Released November 2021
Available from most online bookstores including:
Living Springs Publishers has the honor of presenting Stories Through The Ages Baby Boomers Plus 2021, a collection of fifteen outstanding stories by authors who were born in 1966 or earlier. We are incredibly fortunate to have many gifted and talented authors among the winners published in this, the fifth installment of Baby Boomers Plus.
Excessively Repetitive: Author Peter Hankins is the 1st place prize winner in the 2021 edition of Stories Through the Ages Baby Boomers Plus. He has crafted a marvelously inventive, yet entirely plausible future where people live forever. The question turns out to be–is it an improvement over life as we know it? The answer, if it can be called an answer, is hidden in a conundrum that can’t be solved. Still the conclusion is left up to the reader; however, if you are like our nameless hero, the answer will never be revealed.
Officers of Adaptation to Climate Change: The 2nd place winner, author Dean Gessie, has crafted a marvelous love story set amidst the dysfunctional hysterics and tragedies of a modern family. This is an emotional roller coaster ride that takes place while scattering mom’s ashes in a, to be kind, unique ceremony. The characters are well defined. You will recognize them from your own experiences.
Southern Comfort: Our 3rd place winner, author Nedra Rogers, has crafted a wonderful tale of a ‘Yankee’ boy (from Kansas) who transfers to a school in Texas. The people he encounters come to life in vivid characterizations that capture the true essence of the region. Some might call it a tragedy—some will pass it off as that’s just life in a nutshell—however y’all look at it, this is mighty entertaining reading.
Flight to Fairbanks: Will and Jean McLain are making a routine flight back home in a private aircraft with Will at the controls. A sudden emergency makes them realize that they may not see their daughter again. Help comes from an unexpected source. Author Brad Bennett creates an emotional rollercoaster of a tale to match the turbulence in the aircraft. A surprise ending makes this wonderful story come alive.
Bunting: Author Adele Evershed has crafted a marvelous tale of two young peasant girls in France early 1400’s, friends who would have incredible experiences together. One of them was Jeanne D’Arc who would become famous beyond her poor village and humble origins. Her friend Claude was with her every step of the way. A common tale, one known by most everyone, but the ending will surprise you. This is an excellent story.
No One Will Notice: A ten-year-old boy experiences life through the antics of his grandfather, a veteran of the first world war and a loveable but gruff character. Their lives are dominated by the wait, then arrival of a ‘wee thing from the Embassy catalogue.’ When it finally arrives, the disaster waiting to happen falls upon our young friend. Do you think anyone will notice? Author Brian Kelly has given us an excellent story.
Moon River: Why does Al Warren’s Aunt Louise say her dead husband is still in her house? Why does his mom’s heart beat so slowly? And does his know-it-all neighbor really have proof that you turn into a speck of dust when you die? In author Dan Lawrence’s affecting tale, several events in young Al’s life force him to grapple with the mysteries of the unknown, until a firsthand experience of life and death makes those mysteries his own.
Virgie’s Headless Chicken: This is a story that makes you ask, ‘Can this possibly be true?” and it’s just weird enough that it probably is. Author Robin Lee Lovelace writes a wonderful story about life in 1946 on Aunt Molly’s farm. Virgie has the last laugh on those who doubted. Thank goodness Aunt Molly didn’t. Don’t miss this one.
The Story of Isadore Blum: Author David Margolis’ story of a doctor in the year 2070 who reflects on his experience during the Pandemic of 2020. One patient stands out in his mind—an old man with dementia who seems to be living in a dream world of his own design. But the truth is far more complex. An interesting story about humans under stress who sometimes misinterpret what is right in front of them.
How Aaron Spelling Kept Me Out of Harvard: The hero of this story, by author Matthew Minson, is a 13-year-old boy who by luck of the draw is the smartest student in his class. A blessing or a curse? Who is to say? A well-written story about a timeless subject that we can all relate to. Funny in a wonderfully understated way.
White Water and Wetsuits: A trip down the river with Aunty G and a group of Japanese tourists sets the stage for a hilarious journey. This is a must-read for all of us with lovable aunts who are willing to try anything and won’t let the small obstacles of life stop them. Author Lorrie Morales has written a pleasurable tale with plenty of laughs-yet a fitting memorial for a lovely lady. Don’t miss this one.
Eat Your Broccoli: The hero of our story, Brett Meyers, finds himself dead in the presence of St. Peter at the Holy Gate…or is he? Author Nancy Neuman has written a very entertaining tale where all the rules of heaven and hell have been revised. Is it fair, is it better? Who is to say? Regardless, we the readers, benefit from the conflict. And the moral is you’d better eat your broccoli.
Finley’s Gift: 1969, a young girl from Czechoslovakia, in London on a two-year exit visa, meets Finley, a co-worker. Our heroine is subjected to many of life’s cruelties that are reserved for people who are perceived as ‘different’. When she is faced with the greatest obstacle of all, Finley comes to the rescue. Author Anika Pavel has created a beautiful love story but one that will surprise you in the unconventional turn of events. Don’t miss reading this one.
Newfangled: This is a delightful story about a brother and sister who try to bring Grandmother into the current century. She has definite ideas about how her grandson should look and act and the same for her granddaughter. Nana is a bit old-fashioned but a wonderful companion for both. Author Lou Storey gives us tremendous insight into the impact that ‘newfangled’ ideas and values have on older people.
Riding Shotgun: Author Terry Tierney has written an excellent tale of a hitchhiker and his journey through Texas. A recent Vietnam era veteran, Flash, sets off on a cross-country hitchhiking trip to escape his unraveling marriage. In Fort Worth a Texas Ranger orders him into his patrol car at gunpoint, and Flash fears arrest or worse with an ounce of weed rolled into his sleeping bag.
Stories Through The Ages Baby Boomers Plus - Books from our Baby Boomers short story contestPlease leave a review
