Stop the Car

By: Mark McNease

Narrated by: Braden Wright

Length: 33 mins

Publisher's Summary

The year is 1977. Three teenagers drive along an Indiana back road, heading home away from the highway, away from prying eyes and traffic cops. One behind the driver's wheel, two in the back seat sampling the merchandise that could get them all jailed. And then, as the car careens beneath a black sky lit only by a million stars, they see it. Something in the sky, something large and close and beckoning with its strangeness.

The boys demand they stop the car. The driver refuses, terrified of what might happen if she listens to them. Whatever it is they see makes the decision for them and stops the car in its tracks. What happens next to them could be real or imagined, but it will never be forgotten.

©2015 Mark McNease (P)2016 Kindle Singles

Enjoy the Trip!

Whether or not you believe the main character’s account of things, you will enjoy the trip. This short fist-person psychological/sci-fi piece by Mark McNease follows the experience of a small crew of interesting characters whose counterbalancing exchanges push the story’s forward moving momentum. I loved the narrative’s casual but clever conversational feel: “Granville Indiana isn't the center of anything but itself… It's got a couple of malls that killed the downtown when…"

McNease delivers with surprises that are elegantly placed, and with an ending that left me wondering, but in a satisfied way. Because this piece was so nicely done, I am now interested in exploring McNease’s “Kyle Callahan Mysteries,” which are novel length works.

Narrator Braden Wright stole an already unstoppable show. Better put, he owned it. Braden reads the story as if he wrote it himself— Correction-— as if he LIVED it himself. His ability to combine outstanding articulation with a laid-back, “It’s just the two of us here” personalization is remarkable.

This audiobook was provided by the author, narrator, or publisher at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review. Thanks AudioBlast.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Riveting

What made the experience of listening to Stop the Car the most enjoyable?

The build up of tension, the perfect pitch and perfect pace.

What did you like best about this story?

The blend of pathos and mystery, of the ordinary and the extraordinary.

What about Braden Wright’s performance did you like?

His obvious connection with the subject matter.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Absolutely.

Any additional comments?

I am a writer. When I listen to a story I hear when sentences falter and when they triumph. There were no false notes in this story, just beautiful, evocative writing. Listening to "Stop the Car" made me want to pick up my pen and start writing, to take part in the magic of creation. Bravo, Mark. I loved it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Deja vu

The story is eerily familiar. I, too, attended college in Indiana in 1977, did drugs, and wondered what that point in life, the future, why we are here in a bigger sense was all about. Thanx for helping me reflect on those days and those thoughts that were and will always be a part of me. Very nice short story!

Teenagers don't change

Reminds me of the kind of short story published in the New Yorker. It kind of rambles along like life at 19, the most memorable of which is spotting an alien ship amidst the farmland and losing three hours of life. I find it to be a fine think piece.

The audiobook is monologued by Braden Wright, who absolutely nails it!

An Eerie And Elegant, Must Read, Short Story

“Stop The Car” is a truly great short story that packs a lot of story in a small amount of time. Set in 1977 and told in a conversational style, this story fires on all cylinders while being a sort of eerie psychological exercise. You will probably find yourself reading/listening to this work more than once for the pleasure of the story and to let it absorb and marinate. “Stop The Car” is an experience that’s definitely worth your time. It will also make you an instant fan of author Mark McNease.

Finally, this audio book was provided by the author at no cost in exchange for an honest review, courtesy of Audio Book Blast.

Take Me Home!

Where does Stop the Car rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

It's a stop and think, I've also felt like that way before short story. A well chosen narrator with a easily understood voice

What did you like best about this story?

The autobiographical aspect of Mark McNease's writing that makes the listener recall feelings of "alienation" from parents, family, friends. Pardon the pun. I think many of the thoughts and feelings stay with us for a lifetime. They resonated with me anyway.

Have you listened to any of Braden Wright’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't but I would gladly listen to other audiobooks that feature Braden Wright.

Who was the most memorable character of Stop the Car and why?

The first person narrator. Was he ever named?

Any additional comments?

Thanks for providing this for review. This audiobook was provided by the author, at no cost in exchange for an unbiased review.

Clever story well told

The author takes a turn from crime solving to the case book of the X-files in a smart short story brilliantly narrated.

A good short story on its own.

I found this story very interesting. I listened to it twice - once just to absorb the story and again to listen between the lines and kick in my English education. I liked it both times. If this is a lead-in to a book I would definitely get it but it stands on its own very well.
I was gifted this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a Strange Trip it Was

"Stop the Car" was a good piece of writing. There was a lot of story packed into a short period of time. Overall it was eerie, and a bit sci-fi. Were they on a good or bad trip or did they see a UFO or both?

What I liked was the original writing style of Mark McNease. I'd definitely like to hear more from him.

Braden Wright's narration was perfect for this story. His approach was brilliant. He had the feel of trepidation which added to the story.

"I was provided this audiobook at no charge by the author, publisher and/or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review via AudiobookBlast dot com."

Mark McNease is the gay Stephen King!

If you could sum up Stop the Car in three words, what would they be?

Mysterious, alarming, shocking!

What did you like best about this story?

Mark McNease brings his readers on mind trips (and there is NO gift shoppe in which to hide!) I've been of fan of his work for years. Talented Writer.

What does Braden Wright bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Intimacy. Great sound.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

MORE! Release all of Mark McNease's books on Audible.

Once again Mark McNease delivers

Would you listen to Stop the Car again? Why?

I don't listen to audiobooks twice but I loved every second of this audiobook.

What did you like best about this story?

It made me feel like I was back home in America. There's something about Mark McNease's writing that makes me feel like I'm right in the middle of the book. Like I know the characters personally

What about Braden Wright’s performance did you like?

Very good. He's an excellent narrator and I thoroughly enjoyed his performance.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The relationships in the book the nostalgic feeling there's an overall modd to this book that stays with you long after you put it down.

Any additional comments?

I was given this book as a gift in return for an honest review. I'm a big fan of Mark McNease's writing.