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Flashes from the Other World
Magic without the hocus pocus, these stories explore the ethereal blur between reality and not, between dream and sleep, between love and 'other than' love. They present relationships with a tender wackiness. Tossed into the mix are mischievous ghosts, who give the talking plants and even the seductive and vocal grains of sand a run for their money. Quirky and offbeat, these stories will touch your heart, although they may tug at your funny bone first.
160 pages, Paperback
First published September 26, 2010
27 people want to read
About the author
Julie Ann Weinstein
1 book13 followersJulie Ann Weinstein is the author of the award winning magic realism collection, Flashes From the Other World. She has over ninety published stories and is a Pushcart Nominee, freelance writer, editorial consultant and flash fiction workshop leader. Julie is currently working on a new short story collection. The author has been a guest on many AM Radio and Internet Shows. She is also published under the name, Julie Ann Shapiro.
Awards
•Finalist in the 17th Annual San Diego Book Awards, 2011
•Semi Finalist in A Word With You Press' Ain't That Quaint Contest, 2011
•August 2010 Semifinalist in Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Contest, Three Drop Pennies, 2007
•Pushcart Nominee, Nominated by Her Circle Ezine, 2007
•First Prize in the AuthorStore 2006 Best Little Christmas Story Contest
•Story South's Million Writers Award, Notable Stories of 2004
•Second Place Winner, Writer's Online My First Crush Contest, April 2004
Published Short Stories/Essays
San Diego Union Tribune, North County Times, Los Angeles Journal, Pindeldyboz, San Antonio Current, Poor Mojo's Almanac, Sein Und Werden, Manorborn, Hartford Poetry and Literary Society, Fix It Broken, Sacred Waters/Fire: (Adams Media), Story South, Word Riot, Opium Magazine, Insolent Rudder, Cezzane’s Carrots, Mad Hatters Review, Void, Ghoti Magazine, Spoiled Ink, Elimae, Footsteps to Oxford, Salome, Skive, The 2nd Hand, Millennium Shift, Long Story Short, Storyglossia, Static Movement, Stymie Magazine, Bewildering Times, People of Few Words, Mississippi Crow, Somewhat, Uber, Moon Dance, The Quarterly Staple, Journal of Modern Post, Reflection's Edge, Rumble, Long Story Short, Cellar Door Magazine (Spring and Summer Issues 2005), Edifice Wrecked, Espresso Fiction, Flash Fiction – Coffee Cup Series Issue I & II, Red, Neon, Steel Moon Publishing, Every Day Fiction, ISM Quarterly and other magazines.
Awards
•Finalist in the 17th Annual San Diego Book Awards, 2011
•Semi Finalist in A Word With You Press' Ain't That Quaint Contest, 2011
•August 2010 Semifinalist in Amazon's Breakthrough Novel Contest, Three Drop Pennies, 2007
•Pushcart Nominee, Nominated by Her Circle Ezine, 2007
•First Prize in the AuthorStore 2006 Best Little Christmas Story Contest
•Story South's Million Writers Award, Notable Stories of 2004
•Second Place Winner, Writer's Online My First Crush Contest, April 2004
Published Short Stories/Essays
San Diego Union Tribune, North County Times, Los Angeles Journal, Pindeldyboz, San Antonio Current, Poor Mojo's Almanac, Sein Und Werden, Manorborn, Hartford Poetry and Literary Society, Fix It Broken, Sacred Waters/Fire: (Adams Media), Story South, Word Riot, Opium Magazine, Insolent Rudder, Cezzane’s Carrots, Mad Hatters Review, Void, Ghoti Magazine, Spoiled Ink, Elimae, Footsteps to Oxford, Salome, Skive, The 2nd Hand, Millennium Shift, Long Story Short, Storyglossia, Static Movement, Stymie Magazine, Bewildering Times, People of Few Words, Mississippi Crow, Somewhat, Uber, Moon Dance, The Quarterly Staple, Journal of Modern Post, Reflection's Edge, Rumble, Long Story Short, Cellar Door Magazine (Spring and Summer Issues 2005), Edifice Wrecked, Espresso Fiction, Flash Fiction – Coffee Cup Series Issue I & II, Red, Neon, Steel Moon Publishing, Every Day Fiction, ISM Quarterly and other magazines.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 7, 2010
I am going to have to split some hairs on this one. The title Flashes from the Other World is for a grouping of short stories by Julie Ann Weinstein; it is not just one story. The way I have justified using it today instead of on Digital short Saturday (where it could also fit), is that if you get the e-version of the book you can read as just that, a bunch of digital shorts. This is a very eclectic grouping of stories, but I think that for the description or feel of what lies inside for you, I am going to pull some words from the author out of the books introduction so we can all gain a better understanding to the point of the exercise and the concept and basis of the stories within.
