What I liked most about this book; was the number of stories the author has put together. I also found it refreshing how every story began with an illustration. I must admit that the two graphic novels close to the end of the book were a welcome surprise. The stories were also well arranged and flowed well.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Coles has addressed the major common issues of every society, ensuring that no particular race is being scolded, as the plots are set in different regions and cities of Africa, Asia, and Europe. The characters are real descriptions of the author’s ability to develop unique characters with uncanny endings. His style in every story is smooth and flowing, and the details helped to imagine every scene as being with the characters. In every story, he has highlighted the uncommon stories of the common people, whom we pay no attention in our busy lives, but they do have needs and dreams like every one of us.
While reading the book, I did not notice any errors, assuming the book was well edited. Thus, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars . It is not good enough to deduct a star due to the graphic novel from such an informative anthology.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Do you love reading short stories? Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles will be your go-to book, containing life lessons.
The writer did a great job in this book; it consisted of short stories with topics that teach valuable lessons and make it enjoyable. Also, as I read the book, I wondered what the next story would be about just by reading the topic. When it comes to the author’s writing skills, some short stories ended with the reader having questions about what happened next, which is a good thing.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I give Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. The ability to convey the whole spectrum of emotions associated with a character in short stories displays the author’s skill. Characters created by the author are so realistic as to allow readers to connect with them. A fast read, the book engages the audience immediately and captures the psyche with captivating stories. Regardless of one’s taste, there is a story to suit everyone. Each of the stories offers something to learn, some morals, some tips, and information about how life works for other people and how they react to events differently.
Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The book grabbed me from the beginning. In fact, this is exactly what happens in many of the stories – the story of the main action begins from the first sentence, without wasting time. There are not many unnecessary descriptions and events that can distract the reader from the mainline of action. Another thing that was repeated throughout the book was that the end of many of the stories remained open, and although some things along the way were explained, there was still plenty of room to interpret what had happened. This is something that I personally really liked, but it does not apply to every reader. Many of the stories were dark. In fact, part of all of them were like that. There is talk of morals and humanity. How far can one go to achieve what he wants? The characters were very different and placed in interesting and unique situations. Sometimes there was a clear distinction between what was considered “good” and “bad,” but for the most part, it was absent or very slight, almost imperceptible. I liked this a lot because it allowed me to decide for myself whether something was right or not and whether I could even define it as something that corresponded to only one of the words.
Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The short stories vary in genre and length, the shortest being of one page and the longest being sixteen pages. They all are very interesting, touching subjects such as race, poverty and disability. My favourites were “The Gift”, for Catherine’s point of view of disability; “The Indelible Myth”, because the mix-up of rumors and actual memories, especially from a child’s perspective is a topic very close to me; “Dilemma”, treating one of the biggest moral questions of society, where to draw the line on when euthanasia is the right thing to do or not; “The Amish Girl” with a stunning platonic love between two people so different, yet so similar; “Big Gene”; “Clouds”, which gives us a perspective on another important and complicated query of life and on how others easily judge the ones who choose to entrust a loved one to an institution; and lastly, I loved the pacing of “Reddog” and how the details of the story slowly unfold with each session and the evolution of Billie’s thoughts on Ms. Pearlstein shown through the drawing on the wall of his cell.
It is amazing how the emotions and humanity of the characters were magnificently described by the author. It allows you to step into the shoes of the characters and feel engrossed in the story, also thanks to the first person narration of some stories. In most stories there isn’t a clear distinction of bad and good, only characters with feelings, vices and virtues like we all do.
Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I would start by complimenting the author on the amazing skills he showed in this book. Every character was fleshed out so beautifully that you feel every emotion that the character feels at any given point in his or her story. No character felt out of place or two-dimensional, no matter how minor their role may be in the story. The author’s experience with the human psyche can be seen through every story. The fluid language made reading it a delight. The easy transition from the lingual habits of one region to another was effortless.
The plots of all the stories felt completely different and held zero resemblance to each other. William H. Coles has mastered the ability to show a character’s entire emotional and mental range in a few pages and the art of ending the story on an extremely satisfying point. Many of the stories didn’t exactly have an happy ending, some were downright depressing, but their beauty lies in the fact that no matter what the ending was, it felt fully justified and didn’t leave space for doubt.
Read the entire review here…
Review from Readers’ Favorite FIVE STARS
The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 includes thirty-three short stories illustrated by six artists, two graphic novels illustrated by Peter Healy, and a novella. The graphic novels are retellings of two of the short stories in the collection. Having previously read Coles’ excellent presentation on The Art of Creating Story, I was eager to explore this collection by a master of the genre, and I wasn’t disappointed. Warning: this isn’t an uplifting collection in general. Many of the stories are dark, sad, even tragic, leaving the reader with a heavy dose of the ugly side of real life. But that bears witness to William H. Coles’ utterly skillful abilities as a short story writer. How many of us can evoke such a wide spectrum of emotions from our readers with so few words?The topics, settings, characters, and the lengths of the stories vary widely, making the collection easy to swallow in reasonable bites. Since I enjoyed the uplifting stories the most, let me point out two that moved me. The first, The Gift, is about a young woman named Catherine who gives birth in a convent far from home to a deformed child and then refuses to leave her when the intended adoptive parents wouldn’t take her. The second, Big Gene, is about the relationship between a talented black musician and a white KKK member. In both stories, the drawing of the protagonists as flawed yet heroic actors on a challenging stage with complex social and family relationships is wonderfully done. The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 is highly recommended.
Review from Readers’ Favorite
I stood in awe of the amazing writing skills of William H. Coles in Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016. This collection of short stories will not leave you with that fuzzy feeling of happy endings, but you will view humanity in times of our darker acts. Each mesmerizing piece touches a raw nerve that leaves you questioning choices that were made. After each story, I was thinking “this is the one is my favorite” until I finished the next story. I am left inspired as I dig deeper into my own thoughts of how I would have handled the dilemma these characters faced. Speaking of the Dead was the most thought-provoking story to me, but everyone left its mark in my thoughts. It is hard to explain the depth of writing put into Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016. William H. Coles has mastered the art of drawing his readers into the story and leaving them to ponder the road his characters traveled, and for some the price they would pay for freedom. Since all the pieces are short, they go by quickly, and each has its own topic and theme. The main thought throughout the book would seem to be the path traveled when the truth is revealed. The characters face speaking kindly in an unkind situation, putting their life before a broken child, keeping faith in themselves when others believe the worse, and people facing their greatest adversary. Overall, every well-written story touches on your core belief in people and the path one chooses in life.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The book has a total of thirty four short stories, two graphic novel illustrations and one novella. The themes that arise from the book include: teenage pregnancy, child trafficking, love and romance, betrayal and infidelity, flawed justice systems as well as rogue religious leaders. The beauty of short stories is that they are pithy, thus the themes are very much out there.
