When Dawn reviewed Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self by Danielle Evans (read Dawn’s review here), I immediately put it on my to-read list. I love short stories, and I thought this collection sounded like one I would enjoy. For some reason my library doesn’t carry the book though (possibly because the target audience is a very small percentage of my small, mostly white, northern Colorado city), and when 5 Minutes for Books was offered the opportunity to host a giveaway to promote the paperback release, I jumped at the chance to read and review it myself.
The stories are beautifully written, covering a segment of the population that is largely ignored in the publishing world, exploring situations and issues pertaining to a certain race and class. Sex, parental love, unexpected pregnancy, death, re-integrating into a former life after returning from war and other circumstances are depicted in a fashion that is both relatable and realistic. Some of the stories get a bit bogged down with extraneous minor characters, and the best ones dive right into the narrative without excessive details.
This is an amazing collection of stories by a very talented writer with a bright future, and it is not to be missed.
If you’d like to win a copy Before You Suffocate Your Own Fool Self, leave a comment below (U.S. addresses only). The winner will be announced on September 21. This giveaway is closed.
- The winner of Q: A Novel is #11 Liz.
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Nancy likes books that take her out of her comfort zone. She writes about her 2 boys, books and life in Colorado at Life With My Boys and Books.
Sounds like a great read…sign me up! Thanks!
I did read this book but I would love to have a copy (either to keep in my library or to give away.
I love well-written, emotional short stories. Thanks for the giveaway!
I would enjoy reading this. Thanks!
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net
I would love to read this. Thanks for the chance!
I love short stories & this one sounds awesome…thanks for the chance!
Would like to win this book.
Oh, awesome! I keep seeing this but I haven’t really focused on it enough to walk out of the store with it. I adore the cover and I love the concept of the stories. Guess it’s going to end up in my possession soon!
Count me in. It sounds like an interesting book. 🙂
Sounds great. Count me in, please.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Interesting-
Well written short stories, YES!
This sounds like a wonderful book, and one anyone would just love to win!
Congratulations, you won! Please reply to this email with your mailing address and we’ll get it sent to you.
I’m so happy you enjoyed this collection, too, Nancy. I was truly blown away by Evans’ ability to create such deep images in these short stories. I agree- she’s one contemporary author to watch!
This book sounds interesting, and I’d like to read it.