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The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories
A shipwreck’s tragic toll in human life. The changing face of a quiet turn-of-the century neighborhood. A man who lost his wife unexpectedly. An obnoxious drunk who gets more than he bargained for. A horse who develops an affinity for a Hawaiian saloon. A submarine’s up close and personal encounter with a snoozing whale. Each of these stories and much more are found in “The Blue Collar Blues,” author Bob Stockton’s personal anthology of forty-six short stories that have been published over the past decade. The book’s first section contains stories of a young boy’s coming of age in an ever-changing northeast working-class neighborhood. The second section highlights standalone stories that run from autobiographical to allegorical. The third section focuses on the adventures-and misadventures- of young sailors serving in the U.S. Navy of a half-century past. The fourth section relates actual tales of the U.S. Navy and her sailors deployed along the Pacific Rim. Grab a cup of coffee and escape into the mind of an author with a flair for describing what is really important in life.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2020
About the author
Bob Stockton
17 books4 followersI was born in west Texas purely due to a scheduling error. My mother made the schedule and I was the error. At the time, my father was in the service, stationed at a remote air base. My mother planned to return to Michigan to have her baby in a hospital with her doctor in attendance. Oops! I showed up over a month ahead of schedule. My father had to flag down a truck on the highway in order to get my mother to a doctor’s office in a nearby town. I’ve been a little out of phase ever since.
Growing up, I was the oldest of six, three of each. My childhood was a little reminiscent of the old TV show the Waltons. We were just about as poor, but we didn’t own a mountain. Actually, my memories of those years are almost all good ones. I may not have had everything I wanted, what kid does, but I did have everything I needed.
By the time I graduated from college I had a family to support, which meant there was no time to take up mountain climbing or to work my way around the world on a tramp steamer or to write. Instead, by pure chance, I got into the then fledgling field of Data Processing. This was way back when computers were room sized and had mouse sized memories. It turned out I had an aptitude for programming. To me it was like getting paid to solve puzzles. I ended up spending thirty years in that profession. Most of it managing software developers, though I did put in a seven year stint as what I called a Technological Mercenary. That is, being self-employed, completing technical projects for clients on a contract basis.
Thinking thirty years was more than enough, my wife and I decided to drop out. Since then, we have spent most of our time at our home in northern Michigan. While we’re not really remote, we are by ourselves most of the time. I do share a few traits with my main character, Jack Chard, and like him, I am a bit of a recluse.
My other motivation for dropping out was to get the chance, finally, to write.
I had a bit of success writing for outdoor oriented magazines, but what I wanted was to write novels, specifically thrillers. My Chard stories, Dead Game and Dead In Seven, are my first efforts in this genre.
Currently I’m at work on something different, a novel set during the Civil War. I have read quite a bit about this tragic period and have recently learned that I had a number of ancestors involved on both sides of the conflict. I do not have a title, I never do until finished, but I hope to have this work done in 2013.
Growing up, I was the oldest of six, three of each. My childhood was a little reminiscent of the old TV show the Waltons. We were just about as poor, but we didn’t own a mountain. Actually, my memories of those years are almost all good ones. I may not have had everything I wanted, what kid does, but I did have everything I needed.
By the time I graduated from college I had a family to support, which meant there was no time to take up mountain climbing or to work my way around the world on a tramp steamer or to write. Instead, by pure chance, I got into the then fledgling field of Data Processing. This was way back when computers were room sized and had mouse sized memories. It turned out I had an aptitude for programming. To me it was like getting paid to solve puzzles. I ended up spending thirty years in that profession. Most of it managing software developers, though I did put in a seven year stint as what I called a Technological Mercenary. That is, being self-employed, completing technical projects for clients on a contract basis.
Thinking thirty years was more than enough, my wife and I decided to drop out. Since then, we have spent most of our time at our home in northern Michigan. While we’re not really remote, we are by ourselves most of the time. I do share a few traits with my main character, Jack Chard, and like him, I am a bit of a recluse.