The language used to narrate the stories is simple, but beautified with a vast vocabulary. The choice of words plus the phrasing of sentences, made the stories a delight to read. I loved how the author was very relatable in the stories, as the issues tackled were very much contemporary. That is very much like William H. Coles. There is no aspect of the book I disliked. I rate the book 4 out of 4 stars. The editing was top notch. The typesetting too was impeccable. I recommend the book to lovers of short stories and graphically illustrated stories.
Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Every short story and both the graphic novels and not forgetting the novella were mesmerizing and attractive reads. Completely refreshing and captivating. I absolutely appreciate the all-round greatness of this collection of literature. In general, I find books containing collections of literature to have mostly mediocre reads with perhaps one or two good reads. It is clear that Mr. Coles lives by a code of “excellence always’. Mr. Coles has a writing style of note. His literature is written works of art and is easy to read and follow. And difficult to put down!
As the name suggests, Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 contains fictional tales. However, the accuracy in which Mr. Coles depicts things such as human emotions blows realistic winds right through these tales. It is easy for the reader to relate to some of the characters and situations. There are definitely characters that will remind the reader of people he or she has met. Some readers may even recognize themselves in some of the characters. The tales consist of all kinds of circumstances and of course all kinds of people as well. Some of these tales will perplex the mind while other tales will tear at the heart. I particularly loved the well-crafted illustrations accompanying the tales. Each illustration is perfectly explanatory to the related tale.
Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I give this book a 4 out of 4 stars because of the beauty and flow of its narration. I found no errors or mistakes. The author has a good way with words and he is very creative as well. His characters are enticing and each new story brings out a new emotion to my mind. The two graphic novels and the single novella are beautifully written and each story is unique in its own way. The emotions in this book vary. Sometimes I feel elated, sometimes sad, and sometimes enraged. But these feelings lured me to continue reading this book to the very end. Williams H. Coles, I must say is a beautiful writer.Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I like that the book has variety in terms of presentation, theme, and content. This is an excellent book for busy yet voracious readers, for which you can scroll through the pages on your own time, find a story you like, and immerse yourself in your little, made-up world before going back to the bustling reality. It is a good medium to detach yourself from worldly issues and concerns and be entertained for a while. Variety, while being an opportunity and impressive if done right, presents a challenge as to how all the stories can get across each other. Few authors can do the perfect formula for this. I applaud William H. Coles by delivering the characters’ emotions in a subtle and narrative manner. The visual illustration prior to each story is also helpful as they give you an idea of what to expect. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Although these stories can be read as stand-alones, they have one thing in common: they’re all human-centred. They are emotional stories that leave you thinking about other people as well as your personal life. Before every story were illustrations that increased my anticipation for what awaited me in them. One memorable illustrated story was ” Homunculus.” This story features dwarf characters and their pursuit of love. This particular story has graphics at the end of the novel, that show Didi’s frustration. All the stories were punctuated with dialogue which gave them more life. It brought out tones and attitudes of characters, as well as engaged me with them.
Generally, these stories are carefully crafted. They’re exceptionally-thought out and presented with exemplary coherence. The characters are very relatable too. William H Coles is definitely gifted with the art of evoking emotion. I didn’t find any errors while reading. This means that it was professionally edited. I therefore award this collection a perfect score of 4 out of 4 stars. The stories were really interesting and carried moral lessons with them. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
What I really enjoyed about this book is that every story is unique and replete with an array of emotions and feelings. No single short story in this book leaves the readers with the same sense of experience that they felt in the previous story. This shows how gifted the author of the book is because invoking such a range of feelings in every short story is not an easy task, especially when there are more than thirty short stories in the book! Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
What I liked most about this book was that even though the stories are short, I was still able to connect with each new character. This has been made possible due to the author’s engaging writing techniques and captivating topics. I also appreciated the mixture of themes that varied from being serious to having a dark edge. Each story was concluded well and left with no unsatisfying loose ties. Not only this, but each story varied in location and time period keeping the book refreshing to read. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Illustrated Short Fictions of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 contains a wide array of stories, graphic novels, and a novella. All of which have interesting endings that play out quite unexpectedly. The author, William H. Coles, manages to present life in both its beauty and cruelty. His stories tackle the joys of young love, family problems, lost friendship, and so much more.
Honestly, I loved all the short stories. I think all of them were well written and had very interesting plots. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Though every narrative was different, there was a writing style that impressed me. The way Coles provided a perspective in each one and the details he wrote were enticing. You can hardly put down the work once you start! There was no disappointing end to any of the stories, some being left to the reader’s imagination. The twists and mysteries are my favourite parts in any novel, so this book was perfect.
What I loved most was the writing style. The different plots of each narrative didn’t change the writing style completely. The subtle details that Coles highlighted in every story made them all stand out. The plots were also well-thought-out, along with the distinct difference in the characters. I tried to find something to dislike about the book, but there was nothing I could find. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The author’s clever use of prognostics made me anxious about getting to that pivotal moment when a character’s decision affected the outcome of the story massively. Ultimately, there were lots of unexpected twists in the way the author narrated the stories, and despite long read, it was entertaining and thought-provoking.
My verdict on this book is affirmative to the quality of the stories inside. I loved the uniqueness of each story. The author reused some character names inside the book, but I was never confused about their roles. The characters were distinct, which attests to the thoughtfulness invested by the author as he planned about the characters. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Most of the stories revolve around the themes of loss and love and sometimes of unrequited love. The author’s compelling narration made this book stand out, even with short stories. These stories mirror reality, and I could relate to many stories. The author uses both first and third-person narration that gave intensity and charm to the stories. Overall the book is edited well. The author kept me engaged throughout the book. The endings had a soft touch and melted my heart. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars, due to its engaging stories and the author’s narration.
It is an incredible book, and I would recommend it to anyone who loves short stories. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Coles’ reputable writing style is generally evident in every story. He uses irony and sarcasm to contradict human behaviour. This helped me to reflect on why some characters behaved the way they did. I was then able to identify with them and even ‘forgive’ their impulsive actions. My favourite story was Suchin’s Escape. Although Harry is a criminal, his remorseful attitude leads him to rescue Suchin from a razing car by risking his life. I also admired Billie Bob’s self-realisation in The Wreck of the Amtrak’s Silver Service. He reminded me how the society is always so quick to judge criminals, that it does not give them second chances to redeem themselves. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
What I appreciate about William H. Coles writing is that he gave the stories realistic endings. I can’t deny that there were times where I felt frustrated by how the stories ended because I thought it was unfair. However, life isn’t fair. Things do not always end up the way we imagine. The short stories highlighted themes such as love, family, social injustice, religious beliefs, grief, materialism, prostitution, murder, morality, poverty, and death. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
What I liked most about the book is that despite the brevity of each story, it remains with you. It affects you emotionally. No matter how brief, the pain of the characters can be deeply felt. You find yourself empathizing with them and wish the story went longer. It is also interesting how the author incorporates unexpected twists in the stories. Each plot is rich with memorable events; thus, it leaves you wanting more. You can also observe that the stories deal with true-to-life scenarios, hence, making most of them relatable.
Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is a collection of 33 short stories, one novella, and two graphic novels. Each story deals with characters that carry the weight of life. Their struggle is developed through stories uniquely. I loved every bit of this book because I could find myself in some stories. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The characters are woven with immersive and intense personalities that contribute to the depth of the plot and realism of the novel. William H. Coles’ writing is a creditable paradigm of efficient and well-edited work. The appealing and attention-catching stories definitely had me reading on the edge of my seat, drowning me in a tide of swirling emotions. Although I desire to change a minor factor, I feel that it’s in Coles’ trademark writing style that effectively brought this novel to life thus I’m pleased to give this book a 4 out of 4 stars. I recommend it to all ages and preferences. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
In short, the stories brought out all the emotions in me, laughter, tears, sadness, fear, worry, terror, compassion. Each story had a different flavor to offer, and I savored them all. To quote Coles, his stories were good because “He shows a character by a logical progression of acts and thoughts.” By enhancing the reader’s knowledge about the characters, he made their victimization more dramatic. Every character was a one-of-a-kind. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
It has been a pleasure to review Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles. This is a collection of some of the most thought-provoking short stories I have read in a while, each with a unique focus but tied together by some consistencies in style.
Coles explores an impressive range of perspectives, offering insight into a number of different cultures, religions and lifestyles. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I like the writing style of the author. Despite the short length of the tales, Coles’ managed to fit in a unique and thorough plot. What I liked most about the anthology is how it delves into the grey areas of morality and how circumstances can affect one’s decisions. The plight of the characters parallels real life situations despite being a fiction book. Some examples of these are manipulation, cheating, as well as child sex trafficking. The genuine human nature that the characters possess makes their dilemma easier to relate to. It’s easy to blame someone when they fail to act righteously, but we tend to forget that the world is much more complicated than that. The emotional and psychological aspect added more dimension to Coles’ characters, which made it easier for the readers to empathize with their dilemma. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars as I myself am a lover of short stories. It was overall exceptionally well edited, and Coles was able to appeal to every reader at least once in this book through his various themes. Whether you like romance, action or a quick read that can teach you a short lesson the author wrote on all platforms. It was also very well written in terms of the impact the stories had while only being a few pages long. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
These stories are carefully crafted. They’re exceptionally-thought out and presented with exemplary coherence. The characters are very relatable too. William H Coles is definitely gifted with the art of evoking emotion. I didn’t find any errors while reading. This means that it was professionally edited. I therefore award this collection a perfect score of 4 out of 4 stars. The stories were really interesting and carried moral lessons with them.
Having read William H Coles other book The Surgeon’s Wife, I am convinced he is a terrific author. He delivers his words with punchy plot twists and builds his characters fully. I therefore recommend this collection to lovers of classic fiction. If you love human-centred stories, this collection is also for you. Creative literary fiction lovers need to read this. Read the entire review here…
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The stories are real, the characters could be you or me, the plot is everywhere out there among the rich, the common and even the downtrodden. They are graphic enough for us to visualize the emotions in each of the characters and the scenes of the plots. I rate this book 4 out of 4. This book provides us with varying definitions of victory. There is nothing that I disliked or felt should have been different and hence, I recommend this book to all readers of all ages and interests.
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
From the first pages it’s abundantly clear, why William H. Coles has been awarded for his short stories. The author has the art of making emotions felt, to be real. I couldn’t help reacting strongly to the stories and their endings. I appreciated not knowing what moment captured, would end the story I was on.
The writing is a fine example of well edited work. The characters are deeply defined in a masterful way. In moments a character’s personality is obvious. This makes for easily imagined people in locations that seem authentic. At times I had to remind myself that this was fiction. It seemed like real events, times and experiences. I most certainly rate this book 4 out of 4 stars
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I happily give this book 4 out of 4 stars. I loved almost every story. Quite a few of these stories were sad. There are stories of lost love, some of loss, some of yearning for love, some about new life; one for every emotion. There are also some stories that have taboo subjects like child sex trafficking or pregnancy loss. A celebration or tragedy for every stage of life. As I mentioned before, these stories are finely detailed; even if it was only a page and a half, I was there, beside these characters.
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If the reader is looking for happily ever after, you won’t find it here. But if you want a ride through the dark side, you’ll enjoy this collection. The thing I liked most about this book was the variety and uniqueness of each story. The writing was that good.
I have to give this collection 4 out of 4 stars. The writing, editing, and artwork are all excellent.
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
I also loved suspense used by the author in coming up with the stories. Each and every story is filled with suspense at its boiling point. There is ensuing suspense around the major events in each short story. I must admit, the suspense therein increased desire to learn about the fate of the leading characters in each story. Suspense made the stories more interesting. Other styles employed by the author in coming up with this novel include, imagery, vivid descriptions, dialogue and comedy. These styles as well enhanced the taste of the novel.
There is nothing I disliked in this book. I rate it at 4 out of 4 stars. I gave it four stars because the stories were thought provoking, beautiful and interesting. I really enjoyed reading them. It is the reason why I recommend this book to all persons who love fictional novels.
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is a collection of 33 short stories, two graphic novels and one novella. It seems like a strange mix, but all this work makes a perfect sense. They are linked all together by two things: illustrations and a theme.
All the stories are focusing on darker side of human´s soul. Do we really know ourselves? Can we predict our behaviour? What does good and bad really mean? All these questions are asked here in many different versions. To put it more specifically, this book is studying humanity and questioning morality.
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
The story was well-written. The characters were well-developed and properly linked. I had no difficulty understanding who was whom in the story. The concept behind the story was realistic. Here you find Catherine, a surgeon’s wife who found herself in a marriage where she was used as a bait for financial favors, falling genuinely in love with the man she least expected. It raises very important questions to parents on the need to respect the decisions of their wards as long as they have attained the age that defines adulthood. The story was written in a pattern that made it difficult for the reader to predict what would happen next. I give that as a credit to William. H. Coles.
I am rating the book four out of four stars. Words can’t completely describe how impressed I am with this story.
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I loved noticing the diversity of characters presented in the book. No matter how lonely, or special you might think you are, William H. Coles manages to make everyone feel included. I believe the main goal the author set was to prove that nothing is impossible: life is rough, and many unimaginable things are constantly happening to us. His characters, no matter how unique and deranged, show the rough reality of life. The tragedies presented can be considered even funny, in some certain instances throughout the book. The macabre sense of humor the author has can certainly be admired.
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Coles always reveals his preference for profound and often controversial themes in his works. I read some of his novels, but this is the first time I read his short fiction. I found here the same commitment of his longer works. Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles tells stories about love, diversity, death, guilt, and punishment – only to mention a few themes. Coles develops these themes with clarity, and at the end of each story, you have a satisfying epilogue and something on which you should reflect.
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
It’s a good, fast-paced read and the book offers poignant storytelling and meaningful takeaways by the author, William Coles. I like that his stories have no open endings. The stories are complete, leaving you completely drenched with emotions feeling like a complete human. Common themes are complicated relationships, humanity, love, and injustice in the world and every shade of emotions. The emotions are piercing and hit you at the most unexpected times. If you are in a mood to read good stories that touch your heart and soul, this is a good book for you to pick and the length of the stories is sure to impress you. Short stories but with a lasting effect!
