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Just After Sunset (2008)

Before reading: Here we are again...a short story collection. I will say after the last collection I do have high hopes for this one but I am cautiously optimistic. As always, I will do an overall review of the collection as well as mini reviews of each individual story. Let's do it. 

After reading: Guess what, you guys? I actually enjoyed this short story collection. So far, it is my favorite that I have read. Now, the format still is not my favorite by any means, but as far as short story collections go I liked this one. Each of the stories were entertaining in their own right and I didn't find any of them to be too long. If you're looking for a collection of short stories...this is one I would recommend!

Willa: I thought this was a great start to the collection. I liked this story quite a bit. The concept was really interesting and I think it was the perfect length for a short story. There was some cringey dialogue but I can forgive it.

The Gingerbread Girl: I thought this title was super lame and kinda gave away what was going to happen in the story. However, it ended up being really good and I enjoyed it quite a bit. It deserves a better name. 

Harvey's Dream: This was a very short one but it was a good one. 

Rest Stop: This one wasn't bad but I did find it kind of boring. It wasn't really anything particularly special. It was obvious that this one was a little autobiographical. 

Stationary Bike: For me, this one started out pretty boring and definitely was not my favorite. I will say it definitely got much better as it went on. Once the big reveal happened, I was pleased and appreciated the overall concept.

The Things They Left Behind: Really good but also really sad. However, it was a sad story that leaves you with a weird glimmer of hope. I will say that there were some weird parts of this one that could've (should've) been left out. 

Graduation Afternoon: This was a quick little read that was quite good. The story took a turn I didn't see coming, which is always fun. It was giving Fallout vibes.

N.: This was one that I had heard the title of before but had no idea what it was about. This one had a few references that were fun. We got a lot of 19's, we got some Castle Rock, and we got some Chester's Mill which will be the town we go to next. This one was so good. Probably my favorite in the collection. I love when King writes stories about people slowing falling into madness. 

The Cat from Hell: You know what? Good for kitty. 

The New York Times at Special Bargain Rates: This was a sweet little story. I found it to be pretty similar to Willa. 

Mute: This was overall a good story. It didn't leave me fully satisfied but it was fine. Personally I had some issues with terms and descriptions used in this one.

Ayana: Not the best, in my opinion. It was a little boring. There is definitely a heavy theme of death and beyond throughout this collection. 

A Very Tight Place: I had been warned about this one. It was disgusting. It had some unnecessary dialogue and plot points. It was well written and so very King. 

I am a little bit more excited for the next collection of short stories now! Don't let me down, Stephen. Up next we are going into familiar territory with a reread of Under the Dome. 



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