James B. Bergstad

This book was great. You know you have to almost laugh at the title. With such an interesting title, when you pick it up, you wonder if the book will disappoint. It doesn't.

This is a compilation of several short stories. Each story is something that could happen in life. You probably know someone that's been i some situation that's similar or you've been there yourself. This book shows how some choices can really help or hurt you. It also shows that, more often than not, a lot of our choices are difficult to make and some may not have a clear right or wrong answer. It also takes on the consequences of what we have to live with in making past choices.

Each of these stories are complete. They don't leave you without closure. The author truly gets into the character for each short story and has you running right along side him.

This book is a must have. When you do decide to read it, set aside enough time to read the whole book. Even though it's made of seven stories, when you finish one, you'll be wanting to get right to the next. It's a super fast read.

RATING: ♥♥♥♥♥

Pages: 208
Softcover… (plus d'informations)

Screwing the Pooch by J.B. Bergstad is a compilation of seven stories that deal with the human condition,and the choices they make. Each character has something happen that will make or break them. The choice is their's. But will it be a good choice or one that will inexplicitly lead to more despair? Each story will make the reader consider their own choices they have made in their lives. Perhaps they experienced something akin to one of the characters in the book.Those choices are going to follow us from that point on. I think that the answer to how one comes out of the cloud of despair depends greatly upon the tools parents gave us when in the formative years. Each character is driven to react in a manner that sets the tone for the rest of their lives.
These stories immerse the reader into each situation so quickly that to put the book down is next to impossible. You have to keep reading to discover the outcome. Some of which can cause you to be saddened by the cruelty life dealt to one character, fear of the other, disgust for another, or bring to you the wonderful emotion that was released in another story.
The Puppy Murders slammed me back into a time when I had to make a choice. One that I have had to live with, the pain I felt, and the anguish I experienced as a result of my choice. This story brought it all rushing back to me. It was an experience that I will never be able to forget, and still to this day have a hard time forgiving myself. So I am able to fully empathize with that character.

This book is well written and easy to read. It is written in a manner that you feel that you are listening to the character talk to you, relating their experience. It was written in such a way that the reader is sucked in so quickly because of the mystery that lies ahead. Everyone loves a mystery, and these stories are definitely mysterious in their outcome. This book is very engrossing, very touching, and very interesting. I would and have already suggested it to several people.… (plus d'informations)

Screwing the Pooch a collection of short stories that make the reader think. I believe the author wanted to introduce readers to environments and situations that are not the norm. In each story the reader is taken out of the comfort of their lives and becomes a witness to situations beyond belief.
In several stories the reader is shown extreme behaviors classified by society a vile or monstrous. Yet I found myself thinking if I had been exposed to the same environment. Would I have made similar choices? Throughout the book every time I started a story I would have to finish it within one sitting. The stories held my attention captive until the last page. I had to know what was going to happen next! J.B. Bergstad did a great job bringing the stories to life through an emotional roller coaster of events.
This collection of short stories is definitely for mature audiences. The stories deal with adult situations not appropriate for readers under age eighteen. Characters often use rough language and relate to each other in coarse tones. Several characters have attitudes of superiority. Some do not take responsibity or feel remorse for actions. I would recommend people that have sensitivity to such things avoid it.
The characters range from kids to senior citizens. They come from several different socio-economic backgrounds and lifestyles. Some change their lives for the better and others are enticed into criminal-like lives. One is shown that their actions have consequences usually negative. My favorite story is where two characters find love and peace at the end of their tumultuous lives.
I love stories that show how characters despite negative events they grow and change their and other’s lives for the best. In the story Bear Claw at the Coffeecake a young man was taught how to focus rage into something productive. When Lincoln's world is turned upside down he falls into despair. Then someone despite her feelings towards his outward appearance befriends him. In the end he rewards her kindness in multiple ways. As the saying goes never judge a book by its cover. You might just miss out on something wonderful!
This collection was an experience to read. Things I was sure I’d never think or do became possibilities in my mind if I was in their shoes. If I were to experience life as these characters did what kind of person would I be. How would I react to those around me? Would my life ever be the same?… (plus d'informations)