Here goes: “The majority of stories in this collection are short and that’s on purpose and in keeping with the style of flash fiction. In this particular medium the stories are typically not more than a 1,000 words. What I enjoy about writing flash fiction vs. longer works is that with flash it’s more about the language, the immediacy of the story compared to a longer body of work like a novel which has set up and back story.
Flash fiction is often a blending of prose and poetry, but a flash story doesn’t have to be poetic or lyrical. Rules can be bent and twisted, but at the heart of all flash fiction is a preciseness of language. It’s probably what first drew me to this medium, that and its experimental nature, plus while working on novels I kept having “other” story ideas. One night I made a timed assignment for myself that would write a new story in a couple of hours, then I had to go back to the novel revisions as if that were work and the flash were play. And play it is! I’ve been hooked ever since.”
I have been taking samples of stories from all over the book. They vary in tone and structure for me is what sets this work apart from others. I view this as no different than an author pulling together their various digital shorts and putting them in one package for us. I get the feel that is just the plan for many authors as they start to build a catalog of digital shorts. Flashes from the other World may just be ahead of the curve a bit. Check it out; it may be something you wish to have in your elibrary and reference on occasion as you look for something a bit more diverse in your week. A respite from the norm, a quick hit of fun, or should I say many quick hits of fun.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
Here goes: “The majority of stories in this collection are short and that’s on purpose and in keeping with the style of flash fiction. In this particular medium the stories are typically not more than a 1,000 words. What I enjoy about writing flash fiction vs. longer works is that with flash it’s more about the language, the immediacy of the story compared to a longer body of work like a novel which has set up and back story.
Flash fiction is often a blending of prose and poetry, but a flash story doesn’t have to be poetic or lyrical. Rules can be bent and twisted, but at the heart of all flash fiction is a preciseness of language. It’s probably what first drew me to this medium, that and its experimental nature, plus while working on novels I kept having “other” story ideas. One night I made a timed assignment for myself that would write a new story in a couple of hours, then I had to go back to the novel revisions as if that were work and the flash were play. And play it is! I’ve been hooked ever since.”
I have been taking samples of stories from all over the book. They vary in tone and structure for me is what sets this work apart from others. I view this as no different than an author pulling together their various digital shorts and putting them in one package for us. I get the feel that is just the plan for many authors as they start to build a catalog of digital shorts. Flashes from the other World may just be ahead of the curve a bit. Check it out; it may be something you wish to have in your elibrary and reference on occasion as you look for something a bit more diverse in your week. A respite from the norm, a quick hit of fun, or should I say many quick hits of fun.
What are you reading today? Check us out and become our friend on Shelfari & Linkedin. Go to Goodreads and become our friend there and suggest books for us to read and post on. You can also follow us on Twitter, and the Gelati’s Scoop Facebook Fan Page. Did you know you can shop directly on Amazon by clicking the Gelati’s Store Tab on our blog? Thanks for stopping by today; We will see you tomorrow. Have a great day. http://www.gelatisscoop.blogspot.com
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February 2, 2021So, there's evidently a genre of fiction with which I was previously unacquainted, flash fiction. Wikipedia says, "Flash fiction is a style of fictional literature or fiction of extreme brevity. There is no widely accepted definition of the length of the category. Some self-described markets for flash fiction impose caps as low as three-hundred, while others consider stories as long as one-thousand words to be flash fiction." Now, this seems to me very much like the kind of thing I used to do when I'd immediately jot down the contents of a dream, or have a little scene go through my head, years ago, and have to write a quick blurb just to get it out of my brain, but evidently there's an entire body of this type of literature out there. Who knew?
