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A Special Bull
All Alyssa wanted was to move to the country and help Jeff with raising farm animals on his small plot of land. Little did she know that this one desire would lead to an entirely "different" kind of life for her and for one special bull.
17 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 19, 2014
2 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
About the author
S.A. Molteni
9 books36 followersS.A. Molteni can be found on the following social media sites:
Amazon Author Page - http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00HXPZKAU
Blog - http://samolteni.blogspot.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/author.samol...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
June 26, 2014
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
There sure is something special about Jeff's new bull, but will he realize just how special? This is the journey S. A. Molteni takes us on in her short story A Special Bull.
The opening of A Special Bull is mysterious. We are welcomed into the lives of Jeff and Alyssa, a young couple newly living together on Jeff's farm. Everything seems so perfect, especially with Molteni's excellent descriptions—you can almost smell the fresh coffee in the morning. We don’t know what we are getting ourselves into until the exact moment we realize everything has changed. Her set-up is flawless in the sense that the plot twist catches us off guard. As readers, we pause for a moment, bewildered and unsure how the events will unfold as Molteni could go in any direction she wants to from that point.
It is evident in A Special Bull that Molteni has a soft spot for animals. Her passion for farming, even if it is just a hobby of hers, is shown through her imagination and storytelling. However, the story lacks a fluid dialogue, and the overuse of dialogue tags (“He said” and “She replied”) is a bit rough to read at times. The dialogue could benefit from knowing more about what each character is doing as he or she speaks, rather than just how they speak. That being said, the way the characters interact with each other seems natural.
Also, the switch in perspective part way through is off-putting, even for a third-person narrative. Molteni’s choice to include multiple perspectives is understandable, but the switch is so subtle and brief that it seems out of place. It would be interesting to see Molteni offer the same result while maintaining the same perspective, considering the events taking place in the story.
A Special Bullis an original and fun short story that is worth reading. We never really figure out why everything happens the way it does in the story, but the mystery is almost charming. It leaves us wondering whether there could ever be an explanation for the way things happen in our lives. Sometimes, there is absolutely nothing we can do other than make the best out of the situations we are in.
Disclosure: The author, S.A. Molteni, was kind enough to provide Read Owl with a free copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.
There sure is something special about Jeff's new bull, but will he realize just how special? This is the journey S. A. Molteni takes us on in her short story A Special Bull.
The opening of A Special Bull is mysterious. We are welcomed into the lives of Jeff and Alyssa, a young couple newly living together on Jeff's farm. Everything seems so perfect, especially with Molteni's excellent descriptions—you can almost smell the fresh coffee in the morning. We don’t know what we are getting ourselves into until the exact moment we realize everything has changed. Her set-up is flawless in the sense that the plot twist catches us off guard. As readers, we pause for a moment, bewildered and unsure how the events will unfold as Molteni could go in any direction she wants to from that point.
It is evident in A Special Bull that Molteni has a soft spot for animals. Her passion for farming, even if it is just a hobby of hers, is shown through her imagination and storytelling. However, the story lacks a fluid dialogue, and the overuse of dialogue tags (“He said” and “She replied”) is a bit rough to read at times. The dialogue could benefit from knowing more about what each character is doing as he or she speaks, rather than just how they speak. That being said, the way the characters interact with each other seems natural.
Also, the switch in perspective part way through is off-putting, even for a third-person narrative. Molteni’s choice to include multiple perspectives is understandable, but the switch is so subtle and brief that it seems out of place. It would be interesting to see Molteni offer the same result while maintaining the same perspective, considering the events taking place in the story.
A Special Bullis an original and fun short story that is worth reading. We never really figure out why everything happens the way it does in the story, but the mystery is almost charming. It leaves us wondering whether there could ever be an explanation for the way things happen in our lives. Sometimes, there is absolutely nothing we can do other than make the best out of the situations we are in.
Disclosure: The author, S.A. Molteni, was kind enough to provide Read Owl with a free copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.
February 24, 2014
A Special Bull is a down to earth short story. I love how natural this author writes about everyday events. She takes you right in and brings you with her. There is just something so fresh and uncomplicated in the writing. Kind of like a breath of fresh air. This is a slice of life from middle America. An everyday story that is not at all ordinary I realized as I dove further into the narrative. A Special Bull is written with passion and love. Not everything as it seems and this story becomes a bit of a fantasy with an interesting twist.
“As Alyssa dozed off to sleep, she entered a world she mostly kept to herself. Her dreams were a constant reminder of the life she left behind and the years of craziness she had escaped from just a few short months ago.
Falling into a deeper sleep, her subconscious felt that something was different, not the same visions of all the bad choices she had made in the past. No, this dream was not like the others.”
“As Alyssa dozed off to sleep, she entered a world she mostly kept to herself. Her dreams were a constant reminder of the life she left behind and the years of craziness she had escaped from just a few short months ago.
Falling into a deeper sleep, her subconscious felt that something was different, not the same visions of all the bad choices she had made in the past. No, this dream was not like the others.”
