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readsewknit's review
4.0
Late fall I learned there was a publisher who coordinates an annual short story advent calendar (and to anticipate a question: they are not necessarily holiday themed, although some might acknowledge the winter solstice or Christmas). Trying to find ways to enjoy what would be a different, quieter, lonelier season, I purchased the 2017 set on clearance.
I admit I got behind on December 3 already, but I was comfortable reading at my own pace. When I picked up a slim volume, I wanted to do my best to ensure I had time to read it in its entirety before being interrupted. Sometimes this looked like drawing a bath and retreating with a couple of the booklets.
As one can imagine, the stories are uneven -- some are beyond delightful, some are more head scratchers, but I truly enjoyed having these to look forward to throughout the month. It appears all the past years are sold out now, though, so I will have to consider whether to pony up the full price next year or just mark this as a one-time pandemic experience.
I admit I got behind on December 3 already, but I was comfortable reading at my own pace. When I picked up a slim volume, I wanted to do my best to ensure I had time to read it in its entirety before being interrupted. Sometimes this looked like drawing a bath and retreating with a couple of the booklets.
As one can imagine, the stories are uneven -- some are beyond delightful, some are more head scratchers, but I truly enjoyed having these to look forward to throughout the month. It appears all the past years are sold out now, though, so I will have to consider whether to pony up the full price next year or just mark this as a one-time pandemic experience.
mehilbert's review
4.0
I love the concept of this and many of the actual stories. A few I was too busy to read and a few were not as good as the top ones.
leftoverjen's review
5.0
Hingston and Olsen's editorial tastes are getting sharper! This collection of short stories was great and I love that they don't bow to the people who want happy stories around Christmas. Keep it cool!
drewsof's review
5.0
Oh yes, new holiday tradition indeed. Just a delight - a new story every day, some that I knew, some brand new, some classics familiar and un. Plus, in a beautifully designed package? Hell yeah I want this every year.
sonyaw's review
4.0
A solid collection of short stories again this year! My faves:
Dec 6: Casey Plett "Hazel and Christopher"
Dec 10: Elizabeth Crane "Training Module"
Dec 16: Randy Boyagoda "Show Me Your Dantes"
Dec 18: Lauren Groff "Amaranth"*
Dec 19: Sarah Rose Etter "Letter from San Francisco"
* Amaranth was my absolute fave.
Dec 6: Casey Plett "Hazel and Christopher"
Dec 10: Elizabeth Crane "Training Module"
Dec 16: Randy Boyagoda "Show Me Your Dantes"
Dec 18: Lauren Groff "Amaranth"*
Dec 19: Sarah Rose Etter "Letter from San Francisco"
* Amaranth was my absolute fave.
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