Ms. Weinstein's book is a collection of her flash fiction, and was kind enough to send me a copy of it for review. I'd requested it not really paying attention to the genre, which really isn't my cup of tea. I did, however, find some of the ideas in the book entertaining, such as one story about a woman without children who adopts a doll, and takes it on all sorts of outings, snapping photos which she then sends off to her family. They all think she's crazy.
I could see, though, that perhaps those of us who have children or pets that we bombard our acquaintances and family with photos of, Xmas brag letters about, and so forth might evoke this sort of response or retaliation from the less fortunate. Made me think, anyhow.
One story that struck me as quite topical was the account of a woman who was labeled a criminal for excessive consumption of carbohydrates. The Food Police are watching you. The final lines from that one just cracked me up. "I break open the French bread and bite into it, ignoring the gun shots. One bullet hits the ceiling light. It breaks. Glass shatters. I continue chewing the bread and break open a bag of Cheetos. It rips in half. I throw it high in the air, the same with the next bag, and the next. It's raining Cheetos when they take me away."
Another bit that I rather liked was, "Mom called it gross and Dad didn't say anything, anything at all. Not even when the pile of gum wads in the corner of my room attracted life forms and Mom insisted I throw it out." If you've ever cleaned a teenager's room, you can relate to this.
As I said, not my ordinary fare, but if you like the odd bit of flash fiction, you may find it tasty.
Ms. Weinstein's book is a collection of her flash fiction, and was kind enough to send me a copy of it for review. I'd requested it not really paying attention to the genre, which really isn't my cup of tea. I did, however, find some of the ideas in the book entertaining, such as one story about a woman without children who adopts a doll, and takes it on all sorts of outings, snapping photos which she then sends off to her family. They all think she's crazy.
I could see, though, that perhaps those of us who have children or pets that we bombard our acquaintances and family with photos of, Xmas brag letters about, and so forth might evoke this sort of response or retaliation from the less fortunate. Made me think, anyhow.
One story that struck me as quite topical was the account of a woman who was labeled a criminal for excessive consumption of carbohydrates. The Food Police are watching you. The final lines from that one just cracked me up. "I break open the French bread and bite into it, ignoring the gun shots. One bullet hits the ceiling light. It breaks. Glass shatters. I continue chewing the bread and break open a bag of Cheetos. It rips in half. I throw it high in the air, the same with the next bag, and the next. It's raining Cheetos when they take me away."
Another bit that I rather liked was, "Mom called it gross and Dad didn't say anything, anything at all. Not even when the pile of gum wads in the corner of my room attracted life forms and Mom insisted I throw it out." If you've ever cleaned a teenager's room, you can relate to this.
As I said, not my ordinary fare, but if you like the odd bit of flash fiction, you may find it tasty.
November 2, 2010
Playing with the Plumbline
A Plumbline is defined as a line directed exactly toward the Earth's center of gravity. As a plumbline swings it circles around momentary paths that are inevitably pulled back to the gravity point, the center - it is a scientific fact. Reading Julie Ann Weinstein's collection of brief 'flash' stories is like moving out, away from the center where most stories dwell, uncontrolled by the laws of gravity, picking up momentary fragments of reality and then spinning out of control to create a place where Weinstein can create a brilliant moment of her own brand of reality that floats along seducing the reader on every page to this collection of FLASHES FROM THE OTHER WORLD. It is wonderfully off-centered.
Many authors will admit that writing short stories is more difficult than writing novels: ideas must be molded and embellished with a beginning and an end in a fairly short period of space. Take that one step further with the definition of flash fiction, ' flash fiction (AKA sudden fiction, microfiction, micro-story, short short, postcard fiction, prosetry and short short story) - is complete stories of 1000 or fewer words', and there are few practitioners who can accomplish these guidelines. Weinstein just happens to be one of those writers gifted with the ability to present terse explosions of stories that haunt the readers mind as much as any extended novel. She takes a word or a noticed piece of detritus and boom! out flows a complete story that is unafraid to employ the realm of magic/imagination/surrealism/magic realism to embellish her tale. This particular collection of flash fiction (not confined to stories of 1000 words always) is divided into three parts: Paranormal, Relationships, and Surreal. And these sectional titles offer a bit of help in approaching the many stories that follow. In the first section she offers such quickies as 'Camp Ghosts' a story only a half page long but one that reenacts the adventures of little girls off at summer camp dealing with a mysterious swimming incident. In the Relationship section she makes an entire revelation of two people over the disparity of shoe types in 'Itchy Feet', while in 'Sangria Mischief' we get to know a couple who base their wedding on stolen items form other brides - resourcefulness!
