It is a unique premise that pays homage to the little things in everyday life that inspire and motivate storytellers by intertwining songs and tales. Of course with most collections, some stories standout more than others, but the writing is clever and witty, and often stirs the full range of emotions, just like music. Really hope there is a Volume 2..

We're taken from Hitlers bunker to space and to alternative histories. Most of the stories are enjoyable however it was probably a mistake starting with Sympathy for the Devil as it's the weakest of the stories.

Thank you to NetGalley, BooksGoSocial and Richard Easter for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book just is not what I thought it was going to be. Did not finish reading. I feel the execution was done poorly. Sorry.

This seemed like an interesting idea but I found I struggled to get in to the stories. I'm also not sure if plunging in with Adolph Hitler as the first 'cut' was wise.....

A simple premise, take song titles and use them to inspire stories. Anyone that likes writing has done it at some point but this collection of such stories has carried it off particularly successfully. We're taken from Hitlers butler to space and to alternative histories. Most of the stories are enjoyable however it was probably a mistake starting with Sympathy for the Devil as it's the weakest of the stories and isn't half as clever or funny as it thinks. The rest however rise above this, in particular Dear Prudence....maybe it's just I'm more of a Beatles fan than a Rolling Stones lover? Who knows but what I do know is it felt a lot shorter than it is which is always a good sign!

Cover Stories is Richard Easter's collection of stories using popular classic songs as the inspirations. This is a premise that almost every writer has at least considered but it tends to often become generic retellings of the song itself, at least, judging by workshops I've been involved with. Easter does not fall into that trap and does, indeed, use the song as a springboard, building a unique story around the frame of the song.

While the stories are good they stop well short of either memorable or engrossing. Several just seem to go on and on, rehashing the same "joke" repeatedly. The first story almost made me give up but I hate doing that with any book but especially a collection of stories. Even the best books have stories of varying strength. A lot of the humor is quite clever but it just doesn't really come together (not included here) for me. Even the story that carried the biggest punch for me just dragged to the point where I liked the punch at the end but instead of being blown away by it I was mostly just glad the story finally ended. Though that ending has stayed with me.

This is one I will not reread, which is unusual for a collection of stories. But I would still recommend it to readers who like short stories and music. The premise is what carries the day rather than the execution. It is always fun to see what someone will do with writing prompts and songs have long been used as that, so this collection is interesting in that sense. Plus the songs he chooses are great songs. Wish I could say the same for the stories.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

Picked the book up because of the idea, stayed for the stories. Cover Stories by Richard Easter is such a unique read that brings to life well-loved songs and transforms them into stories. Loved the writing and ideas. It would be really great to see more of his works.

With Black mirror's flavor, this book create strange and creative alternative story based on the most famous rock's songs.

#CoverStories #NetGalley

I like short stories, and this was a unique approach to creating them. I'm not big on lyrics, but as a music lover and (like many folks) having heard these songs countless times, this was a fun batch of stories. I didn't have high expectations, and these were a little better than expected. It's a light, recommended batch.

I really appreciate the free copy for review.

This book was not what I expected, but I must say I'm really pleased that it wasn't, as it by far over reached my expectations and provided a wonderful and enjoyable read. You do need to read it in order, no flicking from story to story, and it will all come together, beautiful and with much satisfaction.
Please take a chance in this book, it is a fabulous feat of story telling, which will leave one with a feeling of " wow what just happened here?" I really cant recommend this book enough.

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Summary:

The author takes eight songs, most of which are instantly familiar (Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil” for example, or Hendrix’s “Hey Joe”), and writes a short story that cleverly intertwines with the title song. This is no mere re-telling of the song, but a creation of a different world that has echoes of the song in it.

The stories are paced exactly right, with a great blend of humour, pathos, sci-fi, and one story in particular that just kicked the legs from under me, with its ending (the story was “Dear Prudence”, and I did not expect that end at all – it just hits you right in the stomach!).