My other motivation for dropping out was to get the chance, finally, to write.
I had a bit of success writing for outdoor oriented magazines, but what I wanted was to write novels, specifically thrillers. My Chard stories, Dead Game and Dead In Seven, are my first efforts in this genre.
Currently I’m at work on something different, a novel set during the Civil War. I have read quite a bit about this tragic period and have recently learned that I had a number of ancestors involved on both sides of the conflict. I do not have a title, I never do until finished, but I hope to have this work done in 2013.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
December 22, 2025
The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories feels less like a typical short story collection and more like sitting across from someone who has truly lived, listening as they share moments that shaped them. Bob Stockton writes with an honesty and simplicity that makes each story feel personal, even when the subject matter ranges from quiet neighborhood memories to naval adventures across the Pacific.
What stood out most to me was the emotional range. Some stories are reflective and nostalgic, especially those centered on a young boy growing up in a working class neighborhood that’s slowly changing around him. Others are humorous or ironic, and a few carry a quiet sadness that lingers after you finish reading. Stockton doesn’t over dramatize he trusts the moments themselves to carry meaning, and they do.
The Navy stories were especially engaging. They feel authentic, grounded in real experience, and balance camaraderie, tension, and unexpected encounters (including one with a whale that I won’t forget anytime soon). Even when the stories are brief, they leave an impression.
Overall, this book is about people ordinary lives, unexpected turns, loss, resilience, and the small details that matter most. It’s a collection best enjoyed slowly, maybe with that cup of coffee the author suggests, allowing each story its space. If you appreciate character driven storytelling with heart, realism, and a blue-collar soul, this book is well worth your time.
What stood out most to me was the emotional range. Some stories are reflective and nostalgic, especially those centered on a young boy growing up in a working class neighborhood that’s slowly changing around him. Others are humorous or ironic, and a few carry a quiet sadness that lingers after you finish reading. Stockton doesn’t over dramatize he trusts the moments themselves to carry meaning, and they do.
The Navy stories were especially engaging. They feel authentic, grounded in real experience, and balance camaraderie, tension, and unexpected encounters (including one with a whale that I won’t forget anytime soon). Even when the stories are brief, they leave an impression.
Overall, this book is about people ordinary lives, unexpected turns, loss, resilience, and the small details that matter most. It’s a collection best enjoyed slowly, maybe with that cup of coffee the author suggests, allowing each story its space. If you appreciate character driven storytelling with heart, realism, and a blue-collar soul, this book is well worth your time.
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February 8, 2021MWSA Review
The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories by Bob Stockton is a collection of short stories and essays, mostly biographical, that start with Bob’s early childhood in Trenton, New Jersey, and cover his years in the Navy, traipsing around the globe as well as from shore to shore in America. Those who lived through the fifties and sixties will find much in common with Bob. Those who are younger will get an education on how it really was back then. And those who served in the Navy will likely find common ground with the author, since most of the book is about his time in the Navy.
Most of Stockton’s stories are humorous, some with a little more bite than others. Some of the stories are, well, almost unbelievable. And all of the stories are populated with memorable characters, filled with fascinating detail and vivid word pictures. My favorite line in the whole book is, “Max’s ‘moral fiber’ was thinner than dental floss.” In many stories, the author draws the reader in and leads him along, lulling him into a pleasant state only to surprise him by delivering an abrupt sucker-punch ending to the vignette. Stockton has an engaging and folksy storytelling quality that is endearing enough to allow readers to ignore missing commas, quote marks, and the occasional wandering-bunny-trail sentence.
Review by Betsy Beard (February 2021)
The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories by Bob Stockton is a collection of short stories and essays, mostly biographical, that start with Bob’s early childhood in Trenton, New Jersey, and cover his years in the Navy, traipsing around the globe as well as from shore to shore in America. Those who lived through the fifties and sixties will find much in common with Bob. Those who are younger will get an education on how it really was back then. And those who served in the Navy will likely find common ground with the author, since most of the book is about his time in the Navy.