For this reader the most successful section is titled Surreal - and it is here that delicious little moments of inspiration develop into 'Flowers in the Alleyway' (a sniper's gun seems to shoot out roses and daisies to a hidden girl's memory instead of the reported deaths0. Or in 'Of Bees and Trucks' where an observer watches as bees fill a plastic truck with honey: 'Bees, they know it all. They see life between the sweetness of honey and the sour sting of death. Yes, the sting hurts them more than you. The pain today in your shorts is their death. Did you thank the bee for giving up its life so you could dance on the street? I didn't think so...etc' Every page of this polished book is rich with imagination that takes us on a journey to dreams and beyond - to the impossible ... or at least implausible. This is a book that, despite its idea of very quick stories, will call you back for re-reading many times. It is like Rod Serling meets Emily Dickinson!
Grady Harp
A Plumbline is defined as a line directed exactly toward the Earth's center of gravity. As a plumbline swings it circles around momentary paths that are inevitably pulled back to the gravity point, the center - it is a scientific fact. Reading Julie Ann Weinstein's collection of brief 'flash' stories is like moving out, away from the center where most stories dwell, uncontrolled by the laws of gravity, picking up momentary fragments of reality and then spinning out of control to create a place where Weinstein can create a brilliant moment of her own brand of reality that floats along seducing the reader on every page to this collection of FLASHES FROM THE OTHER WORLD. It is wonderfully off-centered.
Many authors will admit that writing short stories is more difficult than writing novels: ideas must be molded and embellished with a beginning and an end in a fairly short period of space. Take that one step further with the definition of flash fiction, ' flash fiction (AKA sudden fiction, microfiction, micro-story, short short, postcard fiction, prosetry and short short story) - is complete stories of 1000 or fewer words', and there are few practitioners who can accomplish these guidelines. Weinstein just happens to be one of those writers gifted with the ability to present terse explosions of stories that haunt the readers mind as much as any extended novel. She takes a word or a noticed piece of detritus and boom! out flows a complete story that is unafraid to employ the realm of magic/imagination/surrealism/magic realism to embellish her tale. This particular collection of flash fiction (not confined to stories of 1000 words always) is divided into three parts: Paranormal, Relationships, and Surreal. And these sectional titles offer a bit of help in approaching the many stories that follow. In the first section she offers such quickies as 'Camp Ghosts' a story only a half page long but one that reenacts the adventures of little girls off at summer camp dealing with a mysterious swimming incident. In the Relationship section she makes an entire revelation of two people over the disparity of shoe types in 'Itchy Feet', while in 'Sangria Mischief' we get to know a couple who base their wedding on stolen items form other brides - resourcefulness!
For this reader the most successful section is titled Surreal - and it is here that delicious little moments of inspiration develop into 'Flowers in the Alleyway' (a sniper's gun seems to shoot out roses and daisies to a hidden girl's memory instead of the reported deaths0. Or in 'Of Bees and Trucks' where an observer watches as bees fill a plastic truck with honey: 'Bees, they know it all. They see life between the sweetness of honey and the sour sting of death. Yes, the sting hurts them more than you. The pain today in your shorts is their death. Did you thank the bee for giving up its life so you could dance on the street? I didn't think so...etc' Every page of this polished book is rich with imagination that takes us on a journey to dreams and beyond - to the impossible ... or at least implausible. This is a book that, despite its idea of very quick stories, will call you back for re-reading many times. It is like Rod Serling meets Emily Dickinson!
