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ankysbookbubble's review
4.0
Life Seemed Good...is a collection of short stories that are sometimes connected to each other while sometimes are not.
Though the one common thing among them all is that they're all really humorous, sometimes sarcastic, but overall really funny.
The stories give life to inanimate objects and make them do things that are hilarious, weird and thought provoking. Though I loved almost all of the stories, The Amoeba, The Wizard and Naked Christmas were my favourites. The Spud was pretty funny too, until it got serious.
The best thing about these stories was that every one of them had some hidden meaning, and though I couldn't uncover all of them, it was sure a fun ride!
All in all, Life Seemed Good...But...was full of sarcasm, wit an reading it was a whole lot of fun!
Though the one common thing among them all is that they're all really humorous, sometimes sarcastic, but overall really funny.
The stories give life to inanimate objects and make them do things that are hilarious, weird and thought provoking. Though I loved almost all of the stories, The Amoeba, The Wizard and Naked Christmas were my favourites. The Spud was pretty funny too, until it got serious.
The best thing about these stories was that every one of them had some hidden meaning, and though I couldn't uncover all of them, it was sure a fun ride!
All in all, Life Seemed Good...But...was full of sarcasm, wit an reading it was a whole lot of fun!
bookswithemily's review
4.0
I enjoyed this collection of short stories. It was amazing how the author could transport the reader to all of these quirky but wonderful places. Hearing snippets of each story and learning a little about the characters was exciting. Some of them I wish were longer and made into longer story. I also found it interesting how the author mentioned something that was mentioned in another story which gave me the idea that some of these stories co-exist. Reoccurring characters made the collection of short stories feel like a continuation of their story. In particular, the reappearance of Otus the owl.
Some of my favourite titles were Grilled Cheese, Killing Some Time and In The Movies. I enjoyed reading them all but these were the ones that stuck out to me. In the Movies would make for an interesting book, it is about someone who create a device which allows them to enter movies and meet the characters. I loved the idea of meeting my favourite characters from the movies.
Having the Epilogue at the end telling the reader more about the characters after their stories was a nice touch. It was nice to hear an overall chapter rounding the characters up. Also, the glossary was good addition to the book. The book was written in such a lovely way, the stories flowed together. These short stories were quick to read so could be read over some time to extend the adventure.
Some of my favourite titles were Grilled Cheese, Killing Some Time and In The Movies. I enjoyed reading them all but these were the ones that stuck out to me. In the Movies would make for an interesting book, it is about someone who create a device which allows them to enter movies and meet the characters. I loved the idea of meeting my favourite characters from the movies.
Having the Epilogue at the end telling the reader more about the characters after their stories was a nice touch. It was nice to hear an overall chapter rounding the characters up. Also, the glossary was good addition to the book. The book was written in such a lovely way, the stories flowed together. These short stories were quick to read so could be read over some time to extend the adventure.
cathreadsalot's review
3.0
Thank you to the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Life Seemed Good, But is a collection of short stories that all take place in the same setting. Each story is somewhat interrelated; unlike other short story collections, it is imperative that this one be read in chronological order to truly grasp it. Although each story is only about a page or two, I can’t stress enough how important it is to take your time with it. I am very guilty of “rushing” through books in the sense that I like reading big chunks in a day if I have the time. However, with this, you will better appreciate it for all its strangeness and humor if you take your time.
The stories are all very peculiar with a lot of dark humor— some not particularly suited for children. One of my favourites of the 96 was called Grilled Cheese. As a young child, I always used to wonder if my food (and other inanimate objects—thanks Toy Story) had their own minds and could talk, think, and feel. It was kind of funny to see that come to life in a story again, not just with this one but with all of them. Overall, I enjoyed this book and what is also great is that a portion of the proceeds go to cancer research; if you are interested in this I would definitely give it a go :)
Life Seemed Good, But is a collection of short stories that all take place in the same setting. Each story is somewhat interrelated; unlike other short story collections, it is imperative that this one be read in chronological order to truly grasp it. Although each story is only about a page or two, I can’t stress enough how important it is to take your time with it. I am very guilty of “rushing” through books in the sense that I like reading big chunks in a day if I have the time. However, with this, you will better appreciate it for all its strangeness and humor if you take your time.
The stories are all very peculiar with a lot of dark humor— some not particularly suited for children. One of my favourites of the 96 was called Grilled Cheese. As a young child, I always used to wonder if my food (and other inanimate objects—thanks Toy Story) had their own minds and could talk, think, and feel. It was kind of funny to see that come to life in a story again, not just with this one but with all of them. Overall, I enjoyed this book and what is also great is that a portion of the proceeds go to cancer research; if you are interested in this I would definitely give it a go :)
briarsreviews's review
5.0
I have been slowly reading this incredible anthology book and I have to say, it is 100% worth it if you need a laugh!
This anthology series is all about comedy. Each little story (and I mean little, some are hardly a page) is full of smiles and giggles to make your day a little bit better. The stories connect a little, but it's not a giant "Marvel Cinematic Universe", if you catch my drift.
It's hard to make me laugh, but in the security of my own home I allowed myself to laugh out loud at this book. It's cute, it's sweet and it's shockingly amazing. There are some weirder stories, and some with a little bit more "adult content" or hints towards it. There are also many references to popular culture that you can pick up on (almost like a little game). In the back, Richard Bell included a glossary just in case you don't understand his colourful language, as well.
This book was written as a form of therapy for Richard, when his wife was going through treatment for cancer. As someone who's fatherh as passed away from cancer (and who went through waiting rooms and treatments galore), I think this book is a marvelous idea. I really hope this book reaches the masses, because it's well written and hilarious! It's also standing behind a really good cause.
I really loved that Richard Bell was constantly referencing aluminum foil hats. To be honest, I haven't heard people talk about them in years and it made me giggle! I remember kids in my class who used to WEAR aluminum foil hats because of silly conspiracies, so the memories that came flooding back reading this book made it so much better.
If you want something fun, quick or funny then this book is for you. I recommend this book to EVERYONE. Honestly, it's worth the read. Take some time out of your day and have a good laugh. Times are tough, we need some more positivity around and this book can provide it.
I have also heard a portion of the money made from this book will go to cancer research, so why not help out a good cause while you're at it?
Five out of five stars.
**Richard Bell got in contact with me and provided me a free copy in return for an HONEST review. This is my personal, honest opinion.
This anthology series is all about comedy. Each little story (and I mean little, some are hardly a page) is full of smiles and giggles to make your day a little bit better. The stories connect a little, but it's not a giant "Marvel Cinematic Universe", if you catch my drift.
It's hard to make me laugh, but in the security of my own home I allowed myself to laugh out loud at this book. It's cute, it's sweet and it's shockingly amazing. There are some weirder stories, and some with a little bit more "adult content" or hints towards it. There are also many references to popular culture that you can pick up on (almost like a little game). In the back, Richard Bell included a glossary just in case you don't understand his colourful language, as well.
This book was written as a form of therapy for Richard, when his wife was going through treatment for cancer. As someone who's fatherh as passed away from cancer (and who went through waiting rooms and treatments galore), I think this book is a marvelous idea. I really hope this book reaches the masses, because it's well written and hilarious! It's also standing behind a really good cause.
I really loved that Richard Bell was constantly referencing aluminum foil hats. To be honest, I haven't heard people talk about them in years and it made me giggle! I remember kids in my class who used to WEAR aluminum foil hats because of silly conspiracies, so the memories that came flooding back reading this book made it so much better.
If you want something fun, quick or funny then this book is for you. I recommend this book to EVERYONE. Honestly, it's worth the read. Take some time out of your day and have a good laugh. Times are tough, we need some more positivity around and this book can provide it.
I have also heard a portion of the money made from this book will go to cancer research, so why not help out a good cause while you're at it?
Five out of five stars.
**Richard Bell got in contact with me and provided me a free copy in return for an HONEST review. This is my personal, honest opinion.
briarsreviews's review against another edition
5.0
I have been slowly reading this incredible anthology book and I have to say, it is 100% worth it if you need a laugh!
This anthology series is all about comedy. Each little story (and I mean little, some are hardly a page) is full of smiles and giggles to make your day a little bit better. The stories connect a little, but it's not a giant "Marvel Cinematic Universe", if you catch my drift.
It's hard to make me laugh, but in the security of my own home I allowed myself to laugh out loud at this book. It's cute, it's sweet and it's shockingly amazing. There are some weirder stories, and some with a little bit more "adult content" or hints towards it. There are also many references to popular culture that you can pick up on (almost like a little game). In the back, Richard Bell included a glossary just in case you don't understand his colourful language, as well.
This book was written as a form of therapy for Richard, when his wife was going through treatment for cancer. As someone who's fatherh as passed away from cancer (and who went through waiting rooms and treatments galore), I think this book is a marvelous idea. I really hope this book reaches the masses, because it's well written and hilarious! It's also standing behind a really good cause.
I really loved that Richard Bell was constantly referencing aluminum foil hats. To be honest, I haven't heard people talk about them in years and it made me giggle! I remember kids in my class who used to WEAR aluminum foil hats because of silly conspiracies, so the memories that came flooding back reading this book made it so much better.
If you want something fun, quick or funny then this book is for you. I recommend this book to EVERYONE. Honestly, it's worth the read. Take some time out of your day and have a good laugh. Times are tough, we need some more positivity around and this book can provide it.
I have also heard a portion of the money made from this book will go to cancer research, so why not help out a good cause while you're at it?
Five out of five stars.
**Richard Bell got in contact with me and provided me a free copy in return for an HONEST review. This is my personal, honest opinion.
This anthology series is all about comedy. Each little story (and I mean little, some are hardly a page) is full of smiles and giggles to make your day a little bit better. The stories connect a little, but it's not a giant "Marvel Cinematic Universe", if you catch my drift.
It's hard to make me laugh, but in the security of my own home I allowed myself to laugh out loud at this book. It's cute, it's sweet and it's shockingly amazing. There are some weirder stories, and some with a little bit more "adult content" or hints towards it. There are also many references to popular culture that you can pick up on (almost like a little game). In the back, Richard Bell included a glossary just in case you don't understand his colourful language, as well.
