Traveling left of centre
by Nancy Christie
""Girl," my mama had said to me the minute she entered my hospital room, "on the highway of life, you're always traveling left of center." (from "Traveling Left of Center)" What happens when people face life situations for which they are emotionally or mentally unprepared? They may choose to allow fate to dictate the path they take-a decision that can lead to disastrous results. The characters in "Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories" are unable or unwilling to seize control over their lives, relying instead on coping methods that range from the passive ("The Healer") and the aggressive ("The Clock") to the humorous ("Traveling Left of Center") and hopeful ("Skating on Thin Ice"). But the outcomes may not be what they anticipated or desired. Will they have time to correct their course or will they crash? Included in this collection of short stories are the critically acclaimed Alice in Wonderland and Annabelle
My Rating - 4/5
A book filled with so many short stories is not normally my book choice, but I thoroughly enjoyed Nancy's collection of stories gathered together!
Although the stories are heart-breaking, emphasizing some of the darkest places in peoples minds and within their lives, they were riveting and held your attention throughout.
Relationships are the general theme of this book, Marriage issues are raised in the brilliantly written 'Exit Row' and 'The Clock'. A daughter feeling trapped by her mother ' Alice in Wonderland' is another fantastically written story which grasps you from start to finish.
What makes these stories fantastic to read is the diversity Nancy includes. Not only in how each character responds to the pressures they are put under, but the scenarios in which they appear.
My personal favourite throughout this collection of stories was 'The Storyteller'. This story is based around a woman who reads stories to very sick children in hospital, and it is a truly moving tale!.
Nancy has written this book beautifully, with so much detail put in to every characters personality which makes you feel very attached to all the stories!
I would definitely recommend you give this book a read! It's highly addictive!
I would like to thank Nancy for kindly sending me a copy of her book for my honest opinion.
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