He was not able to get his shoes or anything else.  However, he was determined to beat this round of  “man versus nature.”  Read the story and see if he did, here.

This is an fast paced story but not quite the usual for a survival story.  Pete was able to stay completely calm , while most of us would panic.  Mr. Roberts writing is very fresh and descriptive, it flowed oh, so smoothly.  This is much more than a story of a man’s survival.

About Charles G.D. Roberts: January 10, 1860 – November 26, 1943.  Born in New Brunswick, Canada.  Canadian author, known as the “father of Canadian Poetry.”

 Back in August, I reviewed The Queen of Spades by Alexander Pushkin.  John of The Book Mine Set, commented that “The only Pushkin I’ve read was “The Snow Storm” (or “The Blizzard” as it is sometimes translated). I enjoyed the writing, but not the ending.”  Of course, I had to read it for myself.


At the end of 1811, Marya Gavrilovna was 17 years old.  She grew up in a rather rich social class but feel in love with a man from a lower class, Vladimir.  Her family would not allow them to marry, so they made plans to elope.  Unfortunately, I may give away spoilers if I tell you any more.

The writing was tight and fluid, as in The Queen of Spades.  There was a surprise ending to the story, which I have to agree with John on, I didn’t like it.  I actually that it was stupid..  If you want to read a really good short story by Pushkin, read The Queen of Spades.  You can find the link to that story here.

To read The Snowstorm, go here.

About the photo.  Apparently John Scalzi likes to alter his likeness in photos to amuse himself.  This is one of those photos. 

In a way, the photo is a good representation of what this story is about.  The story is actually written as an advertisement to customers of “Multiversity”, interested in alternative history.  All the customer needs to do is tell the company what alternative history she/he would like and they get a fully researched report.

They use the death of Adolf Hitler in the sample scenarios.  For instance the first sample scenario is “Adolf Hitler is Killed by Mugging on the Steps of the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna.”  The results and scenarios get get more crazy as the story progresses.  It’s really a fun story and has made me want to read more by John Scalzi.  You can read the story, here.

Also reviewed by:
The Book Mine Set

If you would like to participate in Short Story Mondays, 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 review. Come join in the fun!