January Through December
About the Book
By writer, Audrey L Elder.
Twelve individual short stories told over the course of a year take you into the lives and the community of the customers of one coffee shop. Their individual stories paint a picture of their town, its struggles and its triumphs. As each narrative unfolds, connections and synchronicity are revealed with only a few degrees of separation between the characters that so often appear anonymous to each other.
On a cold January day, Michael, the part-time barista invites you into the coffee shop, the living room of his community; “A line formed. Rushes happen sporadically. The known and the unknown filter out to couches, small tables, high tops and the edge of the pick-up counter. Their emotions; rushed, relaxed, anxious, excited, sad, impassioned. Soon the air was filled with a blend of all the above. Michael acted as the oboe tuning the orchestra. Despite the absence of a baton, a modern concerto of sounds, thoughts and feelings had created the atmosphere that drew them all to that place. In that moment he forgot about getting the car fixed and his class at three. In that moment he wasn’t thinking about the past or the future. He caught a glimpse of this rare sense of feeling fully present. Fully immersed in life unfolding around him as a drop of water joins the rain, soon becoming a river.”
Book Reviews
Sharon Mason
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent shot stories, great writer.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 7, 2022Verified Purchase
She draws me into each situation as if I were right there with them. She is an excellent writer, I can hardly wait to see what she writes next. Don't forget to read the dictations in the back.
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Gina Sifers, Bella Media Services, LLC
5.0 out of 5 stars Love Short Stories!
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on August 12, 2022
Audrey brings to life the coffee shop experience with so many interesting characters and personalities intricately woven into the framework of each short story. I have several favorites, but, my particular favorite aspect is the ending and the parallels of Audrey's life and passion for so many wonderful endeavors, practices, and preferences she has that are all for the greater good. I was surprised that she revealed so many heartfelt personal moments that reveal her inspiration to write each short story. Being friends for so many years I'm delighted to see her dreams come true in every aspect of life. Excellent read and highly recommended!
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L. Twente
5.0 out of 5 stars The Heart of Community
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 2, 2022
Years ago, my friend and I started having a weekly meeting at a local coffee shop in Independence, MO to kickstart our business together. Every week we claimed the same table and enjoyed our regular orders - black coffee and a quiche for breakfast, sometimes a hummus and cucumber sandwich for lunch - while we planted the seeds of our business and tended to our friendship. It didn't take long before we had befriended the baristas and knew almost every person who walked through the door. We became part of the community through this coffee shop.
Audrey's book transported me back to that coffee shop -- I can smell the brews, hear the cacophony of laughter from the group of old men, sink into the memory of the leather chair in the corner. I see familiar faces, all engaging in conversation in hushed tones and sometimes more boisterously. And you never quite know from day to day who you'll encounter and what story they have to tell. I'm sure that you'll recognize characters in this book, just like I did.
This book has so much heart poured into it. Each story is filled with characters with passion and intentionality, who see the needs of their community and act accordingly. These are not extraordinary individuals -- there are people just like them in each of our communities. But you can certainly tell that the author cares very deeply for the issues that her characters face, and hopeful that we can all play our role in strengthening our communities.
I loved every moment of this book, and hope you do too.
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Randy
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent twelve short stories about life
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 6, 2021
I bought January Through December: Twelve Short Stories - One Coffee Shop by Audrey L Elder - at a local coffee shop in downtown Independence MO from the author. Elder was sitting at a back table and knew everyone that came in, they knew her and they all bought her book. I did too.
I enjoyed reading the twelve short stories. I usually don't read short stories, so I found that I have to really pay attention or I will miss something important. In short stories, if you miss it the first time, it probably isn't mentioned again. The author does a great job of plot & character development.
I would highly recommend January Through December by A. L. Elder. I enjoy supporting local businesses, whether it is a coffee shop or author. It is short stories about life in a small community where everyone knows the other person. A book of short stories, is easy to read at leisure.