Grady Harp
September 30, 2010
A Fascinating Journey of Flash Fiction and Short Stories
A bit of whimsy, a dash of the occult, a taste of madness, a trace of sentiment only touch on what you will find in Julie Ann Weinstein’s’ Flashes From the Other World.’
Flash fiction at its finest as you enter Ms. Weinstein’s take on the world of the Paranormal, Relationships and Surrealism.
To hit on a few, ‘Summer Flip Flops’ left me feeling the sweetness of lost love as well as the horror of premature death.
‘Red Dot’, a short story struck a perfect note with use of adjectives getting right to the heart of deep regret, sorrow and guilt over actions and decisions made in life. Doubt anyone could read this tale without shedding a few tears and relating to the characters feelings.
The flash fiction mastery of ‘Doll Finders’, where Ms. Weinstein, in one final compelling sentence, tells a complete story, summing up years of heartfelt pain as a janitor glances into a trash bin.
Ah, could not write a review without the mention of ‘Ice Cream Man’, which held me glued to the page with anticipation until the ultimate outcome. Not wanting to give away the story, I will say taking the pleasure of a child’s delight to hear that ice cream truck in the distance and adding a twist of fate, a morsel of danger shows the mastery of flash fiction at its finest.
The ability to write short stories and flash fiction with variety and depth of meaning is not an easy task for any author. Ms. Weinstein has expertly mastered the craft, as you shall experience when reading each story within ‘Flashes From the Other World.’
Her use of inanimate objects...a doll, a shoe, streaming water...provides unique edginess, mystery and intrigue that flows from each tale.
You definitely will not want to miss the magic of her words as they draw you into her mystical realm of surrealism, fantasy, thought and reality.
I can assure you, it will not disappoint.
Monica M. Brinkman, Author of The Turn of the Karmic Wheel
Visit Ms. Brinkman’s web site, Meaningful Writings, to view articles, videos, short stories, poetry, books and inspiration http://tinyurl.com/237
http://allthingsthatmatterpress.com
January 11, 2011
After reading the summary of "Flashes From the Other World," I was very curious as to how Weinstein could generate a collection of short stories about magic without using magic. To say the very least, I was quite pleased with her style and the interesting stories she came up with. Several of them stood out amongst the rest as seems to be the way it is with anthologies. There were a variety of subjects to set each story apart from the others in the collection, which kept each story fresh and exciting.
"Camp Ghosts" was a fantastic story about a group of girls at camp that are lured to the water by ghost ships. As some of the girls venture into the darkness, they find more than they bargain for.
This was a great story, albeit short. I thought there was great potential for a longer story as it had an element of horror/paranormal that was intriguing.
"The Vacant Tub" was eerie as heck. I enjoy a good ghost story as much as the next person but when kids are involved it's just freaky. I wanted more of this story; it felt a little rushed, like there had been more that was taken out. I really enjoyed the freakish ending when the man hears the ghost boy speak. Even though I enjoyed reading "The Vacant Tub," I really wish there was more to it.
"Doll Finders" was awesome. Can you imagine adults passing around a doll's head at the office? Me neither. The doll's head ends up in the hands of the janitor, who cleans it up as if it were a child. I won't give away the ending but I was shocked. It really wasn't what I expected at all. It's one of those stories where a character, such as the janitor, is not what he seems to be.
The remainder of the stories just didn't do it for me. For the most part, I got the feeling that many of the stories were incomplete. Almost as if the author took a break from writing and started a new story when she returned, rather than finish the previous story. They had great potential but something was missing.
Weinstein really has a weird mind and I shudder to think of how she comes up with her unique, yet twisted material. The three stories I mentioned were awesome. I just wish the others had felt more complete.
"Camp Ghosts" was a fantastic story about a group of girls at camp that are lured to the water by ghost ships. As some of the girls venture into the darkness, they find more than they bargain for.
This was a great story, albeit short. I thought there was great potential for a longer story as it had an element of horror/paranormal that was intriguing.
"The Vacant Tub" was eerie as heck. I enjoy a good ghost story as much as the next person but when kids are involved it's just freaky. I wanted more of this story; it felt a little rushed, like there had been more that was taken out. I really enjoyed the freakish ending when the man hears the ghost boy speak. Even though I enjoyed reading "The Vacant Tub," I really wish there was more to it.