Most of Stockton’s stories are humorous, some with a little more bite than others. Some of the stories are, well, almost unbelievable. And all of the stories are populated with memorable characters, filled with fascinating detail and vivid word pictures. My favorite line in the whole book is, “Max’s ‘moral fiber’ was thinner than dental floss.” In many stories, the author draws the reader in and leads him along, lulling him into a pleasant state only to surprise him by delivering an abrupt sucker-punch ending to the vignette. Stockton has an engaging and folksy storytelling quality that is endearing enough to allow readers to ignore missing commas, quote marks, and the occasional wandering-bunny-trail sentence.
Review by Betsy Beard (February 2021)
December 22, 2025
Bob Stockton’s The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories is a collection that quietly earns your attention. Rather than relying on big twists or flashy prose, these stories draw you in through sincerity, lived experience, and a clear respect for everyday people and moments. Each piece feels purposeful, even when it’s brief.
The structure of the book works especially well. Moving from childhood memories in a working class neighborhood to standalone reflections and then into Navy life, the collection feels like a life unfolding in chapters. The transitions never feel forced they mirror the way memory itself works, jumping from one meaningful moment to another.
What impressed me most was Stockton’s range. Some stories are tender and introspective, others are humorous or ironic, and a few are surprisingly moving. Whether he’s writing about loss, absurd encounters, or life at sea, there’s an underlying sense of perspective that comes from experience rather than imagination alone.
This is a book for readers who appreciate storytelling that values substance over spectacle. It’s honest, grounded, and quietly engaging one of those collections you can return to, story by story, and always find something that resonates.
The structure of the book works especially well. Moving from childhood memories in a working class neighborhood to standalone reflections and then into Navy life, the collection feels like a life unfolding in chapters. The transitions never feel forced they mirror the way memory itself works, jumping from one meaningful moment to another.
What impressed me most was Stockton’s range. Some stories are tender and introspective, others are humorous or ironic, and a few are surprisingly moving. Whether he’s writing about loss, absurd encounters, or life at sea, there’s an underlying sense of perspective that comes from experience rather than imagination alone.
This is a book for readers who appreciate storytelling that values substance over spectacle. It’s honest, grounded, and quietly engaging one of those collections you can return to, story by story, and always find something that resonates.
December 22, 2025
The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories is the kind of book that reminds you why short stories matter. Bob Stockton has a gift for finding meaning in moments that could easily be overlooked an encounter, a memory, a strange situation and turning them into something memorable.
I appreciated how grounded these stories are. Whether he’s writing about a boy growing up in a working class neighborhood, a man dealing with unexpected loss, or sailors navigating life in the Navy, the writing feels honest and unpretentious. There’s no excess here just clear storytelling shaped by experience.
Some stories made me laugh, others caught me off guard emotionally, and a few stayed with me long after I’d moved on to the next one. The variety keeps the collection engaging, but there’s a consistent voice throughout that ties everything together.
This isn’t a book you rush through. It’s one you dip into, story by story, letting each piece stand on its own. For readers who enjoy thoughtful, character driven fiction rooted in real life, this collection is a rewarding read.
I appreciated how grounded these stories are. Whether he’s writing about a boy growing up in a working class neighborhood, a man dealing with unexpected loss, or sailors navigating life in the Navy, the writing feels honest and unpretentious. There’s no excess here just clear storytelling shaped by experience.
Some stories made me laugh, others caught me off guard emotionally, and a few stayed with me long after I’d moved on to the next one. The variety keeps the collection engaging, but there’s a consistent voice throughout that ties everything together.
This isn’t a book you rush through. It’s one you dip into, story by story, letting each piece stand on its own. For readers who enjoy thoughtful, character driven fiction rooted in real life, this collection is a rewarding read.
