![The Experimental Notebook of C. S. Boyack by [C. S. Boyack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61d5GKOwPGL.jpg)
I’ve recently become a big fan of C. S. Boyack (The Hat grabbed me, and Viral Blues sealed the deal). So when I had a chance to slip The Experimental Notebook of C. S. Boyack to the top spot of my TBR pile, I did. A whole book of short stories from the twisted brain of C.S. Boyack? Yes please!
And I wasn’t disappointed.
As I’ve already said, this is a series of short stories – some only a page or two long – with a speculative flavour, covering everything from robots and sci-fi, to myhtological creatures like genies and dragons. Most of the stories have a delicious twist at the end, though some are more like mini novellas and focus on character development (ie, the Lisa Burton and Jason Fogg stories); characters that will later appear in other works by Boyack.
Some standout stories for me were “Jack O Lantern”, “50 Gallon Drum”, “Soup-Ladle of Destiny”, “Something in the Water”, and the Lisa Burton / Jason Fogg stories. “Jack O Lantern” was a short bite with an ending that made me caw “ha!” out loud. “Soup-Ladle of Destiny” is reminiscent of a Grimm Brothers tale. “Something in the Water” features another ‘character’ from “Viral Blues” (kind of), and is a truly satisfying short story. Boyack has a way of making you feel great empathy for a character in a really short amount of time.
The star though, for me, was “50 Gallon Drum”. I’ve always loved Boyack’s quirky stories, twisted humour, and interesting characters, but in “Drum” it really becomes apparent that boy, he can write. The phrasing is beautiful as the story meanders along, frequently tugging the heartstrings with each revelation, right up to the sucker-punch ending. This is one that will stay with me forever.
I can highly reccomend “The Experimental Notebook of C.S. Boyack”, and I’ll be nudging Notebook II higher in my TBR pile I think!
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Aw! So glad you picked up an older title. Even more excited that you enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing it here.
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Loved it, Craig! I’m a huge fan of short stories (think we’ve had this conversation before about bite-sized fiction). Anyway, these were great tales. I’ve got Notebook II waiting on my Kindle 🙂
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I’d love for them all to be awesome, but some will appeal more than others. That’s the nature of collections. I have a hunch you’ll like one called Magpies.
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I’ll keep an eye out for that one 😉
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Reblogged this on Entertaining Stories and commented:
How about a blast from the past. This wonderful review is for one of my collections. It’s like a 99¢ entry point to my writing. Visit Jessica and check out her site while you’re there.
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Terrific review, Jessica. I enjoyed the book as well.
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Thank you for saying so here, John.
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It’s a great showcase of Craig’s imagination isn’t it?
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YUP
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I didn’t know about this collection from Boyack. Good review!
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Made my day. Thanks.
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It’s a great read, P. Go grab it!
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Nice to see Craig on your blog, Jessica! Craig, did you publish the 50 Gallon Drum on your blog? Because I remember a story about a burn barrel you posted once. Loved it. You’re a whiz at short stories.
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That was SUCH a powerful story, Judi. My favourite of Craig’s so far.
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I may have years ago. Some of the old Macabre Macaroni tales made it into these collections.
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I have a few of Craig’s books on my TBR. Somehow, my TBR keeps growing and growing and I seem to never catch up. I have Viral Blues down as a December read. I just finished Murder they wrote which has a Jason Fogg story and I loved it.
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So glad you enjoyed it. Reading lists have a way of doing that. Hope you enjoy Viral Blues.
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I hear you… my TBR must grow by about ten for every one I read 🥺
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This is one of my all time favourite books from Craig. Hard to say that though, as I love all of his stories!
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Thank you so much.
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You’re welcome, Craig!
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Agree, and agree 😁
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A great review! I’ve read and enjoyed so many of Craig’s books. Thanks for sharing, Jessica 🙂
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Thanks for checking it out, Harmony.
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It was truly my pleasure.
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I’ve read many of Craig’s books (love that imagination!) and have this in my TBR, but somehow never got around to reading it. Need to bump it! Wonderful review, Jess!
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I’m envious of how many books you manage to read. Hope you enjoy this one when it gets to the top.
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I think you’d love this one, Teri. Some quirky Craig greats, but also some darker stuff that appeals to us.
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I really enjoyed both of Craig’s Experimental Notebooks. Then again, I enjoy all his works, so that’s no surprise. Great to see some of his short stories spotlighted here. Thanks, Jess.
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Thanks for saying so here.
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I’m really looking forward to digging into Notebook II after the thrills of this one 😁
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What a wonderful review, Jessica. I’m looking forward to reading it! Congrats, Craig, another winner. This one is a perfect holiday gift. 🎁
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Thank you, Gwen.
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Yes, this was possibly my favourite of Craig’s works… it really showcases his unique voice.
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“The twisted brain of CS Boyak”–I like the sound of that.
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It’s true, though.
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In the nicest possible way of course 😉
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Nice review Jessica! I got acquainted with CS’ style through one of his short stories and found it wildly imaginative. I look forward to reading more. Thanks for the nudge.
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Thank you, Balroop. Hope you enjoy it if it makes your list.
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Sure, I’ll get there soon. 😊
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I find there’s something for everyone in Craig’s stories.
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I’ve been hearing alot of great things about Craig’s writing, and I think I’ll try one of his books. Thanks for sharing, Jessica.
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I’m honored, Mark. Hope you find one to your liking.
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I have no doubt that I will, Craig.
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Oh, do. I’d recommend The Hat as a starting point. That was my first, and it really set me up for what CS is all about.
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This was one of the best reviews I have ever read! Great review, Jessica. I, too, am a fan of Craig’s fast-paced, imaginative stories and quirky characters. You did a good job of highlighting his skills and talents, and pointing out some of your favorite stories in this collection, without giving anything away. My thanks to you, and an honorable tip of the hat to Craig.
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An honourable tip of ‘The Hat’ to Craig 😁
Thanks for your lovely comment, Jet. Craig’s s books are easy to review, because I’m always genuinely enthusiastic about sharing them. Nice to meet another fan!
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An excellent review of Craig’s book! This is one I haven’t read, but I am a fan of his writing. Thank you for sharing, Jessica!
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Thank you, Jan.
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This is a great one, Jan, as it brings a little something different with each story. Well worth a read.
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Such a great review, Jess. I enjoy Craig’s writing too. He’s very good at crafting a tale, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know some of the reappearing characters. This sounds like a fun bunch of stories. 🙂 Congrats to Craig on the awesome review.
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Nice bite-sized fiction 🙂
You’d love them, D.
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