"Doll Finders" was awesome. Can you imagine adults passing around a doll's head at the office? Me neither. The doll's head ends up in the hands of the janitor, who cleans it up as if it were a child. I won't give away the ending but I was shocked. It really wasn't what I expected at all. It's one of those stories where a character, such as the janitor, is not what he seems to be.
The remainder of the stories just didn't do it for me. For the most part, I got the feeling that many of the stories were incomplete. Almost as if the author took a break from writing and started a new story when she returned, rather than finish the previous story. They had great potential but something was missing.
Weinstein really has a weird mind and I shudder to think of how she comes up with her unique, yet twisted material. The three stories I mentioned were awesome. I just wish the others had felt more complete.
December 20, 2010
I always suspected Ms. Julie Ann was very close to me. Closer than a touch; just beyond a breath. I can liken the feeling of crossing the street without a care in the world until a memory plays tricks with the pavement, and the earth is suddenly transformed. The mind has already been been swallowed by the groping of hungry hands even before the feet have been sold for sausage at the suicide stands. But no, it is nothing of the sort. The light has changed and I am safely brought to the other side. Or am I?
Flashes from the Other World is both--one of the scariest books as well as exhilarating ones I have read in a long time. I defy the reader to find a safe place to read this. Julie Ann's other worldly fellows and princesses are too enlivened to be dismissed; too needy to be assuaged.
Forgive me but the images of scrabble pieces rebelling into the clatterings of sexual dalliances, or the icy fingertips of freckled child pornographers grappling with brassiere hooks are told so matter a fact as be totally terrifying.
I give this book five stars because of the magic and the promise that this authoress brings to our literary establishment. Now, I've decided to be more mean-spirited with my reviews. Yes, it is true that Julie Ann writes for my own publishing company. But I tell you truth. I think this writer is very close to the heartbeat of her audience. She sees beyond the real to the palpable heartstone--and beyond.
I think see may be intent upon engaging her audience in something extra-ordinary. And I think she succeeds. Reading Flashes, one must re-read passages. But the closer the introspection, the realization that to truly be part of her visions, the reader must relinquish controls. Tripping, footless, it is not altogether certain, one will reach the other side except for the soft landings this master craftsperson provides.
Flashes from the Other World is both--one of the scariest books as well as exhilarating ones I have read in a long time. I defy the reader to find a safe place to read this. Julie Ann's other worldly fellows and princesses are too enlivened to be dismissed; too needy to be assuaged.
Forgive me but the images of scrabble pieces rebelling into the clatterings of sexual dalliances, or the icy fingertips of freckled child pornographers grappling with brassiere hooks are told so matter a fact as be totally terrifying.
I give this book five stars because of the magic and the promise that this authoress brings to our literary establishment. Now, I've decided to be more mean-spirited with my reviews. Yes, it is true that Julie Ann writes for my own publishing company. But I tell you truth. I think this writer is very close to the heartbeat of her audience. She sees beyond the real to the palpable heartstone--and beyond.
I think see may be intent upon engaging her audience in something extra-ordinary. And I think she succeeds. Reading Flashes, one must re-read passages. But the closer the introspection, the realization that to truly be part of her visions, the reader must relinquish controls. Tripping, footless, it is not altogether certain, one will reach the other side except for the soft landings this master craftsperson provides.
December 21, 2011
This is metaphorical writing at its best. The author has divided her book into three parts. Part one is a collection of paranormal stories. The are very short and bizarre. Not bizarre in a bad way. Bizarre in the sense they make you think. They have a depth to them that makes you wonder if there is a deeper meaning, a hidden meaning.
The second part of the book is called relationships. The first story grabbed me and made me hold on. Maybe it is because my mom has to live with me now that I could see parallels between the relationship the daughter had with her mother and my own. It takes great talent to write from the heart and attain such a deep meaning that will be read and interpreted differently by each reader.
