tinynavajo's review

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4.0

An interesting and unusual collection of short stories about museums. Each story is an exhibit of a different type of museum. Some are short. Some are long. Some have the weirdest exhibits you will ever read about and some feel almost mundane until the last moment. But they are all unusual exhibits, which is why they are in this anthology. One of my favourites is actually The Museum of Fog, written by Alexander Danner, about a “travel writer” who seeks out small weird attractions and writes/tweets about them. And with the Museum of Fog, it’s literally a place full of fog and the dangers of fog and the different types of fog. And there are even people LIVING in the exhibit, either living their best life as a 1990’s punk rock band, or studying the effects of freezing fog in the “simul-Antarctica.” And the Museum of Lost Dreams, the very first story in the collection is on that is fascinating to me as well, and touches a small part of my being that I’m hoping means I’ll be more likely to go after my dreams. No matter how small and silly they may seem to myself or others at that moment in time.

If museums and different types of things and places to explore and learn are you jam, then I would highly recommend you try out this book. And the lovely thing about anthologies is that you don’t have to read all of the stories at once. Nor do you need to enjoy all of the stories to enjoy the overall experience of the book either.

luuleggelibri's review

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4.0

4⭐ out of 5⭐.
The genre of this book is Science-Fiction. It is a very thoughtful and deep collection of novellas. It is very peculiar: every short story is set in a different "world". It has been amazing to dive in a different kind of setting every time. Each one of them gave a lot to think about. Some were sad, others bittersweet, others just quiet stories about another way of living. Some are sweet, painful and sorrowful. Others left me awestruck and with my mouth open.
Every short story has a meaning, a purpose, something to say. They are set in the future in a very clever way, everything is very believable and lots of themes are ones we should worry about today, in order to avoid taking that certain direction in the future. Everything in this book is described in a way that makes you deeply understand the feelings and situations of those involved, even if you were lucky enough not to have experienced them yourself. Every each one of these authors have a lot of talent. About some of these stories, I wish they had written a book instead

urban_reads's review

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3.0

3.5 stars, not quite 4 but close!

This book had me intrigued, it’s a new author, and sort of different genre than I usually read. I decided to take a chance.

This book is a collection of short stories, that take place in Museums. Each story feels like a new world and they are full of different emotions and adventures. Every story seemed to leave its own impression and it was a really unique reading experience! I found myself thinking about how each of the stories would be enjoyed by different people I know! I can see this being enjoyed by a diverse group of readers.

Overall this book was interesting and a great break from my huge book series, and epic fantasy. It was fun and enchanting and meaningful. The only downfall for me was the short story format. As much as I loved this and knew what I was getting, just realized, it’s not for me. Doesn’t take away from how unique these stories are!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishing team for the advanced copy of this fun book!

the_sassy_bookworm's review

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

3.0

 Book Review: “Museum Piece: An Unusual Collection”

⭐⭐⭐ out of 5 stars

Summary

In “Museum Piece: An Unusual Collection,” B. Morris Allen invites readers to step into a world beyond the ordinary. This anthology takes us on a tour of various museums, each presenting a distinct and captivating experience. From the onset, it becomes clear that these museums are far from typical tourist traps.

Allen’s imaginative storytelling shines through as he crafts tales set in the future, offering a fresh and clever twist to the science fiction genre. Each story within this collection serves a meaningful purpose, invoking a range of emotions as readers navigate through the strange and outrageous exhibits.

Thoughts on “Museum Piece: An Unusual Collection” ✍🏻

As someone who is not typically drawn to science fiction, I approached “Museum Piece: An Unusual Collection” with curiosity and an open mind. What I discovered within its pages was an intriguing assortment of short stories that exceeded my expectations.

Allen’s ability to create unique worlds and thought-provoking scenarios is commendable. While some stories resonated more strongly with me than others, I found myself consistently engaged throughout the collection. It was refreshing to step out of my usual genre and explore the imaginative landscapes that Allen skillfully painted.

Overall, “Museum Piece: An Unusual Collection” proved to be an entertaining read that challenged my preconceptions about science fiction. The blend of creativity, meaningful storytelling, and emotional depth within each story left a lasting impression.

Now, let’s take a closer look at some of the standout stories within “Museum Piece: An Unusual Collection”:

1. The Museum of Lost Dreams 💤

“The Museum of Lost Dreams” sets the stage for the entire collection with its poignant exploration of unfulfilled desires. Allen weaves a tale that tugs at the heartstrings as visitors encounter artifacts representing dreams unattained. The bittersweet atmosphere and beautifully crafted characters make this story a standout in the anthology.

2. The Suicide Museum 🥹

In “The Suicide Museum,” Allen tackles a sensitive and complex subject with grace and sensitivity. This powerful story forces readers to confront their own perceptions of life, death, and the value of human existence. Through thought-provoking narrative, Allen encourages introspection and prompts discussions about mental health and the importance of compassion.

3. Curiosities from Beyond 👽

“Curiosities from Beyond” takes readers on an exhilarating journey beyond our known universe. The story introduces us to a world where alien artifacts are displayed in a museum, challenging established notions of reality. This tale combines elements of cosmic horror and mystery, leaving readers captivated by its intricate plot twists and spine-chilling revelations.

4. The Museum of Second Chances 🥈

“The Museum of Second Chances” explores themes of redemption and forgiveness in a post-apocalyptic setting. Allen skillfully crafts a narrative that examines the human condition and the potential for growth even in the face of despair. The compelling character development and evocative imagery make this story a standout in terms of emotional depth.

5. The Hall of Mirrors 🪞

“The Hall of Mirrors” invites readers into a museum where reflections become gateways to alternate realities. This story combines elements of science fiction and fantasy in a captivating exploration of identity and self-perception. Allen’s vivid descriptions and intricate world-building make this an enchanting tale that lingers in the reader’s mind long after turning the final page.

So step right up, dear readers, and immerse yourself in this extraordinary collection that defies expectations and invites you to embrace the unusual. 👍🏻

**ARC Via NetGalley** 
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