Stories from the Afterlife

As a writer, Quinn Dalton's writing both inspires and depresses me. Inspires, because I like to think I might someday be capable of writing with such smooth flow and attention to character and detail. Depresses, because Quinn makes good writing look much easier than it really is. I savored this book, reading one story a day for 10 days. Having just completed the book, I'm preparing to turn around and read it again. Quinn offers layers in her stories, and peeling them away to discover newness each time is just part of the appeal. Looking for a great gift book or the perfect book to take on vacation? This is it.

The short stories in Quinn Dalton's latest collection are well worth reading. Each of them is vivid and crisp, yet warm enough to crawl inside. I hated for each to end, but was excited to start a new one.

I enjoyed this book very much, particularly all the strong characterizations. The main characters in each story were realistic, distinct and all dealing with inner conflicts involving changes in their lives. Dalton's writing style is a pleasure to read, very natural and un-forced. She convincingly switches to different voices for different stories, from an interracial couple coming to terms in the segregated south, to a camera-store clerk trying to find meaningful relationships, to a troubled boy struggling in a world that doesn't seem to understand him. My favorite story in the collection was "Lowell's Lines." The main character is a teenager named Mara coming to terms with a loss in her family. Her experience is contrasted with that of her mother and aunt, who all cope differently. Mara had an endearingly strong, down-to-earth approach to life that gives one hope for her. I recommend the book for a glimpse into the lives of some very memorable characters whom I will not soon forget.