There is a bit of a story to me reading this short story. Last week, our host, John of Short Story Monday reviewed this story. Before he reviewed another participant, JoAnn reviewed it, say that it was Nymeth that brought it to her attention.
John’s review convinced me to give this story a read.
The story is about with a couple’s 17 year old daughter, Maddy, walking along the roadside alone at night. Maddy’s father is the narrator and he goes back and for from Maddy alone, to his musing about meteors from over a million year ago in the Tunguska in Russia and Chicxulub on the Yucatan Peninsula.
You can imagine what’s going to happen, right? Well not quite, theres a twist. This story really packs a punch. I read this story while alone, my husband went to bed and the house was very quite. While I was reading my heart felt like it was trying to exit through my throat, you know the feeling.
The mini challenge of this post: I have said before that it took me finally reading a good short story to start liking them. Short story writing is an entirely different craft from writing a novel. Boy, does Boyle have the craft! I want to pass this amazing story along to you! I challenge you to read Chicxulub, it’s free on The New Yorker website, and review it. Then the second part, if your game, is to read other short stories or even novels by Boyle. A lot of his short stories and collections are referenced here.
If you want to play along, please sign up in Mr. Linky below. Then come back and link your story reviews.
If you would like to participate in Short Story Mondays or just find out about some great short stories, go to John of The Book Mine Set. He has a short story review every Monday and a place for you to link your short story reviews. Come join in the fun!
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Oh yay! I hope tons of new readers discover this story! Isn’t it amazing?
All I can say is Wow! I just read the story and I don’t know what to say. I’m crying, my heart is racing. This is so well written. It took me 3 minutes to read it but it will stay with me for a very long time. Thanks for posting about it.
This is just the most amazing story ever!! Your challenge idea is wonderful and I hope it will get more people to discover short stories.
Nymeth, it is amazing!
Toke, I’m so glad you liked it as much as I did!
JoAnn, I agree with you that this is the most amazing story ever. I kind of doubt that I will get any sign ups for this challenge but I wanted to at least put it out there.
Gee, I just don’t know. I’m cringing a bit. :<)
Nan, Why are you cringing? Did you read it?
I’d love to read this one… I need to make a post it and read it soon. Lots on my plate..but I’d love to have a little heart in the throat action.
Toni, it really is a must! It is so well done!
I finally read it. Hopefully I’ll have my comments up this afternoon. Thanks for the great recommendation.