What World Is This as reviewed by Kassie Ritman
May 2014
for Catholic Writer’s Guild **** (4 stars)
When What World Is This was initially released I purchased it as an ebook the first day. I found that I loved reading the stories. The CWG held a random drawing for a free bound copy selected from everyone who commented on a blog post by Jenn Fitz. I was thrilled to win a copy for my bookshelf, and felt I owed all other entrants a review, and a round of written applause to all who were included in this beautiful anthology!
What a treat to read and review this wonderful compilation of tales. I cannot imagine how the awards committee selected a winner. It would have to be because of the beautifully written opening paragraph of Gloria Whelan‘s first place piece “What World Is This.” In fact this same“blurb”is used to promote the whole work, as well as the “pitch” or “tease” on the book’s jacket. From opening to ending line, this collection goes forward. For the fortunate reader it is like Grandmother’s Christmas pie, never disappointing from the first taste to the last bite.
I have never selected a collection of short stories to read. In fact, outside of an occasional magazine feature, I have rarely taken time to read a short story. Happily I’m hooked now! This book is a special treat, something to relish and take in slowly–in small doses–to make it last longer. It’s perfect for carpool line, or as a sort of reader’s tiramisu on a dreary afternoon.
The stories are all vastly different, and even for the pieces I began reading while thinking…this topic isn’t really what I’m interested in…I found myself pulled into by the story by the exceptionally crafted prose and the “after taste” that lingers. Each of these short stories leaves a question. They all have a little something different for the reader to consider:
How would I have handled that situation?
Would I have been so honest?
Would I have just passed by this same moment and never noticed at all?
How did the protagonist go on from there?
Perhaps my biggest gripe with the collection was that I wanted more! Just as a story ended, I was ready for my second bite, when –BANG!–it was time to change course. Clearly, reading short story collections is something I will have to make room for in my day. I have now tasted them and found them to be intoxicating! Each one was as tantalizing as the next. I wanted to go on and become more deeply involved in each of these stories. I hope all writers featured in What World Is This will pick up their keyboards and turn wonderful tales into full sized novels!
Kassie Ritman
Kassie is a writer who happens to love family history. She authors a how-to blog and hosts workshops for others interested in recording life events and personal histories of family. Kassie lives with her husband, 3 kids, a granddaughter and a ridiculously unaware-of-his canine-condition Golden Retriever named Levi. She is also a regular columnist for the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors, a reviewer for Tuscany Press, and holds membership in The Catholic Writer’s Guild, and Indiana Genealogist’s Society.
Editor’s Note: Kassie is one of our newer members. Thanks Kass for venturing into the CWG Blog space. We hope to be hearing from you again!
KathrynCunningham
Kathryn is a retired junior high teacher. A convert with a love for the Church she believes that its teachings have a more than viable application for today's world. She writes practical theological for the people in the pews believing that they have as much right to good catechesis as our youth and converts. Her writings appear on Catholic web sites and local Church publications. She has even been published in the diocese of Australia and most recemtly Zenit. Kathryn holds a Master's in Theology and is a certified spiritual director. Learn more about Kathryn at: www.atravelersview.org