Cover Image: Short Stories

Short Stories

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Congrats to Mr. Short for writing a book that was intense and raw. Nothing seemed to be held back. I wish Mr. Short well in his endeavors and that he is able to overcome the things that possibly are holding him back. His first step was the writing of this book. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the arc of this book. Receiving this book in this manner had no bearing of this review.

Was this review helpful?

I remember watching Columbus Short on Scandal the first couple of seasons and I remember him from Stomp the Yard. I had no idea what had happened to him and this was a fascinating look into his personal life. From a failed marriage to drugs and alcohol taking over his life, he has been through a lot in such a short life. Taking a look at a celebrity's life is always interesting. To hear the things you hear on the news and social media from their own mouths makes it so much better.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed reading this autobiography. Columbus does not hold back on any aspects of his life. You read about his ups, downs Scandals and scandals. It was fun to read about really happened behind the gossip headlines. The book is well written and easy to read. There are lot of photographs as well. Enjoy

Was this review helpful?

Wow, what a fantastic read! Columbus Short (big fan!) has penned a book that changes the way you see him. I thought I was going to read a chapter before bed but I quickly became consumed with his stories and couldn't put it down. IF you're curious about him outside of his media persona, this is definitely worth a read.

Was this review helpful?

This is a very open and apparently honest book. It reveals quite a few of Columbus Short’s “deamons,” while also clearing the air on many of the negatively-described situations that’s been reported about him. It’s a redemptive story that should help the reader better understand Columbus as well as provide inspiration for honest dialogue concerning ones past.

Was this review helpful?

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley. This book was HARD to put down. I literally had to devout time from my busy schedule to finish this book, it is that good. I enjoyed the rawness of the story and it really opened my eyes to Columbus Short, the man. In being transparent, I feel bad for placing judgement on him by what I read in the tabloids. All the while he was actually “covering” his ex wife. I’m so glad he found TRUE LOVE and turned his life around. I recommend this book for all. Well written. I got mad at some parts, sad, happy, and even laughed. Keep writing!

Was this review helpful?

Best known for his role as Harrison, alongside @kerrywashington in the ABC prime time drama Scandal, and later our beloved Quadir in the book-to-film “True to the Game”, @officialcshort is very open, honest and candid in this book.

He addressed everything from his childhood to his relationship with his mother (then stepfather), to forming lifelong friendships with the likes of @meagangood, etc. He takes the reader on a journey thru his resume, including choreography for Britney Spears, and his roles in Stomp The Yard and Cadillac Records. Thru his words, I learned about Method acting and how it can become an extended part of your life...if you let it. Racism in Hollywood is also something that was addressed, but somehow, I wasn’t surprised.

If you’re wondering about the tumultuous things that you may have read in the headlines or saw on the blogs, about his addictions and marriages, well then yes...he addresses those, too. What I took away from this is...there’s always a more to the story than what we’re told and, for every action...there is a reaction.

I went into this book knowing nothing, and walked away with a newfound respect for Columbus...the husband, father and man. I recommend this 💎💎💎💎💎book to anyone looking for a good read.

Was this review helpful?

Short Stories gives the reader the opportunity to see Columbus Short the man and not the actor. Whether you like Columbus or dislike him, he is still human. This book allowed me to question my views of Columbus Short with a different eye. Great story.

Was this review helpful?

Enthralling and entertaining, this book didn't take me long at all to read. It was, well, short, but again, very entertaining and honest. Columbus takes us readers on the fast and complicated journey of his life, and yes, he even discusses the rumors and headlines. I appreciate his honesty and acknowledgement of the role he played in the turmoil. I am rooting for him, as he is a very talented actor!

Was this review helpful?

My mouth waters for a juicy, tell-all book and this one most definitely has the juice but also a ton of heart. Columbus is completely open. He doesn't give "woe is me, feel sorry for my bad press and tales of my wayward penis. I'm rich and famous."