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Review from OnlineBookClub.org
There are so many subjects covered in this book that that it is hard to pick a favorite out of the thirty-six stories the author has wrote. Most of the stories cover the darker side of humanity such as Suchin’s Escape. Reading about a poor girl who is stuck into prostitution at a young age and tries hard to escape that life was sad. However the help she received from the most unexpected person was uplifting. So the author did a great job of evoking some emotions from his readers. There are none that I disliked.
The illustrations were great; each picture fit the story well that it accompanied. The comic book type illustrations of some of the stories at the end of the book were enjoyable also. If a reader had any question as to which direction the author wanted the story to go, each strip cleared it up.
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Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is a collection of about 35 diverse short stories. One thing that all these stories share in common is their depth. These stories trigger emotions in you and force you to think out of the box. The plots are extremely diverse in nature. While Suchin’s Escape focuses on Suchin trying to get out of forced prostitution, The Indelible Myth is a story about a boy who just can’t escape his one mistake and has to live with it. The diversity of the plots is mind-blowing, to say the least.
The characters are well written and easy to connect with. The author’s specialty is keeping his characters as close to reality as possible. These characters are complex, much like everybody around us. For instance, in the story The Gift, readers see the angry and unsympathetic side of Agnes when she discovers that her unmarried teenage daughter, Catherine, is pregnant. However, when Agnes’s husband talks about her other side, which is caring and loving, it brings home the point that no person is pure evil. This depth of characters is sheer genius and compelling.
Most of the short stories are quite long, although a few climax in less than 2-3 pages. The short story Necklace is truly close to my heart. It’s about cherishing your partner and taking a leap of faith; however, instead of getting to the point head-on, the author used other characters to draw the conclusion. Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is perfect for readers who enjoy one book with a lot of intriguing short stories.
If you are looking for and interested in a series of short stories, novels and a novella (longer than a short story yet shorter than a novel) then look no further. By picking up a copy of Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles, you will enjoy over 40 written works covering themes from unconditional love to struggles and choices.
In this collection, William H. Coles has carefully chosen a collection of pieces that gives the reader something to chew on, ponder and digest pertaining to how we as people interact, connect and sometimes judge each other. William H. Coles displays in this book how we believe that we’re the judge and jury in not only our lives but in our interpersonal relationships. An example of some great stories that you will discover along with the journey, passion, and challenges of life are The Gift, Suchin’s Escape, and Dilemma.
As I began to read stories like The Gift, Suchin’s Escape, and Dilemma, I was immediately pulled in and longed for more. William H. Coles holds nothing back in any of the stories contained in this book. In actuality, you may see your life or those closest to you in a number of these stories. Or maybe a story that can easily fit into your favorite TV show, documentary or movie. It is highly suggested that you pick up a copy of this book and tell your family and friends.
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000 – 2016 is a collection of award-winning and highly engaging fictional works by author William H Coles. Spanning over four hundred pages, this lengthy collection collates 33 short stories, two graphic novel adaptations, and a novella, along with numerous illustrations by a variety of artistic and graphic designers. The stories span a wide variety of genres, from thrillers and adventure tales to harrowing personal drama and the speculative, with plenty of character-driven action and unusual happenings to keep readers turning the pages. Whatever the case, lessons about human nature and human behavior are always at the epicenter of each compelling tale.
Readers seeking a varied and engaging collection to dip in and out of need look no further than the work of William H. Coles. Coles runs the full gamut of human emotions throughout the pages of these collected works, writing with expressive prose and close narration that keeps us near to the authentic presentation of each of his characters. I particularly enjoyed the sensitivity and inclusiveness that the author gives to issues such as disability, human rights, prejudice, immigration, and psychological disorders, proving that all different types of people have stories to tell and demons to face. From historical tales to modern-day racial tensions, the short stories read almost like modern fairy tales, delivering morality messages through the struggles which the characters endure. Overall, Illustrated Short Fiction of William H Coles: 2000 – 2016 is a well-organized selection of literary treats for multi-genre readers to discover and enjoy.
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is a collection of short stories, graphic novels and a novella that all grapple with the idea of humanity, human errors, and how every human perceives a situation differently. Sometimes the stories are about counting your blessings and being happy with them, and sometimes the stories are about the trials and tests that humans have to go through. These stories are wholesome, entertaining and complete, giving you a fulfilling feeling. This book has a total of 33 short stories and all of them have their own characters, with their own flaws and their own wars to win.
I absolutely loved “The Necklace,” the story of a couple trying to find the rhythm of their relationship while they travel to India. They know how much they love each other, but they are uncertain about their future. However, tragedy befalls another couple; they realize how deep their feelings are for each other. I also loved the novella in which a pretty teenager falls in love with an Iranian boy, who may or may not be part of a terrorist attack. “The Dilemma” was pretty intense and emotional and I felt deeply for the characters.
All of these stories will give you a sense of satisfaction and that is thanks to the way they are written. Author William H. Coles did a wonderful job of creating realistic characters who could be anyone we see around us every day. I don’t think I can describe the way he writes; it is flawless, smooth, and very striking. These stories will speak to you on a personal level. The illustrations were simply awesome as well. All in all, this is a wonderful collection of stories that are perfect for people who simply love to read.
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is an exceptional compendium of 33 short stories, two graphic novels, and a novella, a collection that offers a wonderful literary treat, beautifully told and brimming with exquisite beauty. “The Gift” introduces the collection, and it features a family conflict developed around an unwanted pregnancy. When seventeen-year-old Catherine gets pregnant, her mother, Agnes, has a clear plan for her. “Agnes kept her plan simple. After the birth, far away, an immediate adoption was the only solution, and after the town no longer remembered or cared, Catherine could return to live out her penance.” But Catherine has her own plans as well. And the child, born without feet, will transform her life in ways no one could have imagined.
This is just a taste of what awaits the reader in this collection, for there is a variety of stories, each with a unique plot, a unique conflict driving it, and quite often readers are confronted with suspenseful situations. The stories are well-developed and crafted to keep the reader turning the pages. Some read like little gems, others like a refreshing drink. It is difficult not to notice the entertaining character of the stories, with well-developed characters that fit neatly into exciting settings. Readers will enjoy William H. Coles’ gift for style, his excellent prose, and his uncanny ability to lead readers into the inner workings of his characters’ minds. The stories have both psychological and emotional depth, are conflict driven, and masterfully plotted. Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 is both exciting and compelling in its originality and the illustrations add color to the overall reading experience.
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles features 33 short stories that read like delicious desserts. A seventeen-year-old girl gets pregnant, the mother is disappointed and sends her to deliver her baby in a French convent with the hope of giving the baby away for adoption. The crippled child becomes the greatest gift of the girl’s life. Read about how the ills that touch the lives of others can provoke life-changing choices in us. Encounter the surgeon caught up in a moral dilemma to save or not to save his son after a failed attempt at murder which leaves him brain-dead. And there are a lot, lot, lot more surprises that readers will find in this selection of stories with a variety of themes and a wonderful assortment of characters.