December 15, 2025
The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories is a treasure trove of human emotion and experience. Bob Stockton has an incredible talent for finding depth in everyday situations, making the mundane feel profound and the ordinary unforgettable. From tales of heartbreak and loss to moments of unexpected humor, each story is carefully crafted with a delicate balance of empathy and wit. What I especially appreciated is how the collection moves seamlessly across different settings and perspectives, no two stories feel the same, yet all share a quiet, resonant humanity. This book is a testament to the power of short stories to touch the heart, make you think, and even bring a smile when you least expect it.
December 15, 2025
Reading The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories feels like taking a journey through ordinary lives that are anything but ordinary. Bob Stockton has a rare gift for seeing the extraordinary within the everyday, creating characters and situations that linger in your mind long after you’ve put the book down. Each story is self-contained, yet the collection as a whole feels cohesive, united by Stockton’s keen observation and gentle storytelling voice. Some stories made me pause and reflect; others made me chuckle or shake my head in surprise. The variety is refreshing, and the emotional honesty is striking. This is a collection that will appeal to anyone who appreciates nuanced, heartfelt fiction.
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December 22, 2025Reading The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories as someone familiar with military life, I was struck by how authentic the Navy stories felt. Bob Stockton clearly writes from experience, and it shows in the way he describes camaraderie, tension, boredom, humor, and the unexpected moments that stay with sailors long after deployment.
The Navy sections were my favorite, but the earlier stories provide important context showing the life experiences that shape the men who eventually serve. From quiet reflection to outright absurdity (including an unforgettable encounter involving a whale), the stories balance realism with humanity. This book honors service without glorifying it, which makes it all the more honest and relatable.
The Navy sections were my favorite, but the earlier stories provide important context showing the life experiences that shape the men who eventually serve. From quiet reflection to outright absurdity (including an unforgettable encounter involving a whale), the stories balance realism with humanity. This book honors service without glorifying it, which makes it all the more honest and relatable.
December 22, 2025
As someone who grew up in a working class environment, The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories felt deeply familiar. Bob Stockton captures the rhythm of everyday life the kind shaped by neighborhoods, routines, loss, humor, and quiet resilience. The coming of age stories especially resonated with me, reminding me how much places and people change over time, even when the memories stay sharp.
What I appreciated most is that these stories don’t try to impress they simply tell the truth. Some made me smile, others gave me pause, and a few carried an emotional weight that lingered. The characters feel real because they are real in the ways that matter. This is a book about ordinary lives told with respect and heart, and that honesty makes it powerful.
What I appreciated most is that these stories don’t try to impress they simply tell the truth. Some made me smile, others gave me pause, and a few carried an emotional weight that lingered. The characters feel real because they are real in the ways that matter. This is a book about ordinary lives told with respect and heart, and that honesty makes it powerful.
December 12, 2025
The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories is such a rich and heartfelt collection. Every story feels like a small but meaningful glimpse into everyday life, sometimes emotional, sometimes humorous, and sometimes filled with quiet surprises. Bob Stockton captures human moments beautifully, turning simple experiences into something you can feel and relate to.
I really enjoyed how each story had its own voice and energy, yet the entire collection flowed so naturally. It’s the kind of book you can pick up after a long day and instantly get pulled into. Warm, clever, and wonderfully crafted, this is a collection I’m really glad I read.
I really enjoyed how each story had its own voice and energy, yet the entire collection flowed so naturally. It’s the kind of book you can pick up after a long day and instantly get pulled into. Warm, clever, and wonderfully crafted, this is a collection I’m really glad I read.
December 15, 2025
There’s a subtle brilliance in Bob Stockton’s writing that makes The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories so captivating. Each story feels like a snapshot of life, fully realized in just a few pages, yet leaving a lasting impression. Whether it’s a small-town tragedy, a quirky encounter, or an intimate human struggle, Stockton’s prose draws you in and holds your attention effortlessly. The diversity of stories—from poignant to whimsical, keeps the reading experience fresh and engaging. I found myself laughing, reflecting, and even tearing up at times. This collection is a masterclass in storytelling, showing how short fiction can be both entertaining and profoundly moving.