This book was written as a form of therapy for Richard, when his wife was going through treatment for cancer. As someone who's fatherh as passed away from cancer (and who went through waiting rooms and treatments galore), I think this book is a marvelous idea. I really hope this book reaches the masses, because it's well written and hilarious! It's also standing behind a really good cause.
I really loved that Richard Bell was constantly referencing aluminum foil hats. To be honest, I haven't heard people talk about them in years and it made me giggle! I remember kids in my class who used to WEAR aluminum foil hats because of silly conspiracies, so the memories that came flooding back reading this book made it so much better.
If you want something fun, quick or funny then this book is for you. I recommend this book to EVERYONE. Honestly, it's worth the read. Take some time out of your day and have a good laugh. Times are tough, we need some more positivity around and this book can provide it.
I have also heard a portion of the money made from this book will go to cancer research, so why not help out a good cause while you're at it?
Five out of five stars.
**Richard Bell got in contact with me and provided me a free copy in return for an HONEST review. This is my personal, honest opinion.
mccartershanon's review
3.0
(Honest review in exchange for book)
I’ve been thinking a lot about how to describe Life Seemed Good, But… It is a collection of short stories, true, but they all connect in unexpected ways. Some stories are funny, some make you think, and others are really out there.
I think what I’ve settled on is that it’s kind of like a modern version of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. There is a lot to explore and unpack within these stories, but not all will be up to the task. I think knowing about the background of the author and what he was going through when writing this helps to shed some light on the bittersweet and random nature of each tale. However that doesn’t change the fact that you will definitely walk away from some not knowing what to think.
Part of that is due to the fact that there are over ninety of them. And each one is such a mixed bag and so short that I never really knew what to expect when I sat down to read a few. I found myself getting burnt out on it rather quickly and, about half way through, decided to just finish it and get through it.
Let me be clear, that was a very bad decision! This really is a book that you should take your time with to really appreciate. Again, this book is definitely not for everyone (I might not be one of those either) but it is an interesting read and I don’t regret getting to read it!
I’ve been thinking a lot about how to describe Life Seemed Good, But… It is a collection of short stories, true, but they all connect in unexpected ways. Some stories are funny, some make you think, and others are really out there.
I think what I’ve settled on is that it’s kind of like a modern version of Grimm’s Fairy Tales. There is a lot to explore and unpack within these stories, but not all will be up to the task. I think knowing about the background of the author and what he was going through when writing this helps to shed some light on the bittersweet and random nature of each tale. However that doesn’t change the fact that you will definitely walk away from some not knowing what to think.
Part of that is due to the fact that there are over ninety of them. And each one is such a mixed bag and so short that I never really knew what to expect when I sat down to read a few. I found myself getting burnt out on it rather quickly and, about half way through, decided to just finish it and get through it.
Let me be clear, that was a very bad decision! This really is a book that you should take your time with to really appreciate. Again, this book is definitely not for everyone (I might not be one of those either) but it is an interesting read and I don’t regret getting to read it!
sunsoar25's review
3.0
I received a free ecopy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Life Seemed Good, But... A Collection of Short Quirky Stories by Richard Bell features ninety creative short stories on a wide variety of topics that cover just a little bit of everything. In fact, it's a bit difficult to describe them as a whole, but the author has a great sense of humor and that comes across well - although, his sense of humor may not be for everyone. I definitely found myself giggling aloud at several points while reading - and he can certainly turn a colorful phrase. Most of these short stories are in the neighborhood of one to two pages apiece, and there were quite a few that I found myself wanting to know a little more about the characters and/ or the world they inhabit. Either way the author gives us just the right taste to keep things moving right along.
Overall, Richard Bell's Life Seemed Good, But... A Collection of Short Quirky Stories is a quick, fun read if you're looking for an anthology of super short stories with a great sense of humor. Each of the many stories may not be to everyone's tastes, but Bell's bizarre and witty humor is addicting. If you enjoyed Nothing is Strange by Mike Russell, you may also enjoy this anthology.
Life Seemed Good, But... A Collection of Short Quirky Stories by Richard Bell features ninety creative short stories on a wide variety of topics that cover just a little bit of everything. In fact, it's a bit difficult to describe them as a whole, but the author has a great sense of humor and that comes across well - although, his sense of humor may not be for everyone. I definitely found myself giggling aloud at several points while reading - and he can certainly turn a colorful phrase. Most of these short stories are in the neighborhood of one to two pages apiece, and there were quite a few that I found myself wanting to know a little more about the characters and/ or the world they inhabit. Either way the author gives us just the right taste to keep things moving right along.
Overall, Richard Bell's Life Seemed Good, But... A Collection of Short Quirky Stories is a quick, fun read if you're looking for an anthology of super short stories with a great sense of humor. Each of the many stories may not be to everyone's tastes, but Bell's bizarre and witty humor is addicting. If you enjoyed Nothing is Strange by Mike Russell, you may also enjoy this anthology.
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