When I started reading the Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016, it was with the intention of reading one story at a time, but it was irresistible, and I found myself going from story to story. William H. Coles seems to be a master of the art of the short story. Each story is composed to read like a miniskirt; short enough to provoke the reader’s curiosity and long enough to keep the essential hidden until the last moment. The stories are exciting, containing wonderful plot lines, complicated issues to deal with, and amazing characters. The author combines humor and wit with the art of the short story to bring a world of entertainment to readers. This is one of my best collections of short stories, after Langston Hughes.
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is a collection of short stories about people from all walks of life and ages. This book is extremely well written and, along with short stories that comprise a big chunk of it, it also includes a novella about two people from different backgrounds and ethnicities and their mutual relationships, along with a couple of graphic novels. The short stories come with illustrations and each one stands independently of the others and can be read in any order.
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles is an excellent work of fiction. The writing style and craftsmanship are superb and the illustrations complement the stories beautifully. In fact, there were times when I didn’t particularly like a short story, but loved the illustration since it captured the essence of the story so well. The stories are written about people from all walks of life and backgrounds, and depict human emotions, fears, and joys quite accurately most of the time. I also liked the fact that the stories are not just set in contemporary times, but are also set in past decades and centuries. For example, while reading “Lost Papers,” I felt I was temporarily transported to that time period where fear and uncertainty were dominant, and the credit for this certainly goes to William for his vivid depictions of that era. For anyone who likes short stories, this is a great and well-crafted collection.
“Everybody has a story” is a well-worn phrase. But how many of us, as we go about our busy lives, ever stop to think about the home life of that disabled boy carrying out groceries or rounding up the emptied shopping carts around the parking lot? Or what would we find if we could read the mind and heart of that circus side-show attraction, the tiny female dwarf in the cute polka-dot dress? Or how does the trucker, who kindly stops to help a near lifeless girl on the highway, feel when his good Samaritan gesture turns his life upside-down? These are just a handful of many everyday people whose stories would never be told if it wasn’t for writers like William H. Coles.
The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 is a magnificent collection of 31 short stories of varying lengths, two graphic novels, and one of his most popular novellas, Sister Carrie. And as we move from one story to another, the lives, hearts and souls of ordinary people like us are told in Coles’ straightforward, uncluttered style, where what people say and do to each other is more gripping and unforgettable than the most intricate plots ever written. What’s it like to be raised Amish and then dare to fall in love with someone outside the community? What’s it like to have to deliver a eulogy for those you can barely tolerate when their families are grieving the loss of their loved one? And who will give a stillborn child, seen as and thought of as a “thing,” some kind of burial? Stories such as these will keep us glued to The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016.
“Award-winning short stories of characters facing moral decisions that stretch their lives to mirror who they are and what they might become” is how this book has been described on Coles’ website, “Story in Literary Fiction.” That sums The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 perfectly. As a reader, Coles’ collection has reminded me of why and how literary fiction differs from popular fiction. It’s a reminder of why, as students in the sixties, we studied writers like Charles Dickens, Gustave Flaubert and Emily Bronte: plot mattered but character mattered more. But on a personal note, as a writer, for me The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 has opened a whole new world of possibilities. I can no longer look at the drunk passed out in a doorway downtown, or listen to the irritated voice of a customer service advisor, or watch a now disfigured young woman with the voice of an angel on America’s Got Talent who was one of only two who survived a horrific plane crash without wanting to know their story. Better yet, I am inspired to write such stories one day, and can only hope to do so as beautifully as William H. Coles has written these. I have read many books on how to write, but I’ve learned much more about writing by reading The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016. Thank you, William H. Coles, for your inspiring and motivating stories that have touched this writer/reviewer so deeply.
If you are looking for and interested in a series of short stories, novels and a novella (longer than a short story yet shorter than a novel) then look no further. By picking up a copy of Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles, you will enjoy over 40 written works covering themes from unconditional love to struggles and choices.
In this collection, William H. Coles has carefully chosen a collection of pieces that gives the reader something to chew on, ponder and digest pertaining to how we as people interact, connect and sometimes judge each other. William H. Coles displays in this book how we believe that we’re the judge and jury in not only our lives but in our interpersonal relationships. An example of some great stories that you will discover along with the journey, passion, and challenges of life are The Gift, Suchin’s Escape, and Dilemma.
As I began to read stories like The Gift, Suchin’s Escape, and Dilemma, I was immediately pulled in and longed for more. William H. Coles holds nothing back in any of the stories contained in this book. In actuality, you may see your life or those closest to you in a number of these stories. Or maybe a story that can easily fit into your favorite TV show, documentary or movie. It is highly suggested that you pick up a copy of this book and tell your family and friends.
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is a compilation of the titular author’s work, with nearly three dozen short stories and a novella. Interspersed are illustrations, primarily cover-style artwork for the stories themselves. The short stories vary in length, but each brings a wholly unique plot and cast of characters that are surprisingly well layered for such a compact format. Coles crisscrosses the globe with multiple locations, delivering a host of very human, very humanizing dilemmas with moral implications that require a degree of navigation on the part of the protagonists that are, ultimately, universal.
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles was exactly what I hoped it would be when I came across it. This is the type of book one would keep on a nightstand or a coffee table. It’s what you might pick up for a quick nibble of bite-sized fiction and find yourself unable to put down. Coles is witty in his writing and the narrative is as engrossing as it is fun. My favorite was the story Father Ryan, a priest on a flight (and a fair bit of complications on the ground), who is upgraded to first class. It’s a simple line but it made me really chuckle: “Father Ryan accepted the relocation without protest to a higher authority—divine or administrative.” It is the genuine human nature of the characters that make Coles’ work stand out; a big literary punch in a small ring (and a weight class of its own). Highly and enthusiastically recommended.
I’m not a big reader of short stories. I prefer novels most of the time, but some short stories have impressed me over the years, and I have a sneaking suspicion that I should read more short stories in order to improve my own writing. I reviewed a book by William H. Coles recently called Creating Literary Stories, and I was impressed by the ideas and techniques he described. I wanted to see the results of his theories, and what kind of writing they produced, so when I got this chance to read Illustrated Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016, I jumped at it. I am suitably impressed. Mr. Coles’ writing is intensely powerful and delivers a maximum punch in a relatively small time. I can see a mastery of techniques that he talked about in Creating Literary Stories, and I have learned so much from reading and studying these two books. These stories are great. You don’t have to be a writer to enjoy them. I think every reader will love and appreciate them.
Most of the stories in Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 present the reader with ethical moral dilemmas that cannot easily be solved. These are questions and situations that real people face in life. Thank heavens most of us don’t, but some people do. The characters are real, the conflicts vividly intense and the resolutions, while not always as satisfying as we would hope for in a perfect world, are good enough for this one. “The Gift” was my personal favorite. I have been a sucker for short stories with this title since discovering O. Henry in high school. I fell in love with O. Henry’s writing then and I love William H. Coles’ writing now.
Review from OnlineBookClub.org
This particular collection of short stories is deeply stirring in a passive sense. The narrative is in a design where you just can’t take an outsider’s point of view. They demand to be felt, to be empathized with, and to be thought through. Or worse yet, be disturbed. However, they all end on happy notes or at least a positive or hopeful undertone. It is a recollection of humanity, of stirring struggles whether they are commonplace or unimaginable. It stays with you long after the book has been kept away.
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Asides from the art, the stories were highly imaginative and skillfully told. After reading the book, I sort of felt star struck and I’m thinking I ought to re-learn my talents at writing or drawing even. Sincerely speaking, his work did move me so. A few stories like ‘The Stonecutter’, ‘The miracle of Madame Villard’ and ‘Big Gene’ had quite some expedient historical references. As such it is kudos to William for not making these same stories feel like they were dusted up and recycled. Other stories like ‘The Bear’, ‘Gatemouth Willie Brown on Guitar’ and ‘Dilemma’ were short and sweet. There were heart wrenching ones mostly as were heartwarming stories too. Sister Carrie, which was the concluding novella, managed to touch me well enough to leave me with a sense of feeling for humanity. Accordingly, people are ultimately human irrespective of their foregoing agenda.
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A treasury of thirty-three award-winning short stories, two graphic novels, and a novella. Each story has come alive with beautiful narration in different styles. It presents the stories of all genres in such a way that readers would get inspiration to read stories with anticipation.
I would recommend this book to people who like fictions. There is a variety of stories, each with a different plot.This book deserves top ratings. Accordingly, I rate 4 out of 4 stars.
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In William H. Coles’ Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles, 2000-2016, we encounter 36 stories focusing on the world of the inner self striving to ascertain its highest moral principles after learning that it must compromise its standards to achieve them. The characters in these stories often face social obstacles which they overcome by transforming themselves into different moral agents. After near-death or tragic experiences, they are no longer themselves; they are stronger people who demonstrate acts of great faith. While the moralistic tone of these stories may create a bias in viewpoint, it nonetheless strives to bring us nearer to the religious milieu of the speaker.
The book’s illustrations are done in expressionistic color and black-and-white. The graphic-cartoon approach makes light of the cruelty of the events in relation to the grandeur of human foibles. This work will be of interest to all who cherish fine prose. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars.
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In this superb collection comprised of 33 short stories, 2 graphic novel adaptations and final novella, Coles explores the human condition. Circumstances together with personal experiences in time and place, have formed his cast of players and their relationships, as they find themselves in an an array of confronting or challenging situations. I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars without hesitation.
Often there is an underlying moral to the tale and a hard lesson to be learned. Regret,surprise revelations, expected and unexpected outcomes, love, death, achievement, disappointment, humour, kindness, triumph over adversity, loyalty, betrayal, strength, vulnerability and journeys of self discovery are all to be found in this collection.
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In this published book, it embodies different situations in the real world. It revolves around the struggles of humanity and the characters’ strong personality to face those. Furthermore, it includes illustrations to fully picture the setting of the story. Coles portrays perfectly the vivid setting around the characters. They will forcefully drag you to their fiction world and they will make sure you will feel their anguish, grief, excitement, frustration, and surprise. It is really a roller coaster of emotions and every time you finish a story, you may want to stop for a while, recollect your thoughts and recover from the literary aftermath.
One must not expect happy endings in real life, likewise, please expect the same thing in some of the stories in this book. I personally have to step back with my mouth open to slowly internalize the ending. Yes, some are tragic but every now and then, you pick up pieces of lesson that was left in those tragic endings.
I give 4 out of 4 stars to this book. I have not seen mistakes or typos, exhibiting that this was a professionally edited piece. I admit, it is now my personal favorite because it is not your typical book. It is a perfect combination of reality and fiction. It will make you realize that even if it may or may not happen to you, but what if. What if you will experience those kind of dilemmas? Will you be as strong and determined as those characters and what should you do to not end up like some of them.
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Offer number one: the whole book gives you this strange Twilight Zone feel without the supernatural elements, particularly the story Speaking Of The Dead. Definitely far from being supernatural or mystery but it really resembles Twilight Zone and I can’t pinpoint what or why. Majority of the stories in this book gives the similar thrill of the pace of “Closing Time”, one of Neil Gaiman’s shorts.
Offer number two: the stories in this book tackles obscure reality. It deals with guilt, passion, sympathy, compassion, self-doubt, and coming of age. It also depicts events that happened, is happening, and can happen in life. Others might even call it horrors of reality. But aside from the unsettling stories, there are a couple ones that will warm your heart by the end. Will make you think what really is important in life.
Offer number three: I love how the author mixed and molded just enough exaggeration while still making it believable and close to reality. I think it is one of the important characteristics a book should have, the believability of the world, characters, and the story created, especially in fictions. I also love the subtle hints that establish the relationships of characters.
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Each of the story in the book is realistic in nature so thumbs up to the author for the disclaimer. Being realistic some of the stories reveal the dark side of human nature and its dark indulgences which in my opinion, gives the book dept. I like that the different short stories have their own interesting story line. It elicited different emotions when reading which made for an excellent read. Some of the stories are gruesome and brutal, which is a little to jarring for my taste but, I liked it in the end and I`m sure it will be enjoyed by other realistic fiction fans as well.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I give it this rating because the short stories are very well written, with no noticeable grammatical errors, and the stories are very interesting to read. I recommend it to realistic fiction fans, it is an excellent read and will be highly enjoyed.
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William H. Coles have a way with words, these stories are eloquent and seamlessly takes you on a swift but unforgettable journey with enticing characters. Each story takes you through a range of different emotions, which ranges from elated to somber, enraged to disturbed. Just when you determined that you have grasped the story, you are taken on a ride that you did not expect. These stories leave you contemplating them long after you have put the book down. I found myself wanting to stop reading after a few lines in a few of the stories but found I was unable to, the lure of what came next kept me reading on until the finish.
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As it is a short story collection so it is a cocktail of diverse stories, each having its own essence. From the tales of a dwarf to the account of the dead, a fiction fanatic can find every flavor in it. For an instance the gift revolves around the story of three generations: grandmother, mother and daughter who have their own perspective of seeing this world. Homunculus portrays the life of a dwarf working for a circus and her struggle to find her true love. Reddog is an account of a criminal’s sense of guilt after committing a crime. Speaking of the dead makes you believe that sometimes forgiveness is the only option and moving on is never a wrong idea. The novella “sister Carrie” is a story of two sisters, Jassie the elder one and Carrie the youngest. Carrie marries a Muslim named Zamel against her sister’s wish. I loved the way how the author unfolded the story and showed another side of the picture. Stereotypes are not always true and this is what the main idea of this story is. In a nutshell, this book offers a wide variety of literature to the reader.
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What I like about this book is firstly that one does not have to read it in one sitting, something which I would anyway not recommend. Each story has a deep message to digest and time is required for reflection if you want to get the most out of this book. Secondly, the life, heart and soul of ordinary people are presented in a straightforward, uncluttered way. What people say and do are often more gripping and unforgettable than the most intricate plot. It forces the reader to look at people differently, and to realise that each one of us has a story.
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William H. Coles’ collection can be thought of as a modern day Grimms’ Fairy Tales. While every story has a life lesson, they are definitely not meant for children. Each story tackles a mature issue from relationships and identity to human trafficking and suicide. Coles has an amazing way with words that captivates the reader and takes them into the world of the characters right away. Even though the stories are short, the reader is taken on an emotional journey and left to contemplate some of life’s most prominent (and sometimes disturbing) issues at the end of each read.
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Illustrated Short Stories of William .H. Cole is a collection of Thirty short stories, two graphic novels and two novellas. The stories are of varying lengths with the shortest being less than two pages. The themes of the story include love, grief, hope, death and generally simple themes we are familiar with.
The author a very skilled story teller wraps simple themes in Wide and deep characters, powerful descriptions and amazing imagery that is worthy of note. The author takes us through all sorts of settings from busy cities to country side farm houses to woods. He displays vast knowledge of many things and therefore makes the book a readers delight.
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Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 is one of the most amazing novels I’ve read so far. It has 34 stories with two more stories that are graphic novels of already given chapters in the book.
Since it is a collection of short stories, I was a little skeptical to read it, thinking whether all of them will be interesting or if some of them will let my hopes up for nothing. But I must tell you that I never expected to read these kind of stories ever. The fictions were written precisely, dealing with the reality that we live in, not some fairy-tale story. Each and every one of them had a very deep meaning which was not gone unnoticed.
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The book was a pleasant surprise. It contains thirty-three short stories, two graphic novels depicting two of the short stories, and one novella. While these stories are considered fiction, many of the stories portray themes and ideas that could happen or could have happened in real life. It should be noted that this book has themes that are not meant for a younger audience. The short stories range from a tale of a family whose unmarried teenage daughter gets pregnant and then sent away to give birth and give the child away, to a young girl who is trying to get away from a being a sex slave, to a man who’s life seems to just keep falling apart.
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This fantastic collection covers everything one is looking for with stories. From heart stopping chase scenes to a devious husband who tries to kill the woman he is supposed to love.
Mr. Coles portrays his characters in the most realistic way, one character that stands out most for me is Didi from Homunculus. She is the perfect example of a woman. She loves and pines for someone who isn’t all too nice and overlooks her, ignoring the perfect match that’s sitting right next to her.
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The “Illustrated Short Fiction of William H Coles” by William H Coles paints a vivid picture of various characters’ emotional struggles: Love, anger, hate fear, worry, joy, sorrow, and so forth. It’s a collection of thirty-three short stories, two graphic novels and a novella─ each one presents a unique character in a particular social setting trying so hard to overcome a life challenge.
Coles managed to develop strong characters like Catherine, John Hampton and many others. The main plots and sub-plots are also work of a skillful writer. Of course, his descriptive language is very good, and both description of scenes and characters are excellent. Since a story is told in an imagery a writer creates in the readers’ mind, then Coles really managed to tell all the stories.
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I was dazzled by the simplicity by which the stories are told with such a captivating effect. The dialogues are witty and dispersed appropriately within different stories. William uses some interesting phrases that are worth quoting because of how they relate to human life. They may not be true but, they are expressions of thought-provoking ideas. “No love makes the innocent dry up and blow away” is said by Amy Withers, a character on page 281. “Like marriage is bondage” is said by Helen, a character in “The Necklace.”
Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016 deserves 4 out of 4 stars because reading it was such a delight. It is one of those books that you do not give away easily.
I recommend this book to fans of literature who do not shy away from tales of horror, sex, murder and human imperfections. The descriptions are not too graphic or exaggerated. Nonetheless, this collection of short fiction is suitable for an adult audience.
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Coles, without a doubt, has a deep understanding of human emotions and a keen eye for detail. Every story is an intense narrative of the things love, anger, fear, apprehension and grief makes us do.
Through the pages you will find yourself becoming a part of the lives of a woman who gives birth to a deformed child, children who sit through the trial of their father accused of killing their mother, a mother grieving over her daughter’s stillborn, a young girl attempting to escape from the clutches of child traffickers and various other protagonists fighting odds and their inner demons. The impeccable portrayal of human emotions is authentic in every sense. Both the narrative and the dialogue are written with complete attention to detail.
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ILLUSTRATED SHORT FICTION of William H. Coles, 2000 – 2016 might best be described as an illustrated collection of ‘experiences’ (rather than merely stories), told through often-poignant slices of life. He does that. As a writer William H. Coles is not limited in his portrayal of the human animal and that inherent Ying-Yang element within us all; and in that grasp of life he presumably possesses (along with probably astute research) he—in this collection—becomes that unique antenna above this melting-pot society in which we live. Coles is a superb weaver of words—a writer that settles you down to look beyond a character’s façade and into that character’s anguish or joy or longing and does it while quenching any thirsting for expressive prose interspersed with piercing in detail. In this collection, the author opens the raw guts of the human to us. He does this through his exemplary plotting along with his incisive crafting of characters. The writing in this collection is just spectacular.
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Coles succeeded in diverse and character studies within a range of factors like felons, clergy, or physicians. He usually covers an understanding of loss whether by death, abandonment by family, or spouses. I could just feel every emotion as if I was in that position instead of the individuals. At each of the beginnings is an illustration that presents a visual example of what is occurring. I examined them hoping to predict what is to take place as I continued to read on.I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The book looked to be edited with no incorrect sentences or spelling errors that I noticed. I recommend this book to people who want to see other people views in life as it seems to be arrayed with modern times in mind.
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The wonderful thing about this book is that this did not just happen with one story, or just a few of them. It’s a constant throughout the collection. Some of the stories are more fleshed out, some are actually very good and would stand on their own even with less interesting characters. Some actually feel too short and a bit incomplete. But what we always have here is superb character development.
Characters never exist in a vacuum, though, and the reason they are so memorable is that the relationships among them are drawn with a lot of honesty, insight and an unflinching look, even at awkward and strange moments. So is the author’s take on the subject matters he deals with, which are varied and encompass different historical periods, places and socioeconomic groups. It doesn’t matter if the story is, ultimately, uplifting and joyful, or if it’s sad, gruesome or bleak: Coles will stay with the characters and follow them along, showing us what they do, feel and think. We may not always like what we see, and we may find ourselves mentally arguing with them. But, after all, what better feeling is there than that?