December 15, 2025
What makes this anthology remarkable is the way Bob Stockton captures the human spirit in its many forms. The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories is more than just a collection of short stories, it’s a window into lives that feel lived-in, authentic, and relatable. The stories cover a wide emotional spectrum: some are tender and contemplative, others humorous and unexpected, yet all resonate with truth and insight. Stockton’s attention to detail and his ability to evoke place, character, and mood are impressive. This is the kind of book you can return to again and again, finding something new with every read. A compelling, thoughtful, and beautifully written collection.
December 15, 2025
Bob Stockton’s The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories is a collection that strikes a perfect balance between humor, tragedy, and reflection. What I loved most is how Stockton approaches each story with subtlety and care, allowing the narrative to unfold naturally without unnecessary drama, yet always leaving an impact. The characters feel real, their struggles and triumphs relatable, and the settings vivid and immersive. I particularly enjoyed the surprising turns in some of the stories, they’re clever, unexpected, and often poignant. This anthology is a celebration of everyday life in all its complexity, told with warmth, insight, and precision. A truly memorable reading experience.
December 22, 2025
I read The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories slowly, and I’m glad I did. This is a book meant to be savored, not rushed. Bob Stockton has a way of capturing moments that feel small at first but grow in meaning the longer you sit with them memories of childhood, loss, unexpected encounters, and life quietly unfolding.
What stayed with me most was the sense of reflection throughout the book. Even the lighter or humorous stories carry an undercurrent of insight about what truly matters. There’s a gentle wisdom here, drawn from experience rather than theory. This collection left me thoughtful and nostalgic, and it reminded me how powerful simple, honest storytelling can be.
What stayed with me most was the sense of reflection throughout the book. Even the lighter or humorous stories carry an undercurrent of insight about what truly matters. There’s a gentle wisdom here, drawn from experience rather than theory. This collection left me thoughtful and nostalgic, and it reminded me how powerful simple, honest storytelling can be.
January 9, 2026
Bob Stockton has a real knack for capturing the human experience in just a few pages. This anthology is a bit of a rollercoaster, one minute you’re reading about the tragic toll of a shipwreck or the quiet grief of losing a spouse, and the next, you’re laughing at a horse in a Hawaiian saloon or a submarine's awkward encounter with a whale.
With 46 stories, there’s something here for everyone. I particularly loved the historical feel of the "turn-of-the-century neighborhood" stories. It’s the perfect book to keep on your nightstand when you just want to read one or two meaningful tales before bed. Highly recommended for fans of short fiction!
With 46 stories, there’s something here for everyone. I particularly loved the historical feel of the "turn-of-the-century neighborhood" stories. It’s the perfect book to keep on your nightstand when you just want to read one or two meaningful tales before bed. Highly recommended for fans of short fiction!
December 12, 2025
Bob Stockton delivers a thoughtful and engaging anthology with The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories. The variety and depth of the stories are truly impressive. From emotional personal moments to unexpected humor, each piece is crafted with clarity and intention. It’s a collection that demonstrates the author’s strong storytelling skills and his ability to bring everyday experiences to life. A compelling and well-written read.
December 15, 2025
This collection surprised me in the best way. The Blue Collar Blues and Other Stories moves effortlessly between the serious and the playful, the heartbreaking and the absurd. Bob Stockton writes with confidence and restraint, allowing each story to unfold naturally without forcing emotion. Every piece feels purposeful, and together they form a rich mosaic of human experience. A truly satisfying read.