May 26, 2014
Flash writing and singles have become an important piece of the literary industry. There are many short stories that are difficult to digest or enjoy. I found this short story to be a cut above the rest. I mean no bull, it is a well written easy flowing story that will keep you entertained and involved from the first page to the last. It is wonderful how the author has a grasp on everyday life and occurrences. The author expresses herself in a comfortable and wholesome way. The story is light, airy and meaningful. What else could you expect in a short story. The author has a unique style that makes you trust that her material is something you can cuddle up with. I give it 5 stars.
December 20, 2014
When I read the blurb I thought I had the story figured out, however a plot twist proved me wrong.
Alyssa enjoyed farm life with her husband, Jeff, however one day Alyssa's life is transformed thanks to a special bull. That's all I can say without giving away the ending, but the plot twist is remarkable and the story will touch your heart.
One thing I would've liked is more detail about Alyssa's life before she met Jeff and moved to the country. Aside from that the story was great and I enjoyed it.
Alyssa enjoyed farm life with her husband, Jeff, however one day Alyssa's life is transformed thanks to a special bull. That's all I can say without giving away the ending, but the plot twist is remarkable and the story will touch your heart.
One thing I would've liked is more detail about Alyssa's life before she met Jeff and moved to the country. Aside from that the story was great and I enjoyed it.
April 3, 2014
I must admit I have no idea in what genre to put this short and unusual story. A very original story that tells you about Alyssa, a city girl that became a farmer's wife, and one very special bull and life on a farm.
Since it is a short read I cannot say to much in fear of giving away the plot, but if you are looking for a different and quick read, this would be it.
Well written, the author's knowledge is tangible throughout the story, the birth of the bull the highlight of this book.
Since it is a short read I cannot say to much in fear of giving away the plot, but if you are looking for a different and quick read, this would be it.
Well written, the author's knowledge is tangible throughout the story, the birth of the bull the highlight of this book.
May 27, 2014
Unique and Touching
A Special Bull is a unique story about a young bull that was destined to become food. The story was sweet and touching. A very nice read.
A Special Bull is a unique story about a young bull that was destined to become food. The story was sweet and touching. A very nice read.
September 1, 2014
It was a good short read until the end...Was not expecting that and didn't like it. I see others did though so remember this is only my opinion.
April 26, 2015
Alyssa was becoming accustomed to life in the country, helping Jeff raise animals on his Florida farm. Her life, though, changed in ways she could never have imagined when a bull calf was born, with a great amount of difficulty.
A Special Bull by S. A. Molteni is a touching short story told from a couple of unique points of view. A quick read that you’ll find yourself re-reading because of the sympathetic, but utterly realistic way it addresses life on a farm. Told from Alyssa’s point of view from the beginning, after the birth of the bull calf, an animal that is destined for the meat market, it takes a surprising turn that will leave you breathless.
Molteni has a way of describing life on the farm that is charming and heart-warming. This short story in book form will leave you wanting to read more of her work.
A Special Bull by S. A. Molteni is a touching short story told from a couple of unique points of view. A quick read that you’ll find yourself re-reading because of the sympathetic, but utterly realistic way it addresses life on a farm. Told from Alyssa’s point of view from the beginning, after the birth of the bull calf, an animal that is destined for the meat market, it takes a surprising turn that will leave you breathless.
Molteni has a way of describing life on the farm that is charming and heart-warming. This short story in book form will leave you wanting to read more of her work.
August 21, 2015
Made me think!!!
Wow this was totally unexpected. I am a fan of SA Molteni's farm stories and I didn't really know what to expect from this one but it totally threw me for a loop! But in a good way. I was expecting another story about life on the farm. I got that and more. But then again, the turn this story takes is something I too would wonder about and have wondered about! Animals are so special and have so much personality that this may indeed be a possibility. Who knows, right?
I haven't read flash fiction before, but based on one of the other reviews, if this is an example of flash fiction then it's a very interesting and intriguing form I'd like to read more of.
Wow this was totally unexpected. I am a fan of SA Molteni's farm stories and I didn't really know what to expect from this one but it totally threw me for a loop! But in a good way. I was expecting another story about life on the farm. I got that and more. But then again, the turn this story takes is something I too would wonder about and have wondered about! Animals are so special and have so much personality that this may indeed be a possibility. Who knows, right?
I haven't read flash fiction before, but based on one of the other reviews, if this is an example of flash fiction then it's a very interesting and intriguing form I'd like to read more of.
March 10, 2015
This is one of those stories that left me with mixed feelings. Overall, I liked it. The plot was creative and surprising. The characters were personable, and the story was a quick read. The only hang-up I found was with some of the dialogue. It was patchy at times and a bit confusing to distinguish who was speaking. Other than that, I enjoyed this unique tale and plan to read more from this author.
October 7, 2015
This was a short story, which was very well written. The Author has a style which allows us to feel we are part of the story.
This is the story of a young couple who live on a farm and experience the birth of a very special little Bull. This story has a twist that makes it very interesting, which was Very well portrayed by the author.
This is the story of a young couple who live on a farm and experience the birth of a very special little Bull. This story has a twist that makes it very interesting, which was Very well portrayed by the author.
August 18, 2015
Full of bull
Just silly. If there had been more details, more description of scenery and backgrounds, physical details -- anything. Not enough meat to this tale.
Just silly. If there had been more details, more description of scenery and backgrounds, physical details -- anything. Not enough meat to this tale.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews