Three Scoops is a Blast! [Kindle Edition]

Alex Carrick (Author)

Book Description

"Three Scoops" Is A Blast! is a collection of short stories set in the past, present and future.

While this second installment in the "Scoops" series does contain some stories about the family and the modern work environment, it branches off into somewhat longer fictional pieces than appeared in Two Scoops. These latter tales wander through time and space or consist of made-up conversations that take amusing, ironic or unexpected turns.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Praise for "Two Scoops" Is Just Right:

• 5 Stars... A choice pick for short fiction fans. ~ Midwest Book Reviews.
• Really funny... If you want a good laugh (and who doesn't) you MUST pick this book up. MUST. ~ The Book Journal
• A fun read... If you want a good laugh buy this book, read this book, then buy one for a friend. ~ Barbara Kent, Success Books
• Who knew an economist could have a sense of humour? ~ PaulTheBookGuy Podcast

 Praise for "Three Scoops" Is A Blast!

• "Just like your first book, this is a hit. Everyone should grab a copy!"
• "Alex Carrick has surpassed himself and brought back the charm of the perfect short story. You will not be disappointed."

About the Author

In July 2010, Alex Carrick's "The Size of the Skip" received an honorable mention in the prestigious and world-wide Lorian Hemingway Short Story Competition (based in Key West, Florida). For the second year in a row, he was short-listed in 2011 for "Caboose Follies". But this is getting ahead of ourselves.

Alex carried out his undergraduate work at the University of Western Ontario (UWO), then received an M.A. in Economics from the University of Toronto (U of T). He also completed the first year towards a Doctorate while living at U of T's Massey College.

The pull of the job market was too strong and Alex went to work for the Canadian Institute of Steel Construction (CISC) in 1972. The CISC is a trade association representing structural steel fabricators in Canada. Mr. Carrick eventually became the Secretary-Treasurer as well as the Economist for the CISC.

Since 1985, Alex has held the position of Chief Economist/Editor with CanaData, a division of Reed Construction Data (RCD), where he has acquired an in-depth knowledge of the Canadian construction industry. He is often quoted in the media and has delivered presentations throughout North America on the Canadian, United States and world construction outlooks.

Many of Alex's award-winning short stories have been compiled in the Scoops series of books as well as the Ten Tales series. The former is comprised of "Two Scoops" Is Just Right, "Three Scoops" Is A Blast! and "Four Scoops" Is Over The Top. The latter has seven titles (i.e., too numerous to mention here) and all of the books are set out on the Carrick Publishing website.

Alex is married with three children, plus a lazy dog and crazy cat that round out the household. Much of the family's life revolves around the cottage on Georgian Bay. He resides in Toronto. His wonderful wife Donna is a well-known author in the crime and intrigue fields.

Product Details

• File Size: 245 KB
• Print Length: 201 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1452862559
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Carrick Publishing (July 21, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B003WUY3CG
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #613,378 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Three Scoops Is A Blast" October 13, 2010

By Barbara Kent

Format:Paperback

Three Scoops is a Blast really is just that - a blast - especially if you have a penchant for O'Henry type stories. In this collection of 36 original short stories, Alex Carrick has surpassed himself and brought back the charm of the perfect short story.

There are so many gems in this book. Without spoiling any of it, let me just say I loved the twist that occurred in the "Madame Lazona Defense" as well as those in "The Weatherman, The Economist and the Gypsy Lady". In "I Got Robbed by a Liquor Store" I was literally convulsed with laughter as I could see myself (and you will too) in the author's shoes. Having done some public speaking, I found I could relate to "So You Think You Know Flop Sweat".

Buy this book, carry it with you and read it when you have little bytes of time. You will not be disappointed.

Barbara Kent, author Success in the Words of the Masters

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars 3 scoops with sprinkles May 31, 2012

By Cici

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This collection of short stories is as delightful as 3 scoops of ice cream with sprinkles on top. Author Alex Carrick writes with a modern O'Henry sense of irony, and has a talent for using just the right amount of bait to hook the reader. Each story has hidden humor, an unexpected twist, a moral, or all of the above. The only fault I find is that just as I was becoming attached to the story, it would end.

A great book for those times when you need a bite of good literature to tide you over until the next meal.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book! March 12, 2012

By Emily

Format:Paperback

This is such a great book. The stories are short, but very enjoyable. I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. They are as easy-to-read as they are entertaining and this would be a great book to read on the subway or while waiting for your airplane. You can read it in short bursts or all at once.

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely collection May 29, 2011

By M. Franklin

Format:Kindle Edition

I received this book as a gift and I must say I quite enjoyed it. Lovely little short stories, each with values to be gleaned. Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Summer Read May 26, 2011

By Sara

Format:Paperback

I recommend "Three Scoops is a Blast" as an excellent book for summer reading. It is a collection of amusing short stories filled with humour and insight. It is a delight to read. A perfect companion for relaxing in the sun or curling up with at night. I can guarantee that the reader will be entertained.

5.0 out of 5 stars Three Scoops on a Panama Beach... April 18, 2011

By Eileen Schuh

Format:Paperback

I took Alex's THREE SCOOPS IS A BLAST on my Panama vacation. What a perfect read! Short stories that fit nicely between daiquiris and dips in the Pacific, between snoozes and munching, between deep-thinking and silly imaginings.

While THREE SCOOPS is entertaining, not all stories are humorous. And even those that are, generally offer some redeeming social comment--i.e. something you can ponder after the story is done (if you're in the mood for pondering.)

Some stories put a smile on my face, some a frown, and some I set aside with a "Huh?" (Those may have been the ones I read after I'd downed a buba jug of margaritas.)

Great collection, Alex.

5.0 out of 5 stars Solidly recommended for any short fiction fan December 4, 2010

By Midwest Book Review

Format:Paperback

It's more fun to jump to the heart of the matter. "Three Scoops is a Blast!" is the follow up to Alex Carrick's previous volume 'Two Scoops are Just Right', containing many more short stories with an values and thoughts on many subjects. "Three Scoops is a Blast!" is a fine read, and a solidly recommended one for any short fiction fan.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny compilation of short stories June 17, 2011

By ODella Wilson

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

Alex has done a fabulous job of compiling short stories that will keep you laughing and smiling. But, there's more to these stories than just laughs - insightful and filled with irony, they also offer a bit of wisdom. If you want to know more, you're going to have to read the book yourself. I promise, you won't regret it!

More About the Author

Alex Carrick has been a professional economist covering the construction industry for the past 39 years. He writes extensively on economic matters for several newspapers, newsletters, journals and the Internet, dealing with both Canada and the United States.

He is currently enjoying his 26th year of employment with Reed Construction Data - CanaData. When asked how he has managed to achieve such career longevity, he is fond of replying, "I've done it one day at a time."

Mr. Carrick received an M.A. in Economics from the University of Toronto (U of T) in 1971. He also completed the first year towards a Doctorate while living at U of T's Massey College.

He has delivered presentations throughout North America on the Canadian, United States and world economic and construction outlooks. Mr Carrick has also made videos on various topics for Reed Construction Data web sites. This has required the development of a whole new skill set.

Mr. Carrick lives in Toronto, Canada and is married with three children, plus a lazy dog and a crazy cat that round out the household. Much of the family's life revolves around the cottage on Georgian Bay. Mrs. Carrick (Donna) is also an author, mainly in the crime-writing field.