Manx-iety: A Collection of Disturbing Stories

I knew going into this collection it would be top tier. I've loved every piece I've read by this author previously, no reason to think this would be a different experience especially after I read in the description that it was part memoir. I have always loved a book/story that was sown from truth and that proved true with every single story in MANXIETY. Part of the fun each morning was trying to decide what was the truth and what was the fiction from each story. (The author has a section at the end that goes into detail about the stories, but don't cheat and read those ahead of the stories!! It's more fun my way, lol)

These stories feature either the author as the main character, or based off people he knew and that reflected so well in the writing of them. I connected emotionally with each story in some way, whether it was sharing a heartwarming moment, a spike of fear, sadness at trauma experienced and a whole lot of nostalgia. (I think the author and I must be close in age)

The writing style is impeccable. Good gravy it just sucks you right in! Some of the best atmospheric writing I've read, which I have to say must be incredibly hard with a short story. You have so little time to develop your characters, give us a plot and then to make readers feel as though they are there - wow! It's hard to describe, but you'll get my meaning as you read these.

I enjoyed the collection in its entirety. I read one each morning, as I like to do with my first cup of coffee, and I was so excited to flip to the next page and experience another story from the author's past. It felt like two people sitting together drinking coffee and telling stories triggered by something they saw or said in conversation with one another. I loved not knowing what kind of story I may be getting: horror, suspense, a day in the life - it's all here laid bare.

It was such a pleasure to read these stories, things that mean so much to the author who wrote them and was kind enough to share with readers. Thank you doesn't come close to expressing how I feel getting to share in this. It feels like the sort of things shared between lifelong friends and it gives me warm fuzzies being a part of it.

I was asked by the author if I was interested in reading this collection for review consideration. After having enjoyed what I've read by them previously, it was an automatic yes from me.