It never ceases to amaze me when someone can weave 22 different short stories from different authors into a dreadfully delightful book. Shallow Waters is a quick read that full of a variety of 2-4 page short stories. Each author brings out their own uniqueness in the story they chose to submit. None of the chosen short stories leaves any want of more. The amount of development and length is perfect for each story. The conclusions to some will leave you scarred.

The first two stories were wonderful, by the third story I was bawling by the end and not sure I could continue. However I did continue and finished all 22 stories within a few hours. This book is nice in the fact it doesn't cover just one specific idea. The are stories of first loves grieving to the totally mess with your head killers. Seriously, you couldn't ask for more variety packed into a small package.

Among my absolute favorite was the third story, Tears Of Buddy by Patrick R. McDonough. This is the one that made me start crying. It also was one that caught me off guard as to what was actually happening. My assumptions of what the story was about and where it was going were proven completely wrong from almost the beginning.

The next story that left me a bit scarred was Pretty Like Butterflies by Tim Waggoner. I am still trying to wrap my head around how demented some little old men might actually be. I also learned never ever enter or live in a town where everything is grey!

Each of the remaining 20 short stories left me wanting more from each author. The two above were the ones that will never leave my mind. The amount of talented authors in this book is by far the best. I would recommend reading this to everyone I know and come across. I am excited to pick up the next few volumes of Shallow Waters, knowing that they will be just as superb as the first.

the best thing is I have been introduced to new authors that I find myself searching for more of their writings. ( )