Middle-Aged Man and the Sea by Christopher Meeks
Middle-Aged Man and the Sea by Christopher Meeks
If you have been reading my reviews for a long time, you may know that I am a big fan of author, Christopher Meeks. I have had the opportunity to read and review most of his books. However, I hadn’t read his book of short stories, ‘The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea’. I bought the ebook a long time ago but didn’t have the opportunity to read it. Then, a few weeks ago Christopher contacted me to let me know that he created a audiobook version on CD and on Audible and offered me a free download code to Audible. I couldn’t refuse!
My Thoughts on Middle-Aged Man and the Sea by Christopher Meeks
The Audible version is narrated by the author, Christopher Meeks, himself. It includes 13 quintessential short stories about the human condition. With his trademark sense of humor and quirky, yet realistic characters, Meeks takes us on a journey through the lives of his characters and we even a glimpse into ourselves.
Many people who claim not to like short stories, usually say because they don’t feel complete. I dare naysayers of Short stories to read this book. Okay, so the endings aren’t wrapped up in nice neat bows but neither is real life. “They all lived happily ever after” are the kind of stories we tell children to make them feel safe and secure.
These stories have kernels of truth hidden within them. They cover, marriage, middle age, and old age. The thread throughout is human relationships and how we dealt with them. Of course, this wouldn’t be a Christopher Meeks book, if there weren’t some references to pop culture sprinkled with in.
Usually, I find short stories in a collection hit and miss however, ‘The Middle-aged Man and the Sea’, is quite an even collection. I really loved them all.
As for the narration, it was good. There were a few places that you could hear the wetness that can accumulate in ones mouth. I haven’t detected this when I have listened to a more seasoned narrator. However, with practice, I believe Christoper Meeks could go from good to great with his narration skills. I hope he records more of his books.
5/5 Writing
4/5 Narration
I received a free download code for the Audible version for my honest review.
About Christopher Meeks
Christopher Meeks first published short fiction in a number of literary journals, and the stories are available in two collections, The Middle-Aged Man and the Sea and Months and Seasons. Recently, he’s focused on crime novels. His first, Blood Drama had a graduate student writing a thesis on David Mamet in a struggle with a ruthless killer and bank robber. The new A Death in Vegas is a mystery based on the death of a young woman and the wrong man charged with it. Visit Christopher Meeks online at chrismeeks.com.
Buy Middle-Aged Man and the Sea by Christopher Meeks
Giveaway of Middle-Aged Man and the Sea by Christopher Meeks
You can enter to win my giveaway of a download code to get the Audible version of this great short story collection. Enter here.
Hello Teddy, fellow readers:
I love this insight in your review, Teddy:
“Many people who claim not to like short stories, usually say because they don’t feel complete. I dare naysayers of Short stories to read this book. Okay, so the endings aren’t wrapped up in nice neat bows but neither is real life. ‘They all lived happily ever after’ are the kind of stories we tell children to make them feel safe and secure.
Word!
Cheers, Kara S
Thanks Kara!
I like that this one is narrated by the author. I am one of those who usually don’t like short stories, but I may have to give this one a try. Thanks!
Hi Margie, if you do give it a try, let me know your thoughts.
I’ve never tried Audible or read anything by Christopher Meeks. Your review was a persuasive argument to try both, Teddy!
Hi Patricia, I am not a member of audible because I prefer to read most books. I find I can read them faster than listen to them. I use to listen to them a lot when I had to commute to and from work. There were perfect for that. I still listen to the occasional audiobook when I am cooking or in the bath. I have been doing that more often lately. We are very lucky and have an excellent library system that has a good selection of audiobooks that can be borrowed electronically so I usually listen to those. However, ‘The Middle Aged Man and the Sea’ isn’t on offer so I was glad to get a download code to listen to it on Audible. I know Audible also allows one free download as a free trial as well. If I couldn’t get audiobooks I want from the library, I would certainly look at becoming a member on Audible.