December 12, 2025
This collection absolutely touched my heart. Every story in The Blue Collar Blues has its own emotional weight, and Bob Stockton manages to make even the smallest moments feel meaningful. I found myself smiling, reflecting, and even pausing to think about the people in my own life. It’s a beautiful mix of warmth, humor, and humanity. Such a rewarding read.
December 12, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Each story felt like listening to someone you trust tell you something real and memorable. Some made me laugh, some made me pause, and a few hit me right in the feelings. Bob Stockton has a gift for capturing life’s little ups and downs in a relatable way. Definitely a book I’d recommend to anyone who loves short stories with personality.
December 12, 2025
This book resonated with me more than I expected. There’s something deeply human about the way Bob Stockton writes, gentle, honest, and quietly powerful. Several stories lingered with me long after I finished them. The blend of loss, humor, memory, and humanity felt incredibly real. A beautiful collection that stays with you.
December 15, 2025
Bob Stockton’s storytelling feels lived-in and genuine. These short stories capture moments that might otherwise be overlooked, yet they carry incredible emotional depth. From quiet sorrow to unexpected humor, the variety keeps the collection fresh from beginning to end. It’s the kind of book you finish feeling like you’ve walked alongside many lives, each one leaving its mark.
December 15, 2025
What stands out in this anthology is its honesty. The stories don’t try to impress with flash, they succeed through clarity, insight, and strong narrative voice. Whether touching on loss, chance encounters, or odd twists of fate, each story feels complete and carefully crafted. This is thoughtful fiction that respects the reader’s intelligence.
December 15, 2025
I found myself drawn in almost immediately by the natural flow of these stories. There’s an understated power in Stockton’s writing that makes even the simplest situations feel meaningful. The range of subjects keeps the collection engaging, and the emotional balance is handled with great care. An excellent example of short fiction done right.
December 15, 2025
What stands out in this anthology is its honesty. The stories don’t try to impress with flash, they succeed through clarity, insight, and strong narrative voice. Whether touching on loss, chance encounters, or odd twists of fate, each story feels complete and carefully crafted. This is thoughtful fiction that respects the reader’s intelligence.
January 9, 2026
I really enjoyed the diversity in The Blue Collar Blues. Stockton transitions seamlessly between humor and heartbreak. Some stories are incredibly poignant, while others are just plain fun. It’s clear why these have been award-winners over the last decade. If you like short stories that are grounded, relatable, and occasionally surprising, definitely pick this up.
January 9, 2026
There is a wonderful "old-soul" quality to these stories. Stockton explores the "Blue Collar Blues" with a lot of empathy, but he doesn't forget to include the weird and wonderful parts of life too. From the tension of a submarine crew to the changing face of old neighborhoods, the world-building is excellent for such short pieces. It’s a great retrospective of a decade's worth of work.
January 15, 2026
I really enjoyed the historical breadth of this anthology. The stories about the changing face of old neighborhoods at the turn of the century felt lived-in and nostalgic. Stockton has a way of capturing "the way things used to be" without being overly sentimental. It’s a massive collection, but each piece feels like it was crafted with a lot of care over the years. Definitely a hidden gem.
January 6, 2026
I really enjoyed this collection. Some stories were funny, some sad, but all felt real and heartfelt. I especially loved how Stockton could make such small, everyday moments feel meaningful. It’s rare to find a collection where every story leaves some kind of impression
January 6, 2026
Some stories were very simple, some very bizarr, but all of them were memorable in some way. I liked the way Stockton could take a small moment and make it feel like it mattered. That’s hard to do in short stories, but he does it consistently.
January 6, 2026
The story about the horse at the Hawaiian saloon cracked me up more than I expected. It’s such a strange idea, but Stockton writes it in a way that makes it completely believable. Some other stories were sadder or more reflective, and I liked that mix, it kept me on my toes.
January 6, 2026
This collection felt like a peek into Stockton’s mind. I liked the quirky humor and the small life details that felt real. Some stories made me laugh, some made me pause, and a few left me thinking long after I turned the page. I’d definitely read more by him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews