Monterey Shorts 2: More on the Line--Stories by Fiction Writers of the Monterey Peninsula

Reviewed by: Ellen Hogan for Reader Views (10/06) This book is a compilation of stories by Fiction Writers of the Monterey Peninsula. Some of the stories are connected and others stand alone. There is some history in some of the stories which was very interesting. Some of my favorite stories are: "Finding Anna" by Byron Merritt Anna Wooley is a ten year old fighting cancer. She is always cheerful when going for her chemo treatments. One day her father asked the doctor if the treatments were doing any good. He said that he was not sure since Anna didn't have any of the usual side effects of chemo and radiation. Her brother Bruce treated her like any older brother would a younger sister, with the usual arguments and name calling. Bruce wanted to enter a surfing contest, and Anna told her father it was to get a girl's attention. While she was at the beach watching Bruce, Anna saw a man that she knew instinctively was death watching her. She got very upset and told her brother not to let him take her. Bruce asks her who and she tells him the man in the dark clothes. Their father gets upset when he finds out that Anna was out in the water. He tells her that she can't do that anymore. The day of the competition Bruce was nervous until it was his time to go out with the waves. Finally his group was called and they no sooner got out there but the surf changed and the bell was rung for them to come back in. Bruce was not among the surfers who returned. Anna knew her brother was in trouble and went out to help him. Anna was caught in a riptide just as she reached her brother. She could not fight it off. Anna did not recover from that trip to the beach. She did meet the man in the dark clothes though and he told her he was there to help her with her transition. She had woken up as a fairy. He tells her there is a meadow and someone waiting for her. As she approaches she sees her mother waiting. "Donya's Spices" by Shaheen Schmidt Donya grew up in Iran, and she loved using the spices of her country in her cooking. Her son Raha had married an American girl and they had a daughter named Christine. Donya's daughter-in-law and she did not have much to do with each other. Stella had been trying to Americanize Raha and to strip him of his heritage. One day Raha asked Donya to keep Christine for them. Stella sent what she was to eat that day as she did not approve of the meals that Donya enjoyed. Raha smelled his mother's cooking and told her Khoresht Sabzee, his favorite. Donya tells him that she will save him some for his supper. Christy tells her grandmother that she has brought movies to watch. But, Donya says they should go outside and see what's in the garden. When they once again are in the house Christy asks her grandmother if she is a witch. Donya asks why she would ask that and Christy said that her mother said she was a witch because of all the bottles she had around her kitchen. Donya explains to Christy that they are just spices and n

"Monterey Shorts 2" is a collection of short stories written by authors of the Monterey Peninsula in Central California. Each of these wonderful stories takes place somewhere in the area of the Monterey Peninsula. The stories date back from the days of the gold rush to present time. Another interesting aspect of the book is that some of the stories refer to characters in another story. This helps tie key parts of the plot together and gives a better overall understanding of the stories. If you like stories of all varieties without a large time commitment, this is the book for you. "Monterey Shorts 2" gives you the thrill of a best-selling novel and the feel-good lessons of life with its many stories written by some of the best authors in the country. I thought this book gave great insight to the reader about life in the Monterey Peninsula. There is an excellent variety of stories from psychological thrillers to the stories that send great universal messages. The stories incorporated a lot into the plot and storyline, but not too much to confuse the reader or detract from the main idea of the story. Many of the authors wrote more than one story in the book, and I was impressed with their ability to write high-quality work from vastly different genres. I thought the subtle details blended with the plot very well to keep the reader on edge at all times. This book will not bore the reader because of the many twists in each story along with the wonderful pictures the authors paint the reader. "Monterey Shorts 2" is one of the best books I have ever read, and I recommend everyone to read it. Reviewed by a student reviewer for Flamingnet Book Reviews www.flamingnet.com Preteen, teen, and young adult book reviews and recommendations

There is something to be said about a group of diverse authors and writers residing in the Monterey Peninsula of California that in 2000' decided to form a writing group with the objective of improving their skills by subjecting their masterpieces to straightforward, rigorous, and mutual critiquing. As Bryon Merritt, one of the principal founders of the group, pointed out to me, this was a group that was not formed to become publishers. However, fortunately for lovers of short stories, this did in fact occur with the publishing of its first anthology, Monterey Shorts. The initial venture has now spawned more stories with its second edition, Monterey Shorts 2: More On The Line: Stories by Fiction Writers of the Monterey Peninsula. This latest ambitious anthology runs the gamut from absorbing stories reflecting the history of the Monterey Peninsula to its culture and even the psyche of its inhabitants. There is Byron Merritt's A Break In The Trail -a story based on a real person, Charley Parkhurst, who worked for the stage coach lines in the Santa Cruz area in the 1850s and 1860s. Readers will be in for a surprising ending! Another is a comment on the art scene of the area with Frances J. Rossi's Framed, wherein we read about a love triangle involving a transplanted easterner, Rosalie, who falls in love with Pete, the owner of a picture framing store called Figueroa. Then there is Moving Day authored by Mike Tyrrel reflecting Californians concern about protecting the environment. This story is thought provoking, as we read about an obnoxious family living in the Monterey Peninsula that couldn't care less about their neighbours, the environment, or for that matter anyone or anything other than themselves. Ken Jones' Canned Hunt is an excellent story about how some inhabitants are unconcerned about endangered animals. Some of the others in the collection are feel-good tales, where a certain statement is made, such as Shaheen Schmidt's Love Potion that involves an Iranian, Donya, and her Carmel Valley neighbour, Betty, who was not getting along with her husband. The wise Donya comes to her rescue with some charming advice. The end of the book contains short bios of each of the contributors. Without doubt, this impressive collection of refreshing and clever short stories is sure to find its way on the night tables of many of the B & BS that dot the Monterey Peninsula coast line. These authors definitely deserve recognition and respect from their peers, as well as their readers, not only for their writing skills but also for their tenacity in striving to perfect their craft. Norm Goldman, Editor Bookpleasures

The Monterey Peninsula is a beautiful place, and apparently has always been so, although perhaps once more untamed and unpredictable. With such a powerful and enchanting ocean landscape, the creativity of its inhabitants should be abundantly fed. "Monterey shorts 2" is an inspiring collection of 20 short stories from a diverse and talented group of writers living in the Monterey Peninsula. This 2nd collection offers up a wonderful diverse banquet of colorful and creative tales, from the vivid and enchanting title-character in `Donya's Spices' to the twisted and humorous moral lesson of `Moving Day.' Each author presents a unique gift to the reader, with the shared theme of the beautiful seaside setting with a rich and interesting history. All the work here is excellent, and each story is as interesting and entertaining as the last. Each of the authors has their own style, some preferring to write from a historical perspective, while others take from modern life. Still others travel to another time or realm as yet unheard of. Despite the diversity, the common thread of setting works wonderfully to give the collection a sense of connectedness and continuity. The authors joined together to create FWOMP: Fiction Writers of the Monterey Peninsula, and in 2002 published their first collection which met with great local success, ultimately leading to this welcomed 2nd book. The authors themselves are as diverse as their stories, with such interesting lives and experience that to relate them here would take away from their product. Fortunately, the collection includes a section on the back telling all about the individual members of FWOMP. This collection comes highly recommended. There is definitely something here for everyone, from the historical fan, to the science fiction buff. Simply open and enjoy.

Storytelling is an art--and not an easy one to master--however, the ten authors with the Fiction Writers of the Monterey Peninsula (FWOMP) have done well with their latest compilation and anyone looking for an interesting collection of tales should certainly consider this book. With its superb presentation, detailed editing, and clever illustrations, Monterey Shorts 2 creatively interweaves the history, the flavor, and the nature of not only the colorful populace but of the California Central Coast itself. Whether reading of the first woman lighthouse keeper to the flight of a spritely being to the sinister side of desire or of love and beyond, this anthology of more than twenty stories charms the reader and makes them want to turn the page to discover what new tale lies just ahead. Could it be the vampire or the murderer? The artist or the diviner? An exotic beast or just a monkey? Will he come home to a house not there? Or find a friend is not all they seem? A few noteworthy mentions include "Finding Anna," "Snakeskin Jacket," "Charlotte's Light," "Moving Day," "Lavinia," and "Framed" but as a whole, I enjoyed reading each of these wonderful stories. I also want to mention how the stories--some strong enough to stand on their own merit--did not overshadow the others too much and therefore imparted to the reader a genuine medley of works. Kudos to these writers who believe that solid criticism served with sincerity is a dish well served. They've proven a gift, shaped with honest effort, will stand high above the rest. Well done! Reviewed by Dehanna Bailee, http://www.dehanna.com