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My greatest enjoyment from reading the book was the unpredictability of the stories. Stereotypes and commonplace tropes were absent and the stories the author crafted were matchless. Unexpected endings made sure that when I thought I knew where a narrative was heading I was subsequently proved misguided. Characters provided distinct portraits of personalities and while different from each other they remained realistic. William H. Coles rejected a ‘black and white’ approach to the design of his subjects and thus the people portrayed in the stories were complex and distinctive. Each story evoked in me a wide range of emotion and I found myself at times becoming sympathetic towards some characters and their stories and feeling hate and disgust towards others. Heroes are few in this collection and where present proved ‘grey’ on the morality spectrum but this was a quality I much appreciated as it was true-to-life. I must mention that the author makes a delightful habit of embellishing his narratives using witty commentary either via characters or as the narrator and this adds considerable humor to these dark tales. Illustrations provided for every story are all beautiful, distinctive and capture the sweeping tone of the story it intends to represent. Various styles utilized for each picture ensured that images weren’t monotonous.
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None of the characters and the storyline is alike in the entire book. The heterogeneity of the characters, plots, sets, and the scenes in this book make the reading enjoyable. I planned to read two tales a day, but ended up reading 3-4 at a stretch. These stories are not interconnected; hence absolutely no need to read them at a stretch. It was my undisturbed curiosity that made me read longer in a single sitting.
Most of these stories begin with an illustration or two. They support the storyline and make the reading delightful. My favourite stories are, ‘The Gift’, ‘Speaking of the Dead’, ‘The Indelible Myth’, ‘The Necklace’, ‘The Amish Girl’, ‘The Cart Boy’, ‘The Activist’, and ‘The Thirteen Nudes of Earnest Goings’, to name a few.
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I really liked this book because it is very different then most books I have read. I liked that there are several different short stories all put together as one book. I also liked the variety of the stories, there were some sad stories, some happy stories, and there were even some comic short stories. I liked that there was an illustration before each story because it gave you an idea of what the story was about.
I would rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because I liked everything about the book. I didn’t find any grammar mistakes, it gave a variety of stories to keep people interested, and the illustrations really help people picture the story in their head. Many people like different kinds of books so the variety of stories will help attract a variety of people to read the book. I think that if the author wrote more books like this one it would become a more popular way of writing books.
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I can truly understand why the author has received awards for some of the stories. All of them are masterfully crafted. The writing technique is simple, linear, which only serves to emphasize the raw human emotions stirred by the stories. The author manages to create a very vivid description of the surroundings and of the characters and the images are quite beautiful.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I feel it’s a well-deserved rating and I would recommend this lecture for the force of the emotions it creates.
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I love how the stories provide an accurate portrayal of life and how it made me think about issues on morality and human psychology. Rarely do I encounter a book that makes me fascinated and bothered at the same time. This would appeal to readers who are interested in short stories that have strong philosophical and psychological elements in it.
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In this anthology of over 30 short tales, two illustrated novels and a novelette by William H. Coles, readers are not going to find stories with fairy tale endings, over-the-rainbow type folk tales, or narratives that spark laughter impetuously. What readers will find are stories that makes you reflect on various facets of the world, tales that will not leave a warm feeling inside after reading, or happy ever after endings. However, William H. Coles has created interesting tales that penetrates the depth of your soul, question humanity and allows readers to form their own opinion.
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In Illustrated Short Fiction, tragedies, evil acts, and crime touch all spectrum of society, and the author always succeeds in using the right vernacular for every single one of them. The plots are interesting and have none of the too easy feel-good-factor at the end. Feelings are shown in all their complexity and duplicity. Characters are well constructed, and seem to inhabit a hostile universe, where nothing can ever go right for them. But what makes them endearing is their ability to accept their destiny and move on. The dramatic tension of the stories is well captured in the graphic version: a genre that seems ideal for some of the short stories in the book.
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What I really enjoyed about this collection is how real and diverse all of the characters and situations are. My favorite stories in this collection include The Necklace and The Amish Girl. Many of these stories do not have happy endings, which makes the situations more realistic and permanent, but that doesn’t mean that none of these works end happily. I also enjoyed the graphic novels and how they were actually recreations of two of the short stories already written (Homunculus and Reddog). I just only wish that more of the short stories had graphic novel companions.
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I am a huge fan of short stories and novellas. I have always wondered how an author can create an entire story in such few words. William H. Coles does not disappoint in this collection of Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles 2000-2016. The stories vary widely, from an unwed teenage mother finding purpose in the unconditional love of her child to an African American man in the south fighting racism and bigotry without violence, to the heartfelt generosity of a stranger in New Orleans. The compilation in this book appeals to lovers of multiple genres, including the graphic novel lover. Just like fables, most of the stories in this book seem to have a moral, or lesson to be learned.
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llustrated Short Fiction has a lot of stories where you can feel the hurt and betrayal that the characters experience. William H. Coles chose the words so well that one can feel the anxiety of a little girl or the anger of a betrayed woman. Reaching the end of some stories you wish there was more. The endings leave you wondering what would have happened next. Would the man find love again? Would the world’s smallest woman find happiness and get her own family? All these questions remains after reading the stories, giving your imagination the opportunity to run wild.
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Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles is truly a fiction lover’s dream. Coles is a master story-teller who takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of characters, scenarios, and emotions. Though most stories are extremely short, they are written with such passion and thoroughness you cannot help but feeling connected with each work. I admire the way no two stories are the same, each presenting a new mini adventure for the reader.
All-in-all, this book quickly became a new favorite for me. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to expand their minds or anyone simply looking for a great story or stories. The vivid characters are beautifully described and easily visualized and understood. Each scenario is so unique and captivating it makes the book hard to put down. This was my first book read from this site and it has me looking forward to reading more of Cole’s work.
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If fiction could always feel so real and relatable, I think I would be lost in imaginations. Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 by William H. Coles is a compilation of short stories that will blow your mind. You may think my opinion is biased because I love Coles’ work but seriously…from 30+ tales with multiple characters, you can get parts you relate to. Well, I get that you won’t like reading the whole book only to enjoy few instances so let’s get to what the book is really like.
The book is a collection of thirty-three short stories, two graphic novels, and a novella. The stories were short and with lots of suspense. The author takes you through the thought process of a character in such a powerful way that the suspense at the end wouldn’t matter because by then you’d feel like a ”know it all”. At the beginning of each story, illustrations by different artists (mainly Peter Healy), give a visual explanation of the whole story. Coles takes a reader through a never-ending study of human nature through his diverse and deep characters.
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The Illustrated Short Fiction of William H. Coles: 2000-2016 offers readers a wonderful mix of 33 short stories, one novella and two graphic novels. In this anthology, Coles tackles a wide range of topics—from crushes and courtship that will either make you smile or frown, to complicated family issues that will tug at your heartstrings, and to grander subjects that address the darker side of the society.
If you’re looking for an anthology filled with fluff and happy endings, or something that will keep you giggling out of the blue, this is definitely not the right book for you. However, if you wish to find yourself contemplating about various aspects of life as you go to bed, then this may be right up to your alley. Majority of the stories do not have an entirely happy ending. Nonetheless, I would agree that if these events do happen in real life, there really won’t be any fairy tale endings.
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