The third part of the book is called Surreal. I enjoyed “Blue Moon Carbs”. This is a book where the reader is free and encouraged to make all kinds of connections. As I try to lose weight this one story stood out. It felt like I was reading the battle that goes on in my head every time I eat something that could potentially cause me to gain weight. I loved it. My favorite part of this book was actually in the back where the author explains what inspired her to write each of her stories. Her explanations made me go back and re-read some of the stories as I looked at them through the eyes of what inspired her. It put a truly different spin on it. This is not an easy book to describe. I will recommend it. Just don’t pick it up for a quick read because that is the one thing it is not.
The second part of the book is called relationships. The first story grabbed me and made me hold on. Maybe it is because my mom has to live with me now that I could see parallels between the relationship the daughter had with her mother and my own. It takes great talent to write from the heart and attain such a deep meaning that will be read and interpreted differently by each reader.
The third part of the book is called Surreal. I enjoyed “Blue Moon Carbs”. This is a book where the reader is free and encouraged to make all kinds of connections. As I try to lose weight this one story stood out. It felt like I was reading the battle that goes on in my head every time I eat something that could potentially cause me to gain weight. I loved it. My favorite part of this book was actually in the back where the author explains what inspired her to write each of her stories. Her explanations made me go back and re-read some of the stories as I looked at them through the eyes of what inspired her. It put a truly different spin on it. This is not an easy book to describe. I will recommend it. Just don’t pick it up for a quick read because that is the one thing it is not.
September 16, 2011
Ms. Weinstein is a very insightful writer, and her flash fiction has that ambiguous surreal quality I look for when I am going through submissions for the e-zine. I would accept her work in a heartbeat, especially for the way she approaches the darker themes.
This collection is quite an assortment. You never know what you are going to get from one story to another. We have absurdities, paranormal encounters -- real and imagined -- and we have all manner of relationships, deliberate and coincidental, happy and sad and disturbing. Weinstein has the ability to take the mundane and make it wild and extraordinary. There are some hauntingly sentimental paranormal stories, and stories that were so hilariously bizarre, you will never look at your produce the same again. In contrast, many of the stories delve into darker territory, addressing many common and perplexing psychological issues, and those were probably the ones I loved the most. Each story is unique in a cirque du strange sort of way. The thematic treatments and artistic license used here demand a reader's undivided attention, and Ms. Weinstein’s voice shines through. Writing flash fiction is a difficult task to take on. It requires a certain sharpness of vision, a command of the language, and a discipline the longer forms can ignore to a great degree. In Flashes, Ms. Weinstein is fearless in her experimentation, and that, to me, was worth experiencing.
This collection is quite an assortment. You never know what you are going to get from one story to another. We have absurdities, paranormal encounters -- real and imagined -- and we have all manner of relationships, deliberate and coincidental, happy and sad and disturbing. Weinstein has the ability to take the mundane and make it wild and extraordinary. There are some hauntingly sentimental paranormal stories, and stories that were so hilariously bizarre, you will never look at your produce the same again. In contrast, many of the stories delve into darker territory, addressing many common and perplexing psychological issues, and those were probably the ones I loved the most. Each story is unique in a cirque du strange sort of way. The thematic treatments and artistic license used here demand a reader's undivided attention, and Ms. Weinstein’s voice shines through. Writing flash fiction is a difficult task to take on. It requires a certain sharpness of vision, a command of the language, and a discipline the longer forms can ignore to a great degree. In Flashes, Ms. Weinstein is fearless in her experimentation, and that, to me, was worth experiencing.
November 14, 2010
I've searched for a word that would best describe Flashes From The Other World, by Julie Ann Weinstein, and delicious is it. Delicious is defined as greatly pleasing or entertaining, and the word precisely describes this compendium of short stories.
Julie Ann Weinstein's short stories are delicately woven and beautifully written. Flashes From The Other World is just the right ticket for those cold, windy and rainy evenings of winter.
I am going to order some for my grandchildren, who are now in high school and college. I'm also going to keep a copy on my nightstand, because the stories are a great antidote to the daily grind.
I particularly enjoyed, Where Do They Come From? In this section, Ms Weinstein tells the reader what inspired her to write each short story. It really personalized it for me. I got to know the author.
I highly recommend Flashes From The Other World by Julie Ann Weinstein.
