Cover Image: Six Word Story

Six Word Story

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Member Reviews

I'd like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is my honest review.

Six-word stories can run the gamut from incredibly clever and poignant to tacky and cliche. Some of the six-word stories in this collection did truly create a full story, and I enjoyed them. The majority were a bit lackluster though and left me wanting. These included some that were just quippy one-liners that I'd definitely heard before.

Overall, the collection left me wanting, but it was a quick read. This would probably be best used as a coffee table book or a bathroom reader. Just something quick to pick up that you can easily put down to get on with the rest of your life.

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I requested this one on a bit of a whim - I was looking for a change from my usual thriller picks and I stumbled across this accidently.

I was familiar with the concept of the six word story, and had read a couple here and there (all of which I enjoyed). The idea of an entire book of them was intriguing to say the least so I hit request.

I enjoyed this book, I particularly liked the additions of the history of the six word story etc - a welcome and interesting read, and a nice way to break up the included six word stories. To see the names of some competition winners was lovely also - I'm sure they will be so pleased to see their work in print!

I did however feel at times that I was confronted with a little bit of filler, perhaps this is an unfair assessment and instead the truth is that some stories simply resonated more than others. However, I just cannot shake the feeling that some of the stories did not (in my opinion) belong in the book, and shouldn't have made the final cut.

I had no idea what to expect from this, and overall I was pleasantly surprised. It's a short read, I got through it in one sitting in only a couple of hours, so with that in mind it is definitely worth a go.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.

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Read. Laugh. Read. Think. Read. Reread.

This book was a welcome change from my usual lean towards fiction and mystery. It’s a collection of six word stories submitted to and collated by the author. I loved the idea of seeing how much a person can convey in just six words. It turns out to be a lot. Aside from being enjoyable and quick reading, I think this would make a great educational experience in the classroom setting. The format inspires creativity and pushes the writer to scrutinize word choice. It is also the kind of book you could have sitting around on a table as a conversation starter for a party.

Among these six word stories, some are powerful, some funny, some depressing, some mysterious. Some of them I read several times and didn’t quite understand. My only criticism is that some six word stories were coupled with others that were unrelated, making it seem like a twelve word story. It took me some time to realize there was some kind of stylistic presentation going on with some of them in this way. Maybe if an author submitted more than one story they were put together? Or maybe I just missed something obvious about those ones.

I received a free book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Doug Weller for this sneak preview. I think I need to find the original Six Word Wonder now to see where it all began!

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Six Word Story is Doug Weller's second compilation of this unique and fascinating method of short-story writing that's been around for some time.

How do you tell a complete meaningful story with a beginning, middle, and end in only six words? That is the challenge and this book will show you a wide variety of clever and diverse examples which can be surprisingly emotive. Bet after reading this, you'll want to try it yourself!

My thanks to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for allowing me to read an advance copy of this book which is scheduled to be published on 2/18/21. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

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Six Word Story is the second collection of very short stories made by twenty-five contributors to this interesting project, assembled by American author, Doug Weller. Some are spooky, some are thought-provoking, some are poignant, most are clever and imaginative, and by definition all are, of course, succinct. There’s plenty of humour within these covers, much of it quite black.
Favourites for this reader are:
BMX Bandit became Mobility Scooter Man.
[Sentence removed by the Truth Department]
Cats can speak, but choose silence.
‘Wait, you’re pregnant how?’ asked Joseph.
“Keen on tattoos,” the mortician noted.
Left the veterinarians Pet carrier empty.
School reunion. Her son resembled me.
Poacher outsmarted ranger. But not elephant.
Gardener quits. Throws in the trowel.
Distraught child. Missing goldfish. Purring cat.
Roof left down today, Mr Kennedy?
Her last words went to voicemail.

From that sample it’s easy to see that they range across genres: stories, memoirs and jokes, and everything from romance, to horror, right through to philosophy and poetry. Probably the best-known six-word-story is “For Sale: Baby Shoes. Never Worn.” and in case this one inspires readers to try for themselves, Weller includes tips on how to create these little gems. This is a short read, but entertaining and well worth the time required.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Hebe Publications

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Smiled my way through the entire book. Creative yet insightful stories all told in six words.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Doug Weller for an ARC in return for an honest review.

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Wow I mean... This might have been the kind of different writing tmmy quarentined brain was craving. This miniimalist storytelling was a first for me, one that I was hally to experience. Join stories that range from heart warming humor to gut wrenching pain. In 6 words. I didn't know this was an actual thing. The only reason this won't get 5 stars is because formatting on kindle was just terrible (but it might just be an ARC thing I really hope they fix)
Thanks to all the people involved in letting me read this :) it really made my day and I hope it makes someone else's.

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review. /

I never thought that six words would pack such a punch. The word choice for these stories are incredible - they truly are a complete story. I love reading them, but I also can't wait to try using this writing style for my students.

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I was already familiar with six word stories before picking up and reading this title because of all the six word story challenges on Twitter. However, what I expected wasn't exactly what I read. I expected highly polished stories that gave you everything in so few words. Many of these stories were simply a play on the famous "Baby Shoes," and they didn't necessarily live up to the impact that particular story has on those who read it.

There were a few I liked, but most of the content did feel like filler. I do however appreciate the content being broken up occasionally with talk about the history and tips on crafting these stories.

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Six word stories are so much fun! They make you think about what the possibilities are that could have happened from what you just read. This book has many of them that make you go hmmm. I forgot how much I enjoy reading six word stories, but will look for them again. Nicely collected stories.

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Six Word Story by Doug Weller is a unique, quick read loaded with many stories all with only six words.

I like dipping into different genres and types of writing once in a while. This book was a unique take on short stories and was very much enjoyable. Some of these stories will hit you the right way and you'll be laughing or grinning or impressed while others may leave you wondering what the point was or why it's there. That's the thing with six word stories - some are going to resonate with you better than others. It will all depend on your experience and what you want to get out of the book.

The first short story about the undertaker grabbed me while the fairy tale one didn't. That's how this type of fiction goes. Regardless, if you go in ready for an interesting, little stories to make you think then you've got the right mindset. This almost feels like a school exercise (in a good way!) that is designed to have you wondering how the story might be finished.

Overall, I really enjoyed this selection of stories! They made me think and they inspired me a lot to have my mind be more creative.

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hebe Publications for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

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I think I went into this expecting too much because this wasn't what I made it out to be in my head. Granted there were a few stories that were witty and others that hit a little too close to home but for the most part, they were pretty average. I can't put into words what I was expecting that I didn't get with these 6-word stories. All I can say is that I wanted more and didn't get it. I know that isn't helpful to anyone so I'll just leave it at that. Overall, this book passed the time quite nicely and it did somewhat entertain me during the time that I spent reading it.

<i>* I received an eARC of this book via Netgalley. All opinions in this review are my own.</i>

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Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of Six Word Story.

This was great! So glad I was approved and got to read it.

Funny, dark, scary, sarcastic, creepy, shocking; nearly all of these one liners conveyed so much emotion in just six words.

I've heard of six word stories before but never tried it myself. After reading this, I'm going to give it a try.

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I don't have much to say about this one. Some of the stories were nice, made you stop and think for a second, but quite a lot were pretty cringey, like "Pregnancy status - positive. Boyfriend status - negative". I don't remember a lot, but there were much worse...

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Having read and enjoyed Six Word Wonder it was a no-brainer to seek out Doug Weller’s latest instalment of this creative and clever means of communicating in just six words.

Six Word Story takes the craft onwards and upwards. Having encouraged others to practice their own skills and being having sent hundreds of the public’s own finds or original turns of phrase. The book is a compilation of these and the author’s own research.

These sound bites are great to read and some I find really hit the spot. This however is a book to read over again for a few days as this addition reading allows the deeper meanings resonate as well.

I also like the background notes on this magical form of literature and the guidance on doing it for yourself.
Interesting the world of Politics seems to favour three word catchphrases. ‘Get Brexit Done’

“Brexit done for haulers, sandwiches nicked.”
“Brexit done for fisherfolk shared catch.”
You should try it quite rewarding and therapeutic.

This is may honest review having been provided with an ARC with the understanding I would review the book. If I was asked to review it in just six words I might fail that requirement.

‘Free book offered for honest review’
‘Read book, no words to describe...’

From the book I will share a couple of favourites.
“Brown-nosing got Rudolph a demotion.”
“Called marriage hotline. All operators engaged.”
“Infectious smile. Gave her a fever.”

Hope you can see why I like this book and I trust you’ll enjoy it too.

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Six Word Story by Doug Weller provides an example of 'micro-fiction', a form of literary expression that aspires to tell a complete story in only six words. Explored within this flash fiction are a wide range of topics, each evoking some type of emotional response, from humour to sentimentality, and everything in between. The ability to craft a complete narrative in so few words requires a genuine love of language, and is nothing short of enviable when it truly hits its mark. Recommended as a quick and enjoyable read if you are looking to move outside of your literary comfort zone.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Hebe Publications, and author Doug Weller for providing an ARC of this title.

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