Each story can stand alone, and is a great read by itself, but the author has connecting threads running through them. Some are obvious, others need attention paid to them. There is a lovely continuity around Major Tom’s space capsule, for instance. The characters are well-written and believable – I really liked the feisty young woman in “The A Team”!

What I Liked:
- Punchy, well-measured stories – each perfectly paced for a mid-lengths commute.
- The twists in the stories.
- The sheer originality.

What I Didn’t Like:
- Similar types of songs, but given this is volume one, hopefully the author will explore other genres.
Overall:

I reviewed the authors earlier offering, The General Theory Of Haunting, and liked it. I really like this new book, as the author has to get into his stride quickly, building the tension and the characters, and he succeeds in drawing us in.

The author takes a great premise, of building a backstory to eight of the greatest classic tunes of our times, and delivers! “Cover Stories” is extremely original, and I look forward to volume two (and more!). Thoroughly recommended!

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to the author, who sent me a physical copy, in return for an honest and objective review.

I enjoyed reading this book. It was a good group of short stories. It is my first book read by this author. I hope to read more books by this author.

If you have listened to popular music and created mental stories based on the lyrics you will love this book. The stories in this book show how creative a mind this author has. From the conversation between the devil and Hitler in the final moments in the Berlin bunker to the beauty of space with Major Tom this author brings new stories for your mind to chew on. This will be one I will read and reread.

Loved the premise of this book!I thought it might have been about the album cover art, but was pleasantly surprised to find out otherwise! These are my type of goto stories when time is short. I love short stories! These are unique as they tell imagines stories about the hit songs. Not the actual behind the scenes tales, but fictional accounts of each song as imagined by the writer. I could relate to the premise, as I am sure most people can. You hear a song and imagine the folks in the story! I love that they all tie together in the end. read them in order for best results. BTW, Automatic Lover was a new one for me; I'd never heard of it and had to check it out on Youtube. What a hoot!

The premise of the book hooked me immediately - short stories which use songs as their inspirational starting point. I love music almost as much as I love reading, and with a heavy dose of artists I grew up on (Bowie, the Stones and Lou Reed) I had to try this intriguing mash-up. I wasn't disappointed, as each story is creative and clever. I particularly loved the haunting "Space Oddity," the wonderful "A Team" and the heartbreaking couplet of "Caroline Says (II)" and "Hey Joe." Like many short story collections, there are high and low points, though many more highs than lows. The only story I didn't like was the Trumpian "Calling Occupants of Interplanetary Craft" (which, incidentally, was inspired by the only song I didn't like). I enjoyed the concept and found it quite funny, it just felt a bit preachy. But that is totally overshadowed by the standout stories. This collection is in turns funny, touching and provides some interesting social commentary along the way. It doesn't fall in to any obvious traps that the songs-into-stories approach could hold, as these are not simple retellings of lyrics. I also liked spotting the links between the stories, though I couldn't solve the run-out grooves...!

Basically, the author has made a literary compilation album, with A and B sides, liner notes, everything you'd expect from an LP. Not what I was expecting, well written but a little confusing.

I loved the idea behind this book but just couldn’t get into it at all. I gave up half way through the first story simply bored. . By then I’d lost any interest I might have had and had no desire to try any of the others. Not for me I’m afraid.

Fab idea behind this book. The story behind the lyrics. Just loved it. This is for readers and lovers of music.
Thank you to both NetGalley and Books go social for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for honest unbiased review

This is an interesting premise....the stories behind the song lyrics to many classic rock songs. My two favorites were 'Hey Joe' and 'Sympathy for the Devil.' At the end of the book, all of the stories are tied together, so be sure to read them in order, rather than skipping around like you could normally do with short stories.

Cover Stories has a unique concept, and author Richard Easter executes this idea brilliantly. The stories offer life, energy, and are worth investing in. Proof that the short story medium is alive and kicking, and that creative approaches to this medium still flourish.