He's a grown man discussing his faults, accepting responsibility and sharing his growth. I don't feel he's seeking our validation or begging for forgiveness. He's forgiving himself and mending relationships like we all have done (or will do). It's so rare that a black man gets to tell his side of the story. He's black, that means guilty, so who cares. Many were quick to believe whatever was written without hearing "both" sides of the story and even enjoyed watching the decline. Society is dismissive of black male trauma and that needs to change.

Much respect to Columbus for being so transparent with his story. This was a very quick read for me and a contemporary read that I think black men would benefit from reading and discussing. Columbus's struggles are no different from the average person (bad break ups, bad marriages, babymama drama, family mess, childhood traumas, self medicating, drugs, sex, alcohol, etc.) except his are on display for the world to Google. This book was a comfortable conversation with that slightly older brother or cool ass cousin that's going to give you the truth about their sh*t before giving you the truth about yours; hoping to help you avoid the same road. He's not ashamed; he has just lived and learned.

Was this review helpful?

I always enjoyed Columbus Short in Scandal and hated to see the decline that occurred which ended with him being let go. This book tells ‘the rest of the story’ from his point of view. In my opinion, there are three sides to a story: her side, his side and somewhere in the middle—the truth. I applaud Short for his honesty in this book. So much of what we say and do as adults is shaped by our childhood, which was for him, was not a piece of cake. The book jumps around a bit. I do not know if that is due to the chaotic nature of his thoughts or the editing process, but it does make for an interesting read. I can see where he may have so much to say, that one thought leads to another, before circling back around. I am glad to see that he has found peace and is in a much better place. I hope that his life will continue along that path. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to review this book.

Was this review helpful?

I loved the guy in Stomp the yard and then he had all this bad publicity. He did some terrible things to his partner and his friends. This story is honest and guy wrenching. He owns up to what he did and I didn’t feel like he just used excuses. It was well written and it changed my perspective of him. Which I think was the books whole point. Nicely done, it was a little jumpy but maybe that would be fixed in editing.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Transparent, real and raw are three words that best describes the book Short Stories by Columbus Short. In his new book Columbus addresses all questions and finally tells his side of the stories and rumors we’ve all heard over the years. He definitely left no stone unturned.

For example...

Did you ever hear the rumor of how Columbus slept with Brittney Spears while he was her choreographer? Well, in this book he addresses it! Heard about stories of him getting into bar fights? He writes about that too. Wondering if he acknowledge the accusations of physically abusing his wife? Absolutely he does! Did he dish the tea on being fired from Scandal? Yup! Does he talk about his drug and alcohol use? No doubt! Trust me he tells it all.

This book felt like a purge. Like he somehow released all his baggage & set himself free.

Some of the stories surprised me. One in particular is a story about Columbus, Idris Elba and Denzel Washington. In this story Columbus shares his experience with Denzel. The only thing I’m going to tell you about the story is this, apparently Idris and Columbus both have the same opinion of Denzel, which is, “he is a f*cking dick🤯🥺😧”. Trust me, I wasn’t happy to read that.

One thing I really appreciate about the book is how transparent Columbus is as he shares his journey with alcoholism. It was a rough journey. He admits alcohol isn’t his friend. But he has come out on top, and has been sober for one year.

What he talks about most in the book is his volatile relationship with his ex-wife. The book actually begins with an explosive story about his former best friend, along with, his ex-wife whom he refers to as “that woman”.

Overall, I found this book very juicy. It’s filled with ups and downs, highs and lows. There is never a dull moment. A page turner for sure.

Was this review helpful?

Well I would say don't quit your day job to become a writer... buuutt........ I was expecting more from this book, but it read very disjointed. It seemed like he jumped from one thought and subject to the next, without tying them together in any way shape or form.

Was this review helpful?

I have loved Columbus Short since my sister got me to watch Stomp the Yard with her. The Losers has also been a movie that I loved. I really liked reading this book. It felt like you were sitting on the couch or having phone conversations with him. He never acted like he wasn't at fault for some things. He also shared so much of his childhood, that you can see why some of his relationships were the way that they were. He showed his childhood while also going along with what we saw on TMZ or on the news years ago to tell his side of the story. Im glad that we get to see his side of the story.

Was this review helpful?