Julie Ann Weinstein's short stories are delicately woven and beautifully written. Flashes From The Other World is just the right ticket for those cold, windy and rainy evenings of winter.
I am going to order some for my grandchildren, who are now in high school and college. I'm also going to keep a copy on my nightstand, because the stories are a great antidote to the daily grind.
I particularly enjoyed, Where Do They Come From? In this section, Ms Weinstein tells the reader what inspired her to write each short story. It really personalized it for me. I got to know the author.
I highly recommend Flashes From The Other World by Julie Ann Weinstein.
January 2, 2011
I have written a review on Amazon -- and thought I added one on Goodreads. But just to be sure, I'll note that this collection of flash fiction sets the standard for that genre. Bursts of craziness, dreams become real, natural events take on other-worldly character, animals and toys talk, and on it goes. The reader's imagination is challenged with each story, and we are stimulated by the creativity displayed here. The pieces seems effortless, yet as a writer I know that it takes real practice to write what seems to be stream of consciousness, yet in truth is the mark of an accomplished writer. See more of my response on the review at Amazon.
Jean Rodenbough, author of Rachel's Children: Surviving the Second World War, All Things That Matter Press.
Jean Rodenbough, author of Rachel's Children: Surviving the Second World War, All Things That Matter Press.
September 29, 2010
Get ready for a wild ride of escapism with this enticing collection of what is known as "flash" fiction. Each story is short and tight. Reading this book is like riding on a wild roller coaster of fun and thrills. If you read it too fast you might get dizzy! The author takes us through the ins and outs of such subjects as relationships and families, not to mention talking fruits and vegetables. You can read it slowly at your leisure, or fast and furious like I did and get all your senses tingling.
Julie Achterhoff
author of Quantum Earth, Deadly Lucidity, and Earthwalker
Julie Achterhoff
author of Quantum Earth, Deadly Lucidity, and Earthwalker
January 11, 2011
Flashes from the Other World by Julie Weinstein
Charmed. This is how I felt after stepping into Julie’s magical universe. It is a world that resembles the one of the golems and other mystical creatures of the Old World brought to life by the Word.
Julie Weinstein is indeed a magician of the Word, wrapping reality in silky mystery, and inviting us to question it.
Resembling Marguerite Yourcenar’s Wang Fo, who finds escape in the illusory dimension of a painting, this gifted author’s characters are as palpable as a dream yet strong and impressive as if they were carved in stone.
Charmed. This is how I felt after stepping into Julie’s magical universe. It is a world that resembles the one of the golems and other mystical creatures of the Old World brought to life by the Word.
Julie Weinstein is indeed a magician of the Word, wrapping reality in silky mystery, and inviting us to question it.
Resembling Marguerite Yourcenar’s Wang Fo, who finds escape in the illusory dimension of a painting, this gifted author’s characters are as palpable as a dream yet strong and impressive as if they were carved in stone.
September 29, 2010
Julie Ann Weinstein writes in a refreshing, sharp style that is perfectly suited to flash fiction. Her stories are filled with haunting scenarios and wildly funny characters, who are as unpredictable as they are endearing.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get away; to anyone who loves to read but never finds the time; and to anyone who loves a good short story. Flashes From the Other World is aptly titled--the stories offer pure escapism in short form.
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to get away; to anyone who loves to read but never finds the time; and to anyone who loves a good short story. Flashes From the Other World is aptly titled--the stories offer pure escapism in short form.
April 8, 2011
This is an eclectic book of short stories. The stories are concise and well written. The ideas expressed were to the point and descriptive.
I preferred the longer stories. I like to see plot and character development. I enjoyed "Tina Land" because of the friendship between the two girls. I think her stories on relationships were my favorite.
This is perfect for the times when you have a short period of time to read and want to get in a story or two.
I preferred the longer stories. I like to see plot and character development. I enjoyed "Tina Land" because of the friendship between the two girls. I think her stories on relationships were my favorite.
This is perfect for the times when you have a short period of time to read and want to get in a story or two.
October 17, 2010
zany, witty, funny, bizarre-you'll love it
October 22, 2010
I read this in advance, and loved it. Sort stories that make you feel and think.
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