Customer Reviews

Antioxidants: And Other Stories

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Just when you think you have a story figured out, Bennett throws a twist that knocks you backwards.

Great reading. Diverse, imagnative. Keeps you wanting the next one and the next one.

The Lesson Plan...what a lesson. A great story with a shocking ending.
Antioxidants...real life

I'm not normally a short story fan. I picked up this book as I was intrigued by its title and cover. I find when I use this maligned method, I'm not disappointed. This mode did not betray me. I found Bennett's "Antioxidants" a very satisfying read. I especially enjoyed the title story. The metaphor of the micowave oven was fascinating and, as was intended, jarring. The characters in all the stories, "Blind Faith," especially, are fully realized and complete. You care about these people, even if you don't always admire them. No mean feat in a short story.

Outstanding stories with engaging characters and original plots that lead to unexpected places.

SAVING GRACE--my favorite:Two brothers, both easily infatuated, drive away the women they love. One brother is destined for destruction, but can the other change enough to save himself?

The tales in Antioxidants stayed with me long after I finished the book. These stories are a treasure.

Bennett's stories invite you to explore the seen and the unseen. A special treat in this collection of stories is "Blind Faith," which invites the reader to explore the world through Bennett's graceful prose and insightful point of view. Walking alongside the blind photographer and the tourist the reader is guided to new places and asked to trust that the world is a safe place. This story taps into the internal conflicts women face in learning to trust themselves and others, and see beyond the rigid roles that society often expect them to fulfill.

Terry Bennett's prose shares a gritty sensitivity with other well-known, contemporary writers...Richard Ford comes to immediately to mind, as well as Russell Banks and Tobias Wolfe. His characters are internally wounded people who are at the cross-roads of the choices they have made - more similar to most of us than we'd care to admit. In these stories Terry Bennett has gone to the heart of the matter, interpreting the human condition in subtle and original resolutions with a voice is sure and honest

"Antioxidants" was a compelling surprise. To create truly human characters is daunting. To place them in story circumstances that grab a reader and won't let go--that's something to write home about. This skill is Terry Bennett's in abundance.

He builds tension like author Nelson DeMille, and honor and integrity like Robert B. Parker. He pulls you into the pages of "Lesson Plan" face to face with a man who has messed up his life almost willfully, yet you can't help but wish him well, and you will remain locked in step with him through the story, utterly convicted that nothing bad can happen, evidence to the contrary notwithstanding. In "Antioxidants," he again pulls you into the eye of the storm, with concise precision, and holds you there.

It's like trying to keep from getting on that carnival ride that you swore last year, and every year, you'd never ride again. I may not have liked some endings, but I will read the stories again and again. I won't be able to resist.

Ever been in a relationship? A family? Ever had a life? Of course you have. That's why I'm certain you'll relate to the stories in Antioxidants. These stories will hit you where you live. Some are full of quiet moments of gentle insight, occurring gradually. Others catch you unguarded with quick twists of intense epiphany. The characters vary from everyday people, easily recognizable, to more exotic folk like boxers, professors, country singers and prostitutes.

Some of the stronger stories are “Wishbone,” where a son and father resolve their complicated relationship, finally learning to respect each other for who they ultimately are. “Saving Grace” is the tale of two quirky brothers and their obsessive-compulsive mating rituals, and the inevitable outcome their lives have propelled them toward. Then there is “Lesson Plan.” A powerful story of an immigrant loan shark and his young, talented son — and the son's teacher, who must learn the consequences of freedom in a world that has left him little room for choice. Do yourself a favor, read Antioxidants. Like the title might imply: you need these stories to live.

Terry Bennett is your good storyteller! A love of 'bare to the bones' realism; mininalist dialogue, tight and taught movement and imagery in the spirit of an early Hemingway.
Alexis, the loanshark says after listening to Blake's version "The Killers" broken stark imagery," I like this ...how it speaks of hardship. The world is tough and doesn't care about you. But if you're strong instead of weak, whether you win or lose. There is no suffering." For this Russian speaks in a cold metaphor of a Chicago Michigan Avenue bristling day in January. Hence the crux of the story, "Lesson Plan."
ANTIOXIDANTS is full of subtle epiphies as in "Blind Faith" where Elita discovers from a blind photographer, a real meaning of intimacy.
Here, Bennett's dialogue and movement resonate to a high mark on the Lightnin Hopkins litmus test. Listen to "Late Night Blues" and read along and you'll find "Blind Faith" walks to walk and talks the talk of heartbreak, sadness and revelation.
Be sure you spend some time with ANTIOXIDANTS and you'll recognize
many emotions that ply us all. Enjoy a writer who truly knows and practises his craft with utmost efficiency.

R.G. Crockett
Carmichael Ca.