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UFOs and GOD: A Collection of Short Stories
UFOs and God is not a single-themed collection but a diverse assortment of distinct individuals kayaking their way through the erratic channels of this journey we call life. Some of these stories are sharp edged and crafted to cut you emotionally to the quick. Others are inviting like a warm cozy room on a bitter cold day. A couple – it is hoped – will simply make you laugh. As Diane C. Donovan, Senior Reviewer at Donovan’s Literary Services points out, there is much more to UFOs and God than the title suggests.
“The short stories in UFOs and God are fictional works, but aside from the title piece, anyone who anticipates that this book will be centered around UFOs should be advised that there are bigger scenarios at stake, here; and these involve belief, perseverance, determination and survival.
“At the pivot point of many of these stories are basic, gritty assessments of life and why it’s worth living, while others support the themes of visionary belief systems, hope, and newfound revelation.
“‘Locusts’, for example, takes readers on a winding journey through a desolate wilderness brought about by the greed of mankind as it follows the thoughts and trajectory of Thurgood Boyd, a farmer and environmentalist who views “evidence of the same shortsighted deeds” everywhere in his world, and who (perhaps naively) anticipates a positive outcome even as his grandparents struggle to hold on to the family farm.
“‘Crossing the Burnside Bridge’ contrasts the broken life of an engineer whose divorce sparks a deeper questioning of love as he faces his conflicted desire to both love and leave an upcoming family matter.
“Michael R. Lane’s various characters stand at different crossroads in their lives: some brought about by their individual choices and their consequences; others forced upon them by the outside world and life’s twisting changes.
“The questioning process, the juxtaposition of past and present lives, and the ways in which people disappoint, say goodbye, or welcome new opportunities lie at the crux of many of the pieces in UFOs and God.
“So if it’s alien or religious stories that are anticipated or desired; look elsewhere. UFOs and God is much more: it’s a closer examination of succinct moments in life where people get the opportunity to look back, look ahead, or take a close look at the world; and each piece is carefully crafted to support a reader’s perceptions of their own ‘aha’ moments in life.
“Short story readers who relish philosophical and psychological introspection in a diverse array of characters and life-changing yet small events will find this collection thought-provoking in nature and satisfyingly diverse in scope.”
From farm to urban, from World War II to the Digital Age, from the dawn of life to its twilight, the places and times, people and events in UFOs and God spotlight the tender underbelly of the human condition in all its glory and despair on these varied stages of fiction.
“The short stories in UFOs and God are fictional works, but aside from the title piece, anyone who anticipates that this book will be centered around UFOs should be advised that there are bigger scenarios at stake, here; and these involve belief, perseverance, determination and survival.
“At the pivot point of many of these stories are basic, gritty assessments of life and why it’s worth living, while others support the themes of visionary belief systems, hope, and newfound revelation.
“‘Locusts’, for example, takes readers on a winding journey through a desolate wilderness brought about by the greed of mankind as it follows the thoughts and trajectory of Thurgood Boyd, a farmer and environmentalist who views “evidence of the same shortsighted deeds” everywhere in his world, and who (perhaps naively) anticipates a positive outcome even as his grandparents struggle to hold on to the family farm.
“‘Crossing the Burnside Bridge’ contrasts the broken life of an engineer whose divorce sparks a deeper questioning of love as he faces his conflicted desire to both love and leave an upcoming family matter.
“Michael R. Lane’s various characters stand at different crossroads in their lives: some brought about by their individual choices and their consequences; others forced upon them by the outside world and life’s twisting changes.
“The questioning process, the juxtaposition of past and present lives, and the ways in which people disappoint, say goodbye, or welcome new opportunities lie at the crux of many of the pieces in UFOs and God.
“So if it’s alien or religious stories that are anticipated or desired; look elsewhere. UFOs and God is much more: it’s a closer examination of succinct moments in life where people get the opportunity to look back, look ahead, or take a close look at the world; and each piece is carefully crafted to support a reader’s perceptions of their own ‘aha’ moments in life.
“Short story readers who relish philosophical and psychological introspection in a diverse array of characters and life-changing yet small events will find this collection thought-provoking in nature and satisfyingly diverse in scope.”
From farm to urban, from World War II to the Digital Age, from the dawn of life to its twilight, the places and times, people and events in UFOs and God spotlight the tender underbelly of the human condition in all its glory and despair on these varied stages of fiction.
258 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2016
About the author
Michael R. Lane
10 books61 followersMichael R. Lane is the founder of Bare Bones Press. He is a published poet and writer who turned to indie publishing. His novels include the C. J. Cavanaugh mystery series and "The Family Stone." His short story collections are "Emancipation" and "UFOs and GOD." He has also penned four books of poetry, "Love & Sensuality," "Mortal Thoughts," "Sandbox," and "A Drop of Midnight."
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December 17, 2016
As an avid short story reader, I was excited to pick up this collection by talented author, Michael Lane. Like any short story collection, there are bound to be favorites, but in my case there are too many favorites to list. Some, like "Whiff," "Anniversary," and "War" brought tears to my eyes, while others, such as "Dr. Feel Good," made me laugh out loud. No matter which story turns out to be your favorite, this outstanding collection is a 'must read.' UFOs and God opens a window into the human spirit: a masterfully woven tapestry of love, loss, forgiveness, and laughter. ~ Leigh Goodison, author of the St. Augustus Chronicles
Displaying 1 of 1 review