Introduction
American Tales is a collection of 13 fictional stories. The stories explore the nature of love, the pain of loss, and the subtle dramas at the heart of the American family.
For my mom Lorraine, whose strength, love of knowledge, and self-reflection inspire me now and forever.
The Road Trip
Ranch-hand Eugene is taking his teenage sister Caitlin home to Nebraska after Spring Break in Texas. While Caitlin is excited about going home, Eugene is troubled about the prospect of meeting his mother’s new fiancé.
My Father Earl
Sixteen-year-old Adam has just arrived at his father Earl’s compound in the woods near Forks, Washington. Raised by his mother for most of his life, Adam must now live with a man he has never known.
The Secret
Shirley and Bill have been married for years, but now Bill is sick. He has been hiding the illness from their friends and family, which has put a great deal of stress on Shirley. After a grill-out with friends, the nature of Bill’s illness finally emerges, and Shirley must confront her worst fear – life without Bill.
Diary of an American Girl
Madison Sadler, the teenage daughter of wealthy suburban parents, seems to have it all. But when her mother enrolls her in a private school in Upper Darby, she wishes she didn’t. Seeking a sympathetic ear, she reaches out to a man on a social media website who claims to be a young poet. His name is Brian, and he promises to help make her dreams a reality on one condition: she must promise to be his.
Coming Home
Recently separated Sergeant Ned Bannister is returning to his hometown of Casselman to save his family home from being repossessed by the bank. Ned harbors a troubling secret, something he has brought with him from the service. When he is reacquainted with Marissa Worcester, a close childhood friend, he must decide if he will reveal his secret or keep it hidden forever.
Angst
Tom's having a hard time at college. He's got good grades and a bright future, but the trouble is, he doesn't want that future.
Dead Dog
Scott’s father Sam is gone—only a few things of his remain: a couple of fishing poles and the corpse of his beloved hunting dog. At seventeen, Scott must bury his father’s dead dog, and in doing so uncover an unsettling truth about his father.
The Azaleas
Alcoholic Ted Manning passes his days in a lawn chair while his wife Martha cares for his ailing mother in their apartment. As his mother’s health worsens, Ted begins to seek escapes beyond alcohol and Martha’s patience wears thin.
The Reunion
Classic car restorer Max and his lovely wife Evelyn live a comfortable life in the suburbs, but unbeknownst to him, two colorful characters from his past have just moved into town. At the request of Evelyn and without Max’s approval, Larry and Marlene Fletcher are coming over for dinner. What is Max determined to keep from Evelyn, and how long can he keep it hidden at this uncomfortable reunion?
Dad’s Mountain
Martin has been estranged from his father for decades, but he is nonetheless determined to summit Cheyenne Mountain with his father’s ashes. As he climbs, he begins to look back on the experiences that defined his relationship with his father, including the one that would drive them apart forever.
Amber
School counselor Edward Hendricks works with troubled high school students, but he has never met one like Amber Felders. As he attempts to unravel the mystery of Amber, she likewise begins to study and unravel him. Who will yield first in this tournament of the mind?
Run Away
Linda’s children are getting ready for a day at the lake, all except her oldest daughter Amy, who is nowhere to be found. As the search for Amy intensifies, Linda reaches out to the only person who can help her through this harrowing experience–her ex-husband Edward.
Burning Man
Forty-year-old painter Ethan is attending the Burning Man festival with his best friend Duncan. Unbeknownst to Duncan, Ethan is there to make contact with a former lover, the beautiful and treacherous Mona. She has promised to introduce him to her son Roman, whom she claims is also his son. Will Ethan be able to move on after this perilous meeting or will he be drawn back into Mona’s web?
