About a Boy, Stories

By: Benjamin Anderson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Youth and camaraderie pervade this series of short stories in About a Boy, Stories, pertaining to an unlikely band of fledglings called Pineapple, Shoehorn, and Cantaloupe. Their nicknames apply to their hairstyles: the parted hair of Pineapple, the mohawk of Shoehorn, and a shave on Cantaloupe. They meet with Frock, a girl with a fashion statement, and Stroodle, an old wanderer. Big Teeth is their pandering adversary. Their school week is anything bandying another Saturday, and Pineapple as leader must decide amidst uncertainty whether he is a go-getter or the begotten heel.

What an interesting set of stories this was, and it was truly a pleasure to read. The readers mind is taken to many incredible places throughout the story. Some things are incredibly funny while others a moment later would make me pause and think for a while. The book focuses on the smaller things and thoughts in life that are more important to regular people while somehow managing to be deeply philosophical at the same time. My favorite verse in this book was, “The symbiosis is the same for us, born of a society of apish ancestors, yet look at our improvements, which are suggestions beyond the wheel: the recliner, potato gun, and stretchy spandex.” The paragraphs take one back to certain points in our life and make one reminisce about different times in one’s life. What I really found interesting was that the author seems to be giving us a look into their internal dialogue in a way that many people never get a chance to do with others. At times, the book reads almost like someone is watching another’s dream and attempting to write it down on paper and somehow make sense of it. At other times, the situations seem so real that it is fairly easy to put myself in the situation that is going on.… I look forward to reading more from the author in the future. Great job. – Dog-Eared Reviews

The story delves into their daily challenges—from interpersonal conflicts to existential musings—framed within everyday settings that spur deep discussions about future aspirations and their paths to achieving them.

The collection consists of five stories, each told from the viewpoint of a different character. One of the stories is told from the viewpoint of a female character named Frock; this adds an interesting twist. The characters in the stories are identified by their unique names, as well as their individual voices, which are intended to reflect their different personalities.

The author's language style contains elaborate descriptions that challenge the reader. However, this stylistic choice is deliberate and reflects the author's attempt to convey ambitious philosophical ideas. The book's premise is engaging and offers a thought-provoking exploration of its themes. The narrative may require careful reading to fully appreciate its intentions, but those who engage deeply with the stories may find rewarding insights hidden within the complexity.
– Literary Titan


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Benjamin Anderson holds a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Math. He lives in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. He is the author of eight books appealing to wide-ranging themes, including youth and middle age. In About a Boy, Stories, Benjamin explores the resonant lives of teenagers.