21 Bizarre Short Stories

Jose Cepeda Garcia
Outskirts Press (2009)
ISBN 9781432722210
Reviewed by Marcy Blesy for Reader Views (11/09)

“21 Bizarre Short Stories” by Jose Cepeda Garcia certainly lives up to its title.  The author creates 21 stories that fall into five categories: Soul, Space, Others, Legend, and Dreams.  Each story is succinct with good character development.  Quickly the reader gets an understanding for the uniqueness of the characters.  They are placed in situations that often seem to be of this world, when, in fact, otherworldly things happen to them.  There are sleepwalking employees, philandering husbands, a gang of youth, and religious figures.   The stories range from a page-and-a-half to fourteen pages. 
          
The author both frightened me and humored me.  “The Suitcase,” a story of a meat-eating Chihuahua that desires more and more, kept me up past my bedtime as I processed its content, while “Martha’s Smile,” a story of infidelity, and “Half and Half,” a story of a perilous marriage, were humorous in a wicked sort of way. 
        
Other stories left me completely baffled, but referring back to the title, “21 Bizarre Short Stories,” I suppose that was an intended outcome.  I had several, “Huh?” moments, but the avid science-fiction reader will appreciate the moments spent pondering Mr. Garcia’s motivations.  The world is full of bizarre people and events, and while I might try to hide from them, others are drawn into a fascination of that part of the world.  The “Space” section left me the most confused, while the “Legend” section was my favorite.
        
This book was translated into English.  I did find several grammatical errors throughout that were distracting at times.  For example, there were missing words, commas, or incorrect word choices.  Some of the sentences were rather long.  Another editing would be beneficial in correcting these issues so as not to divert the reader from the stories themselves. 
          
“21 Bizarre Short Stories” by Jose Cepeda Garcia is a quick read for the science-fiction/fantasy fan.  It blends the everyday with fantasy, reaching a frightening, humorous, or enlightening ending.  Be brave.  Be open.  And immerse yourself in Mr. Garcia’s mind for an interesting ride.  And don’t read before bed!  Your mind will be too busy to sleep!

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