Small Things Like These

Small Town Girl
Small Town Girl
We’ve been best friends since we were five.But nothing’s as simple as it seems.Relationships change and so do people.Especially now.When innuendos and hints aren't enough, it’s time to confess.I’m in love with my best friend.…And I think I’m too late.Small Town Girl is created by Stephie Walls, an eGlobal Creative Publishing Signed Author.
10
66 Chapters
Things You Need
Things You Need
The things we want are so very rarely the things we need. Clifton Heights, a modest Adirondack town, offers many unique attractions. Arcane Delights sells both paperbacks and hard-to-find limited editions. The Skylark Diner serves the best home-cooked meals around, with friendly service and a smile. Every August, Mr. Jingo’s County Fair visits, to the delight of children and adults. In essence, Clifton Heights is the quintessential small American town. Everyone knows everyone else, and everyone is treated like family. It is quiet, simple, and peaceful. But shadows linger here. Flitting in dark corners, from the corner of the eye. If you walk down Main Street after dark, the slight scrape of shoes on asphalt whispers you're not alone, but when you look over your shoulder, no one is there. The moon shines high and bright in the night sky, but instead of throwing light, it only seems to make the shadows lengthen. Children disappear. Teens run away. Hunters get lost in the woods with frightening regularity. Husbands go mad, and wives vanish in the dead of night. And still, when the sun rises in the morning, you are greeted by townspeople with warm waves and friendly smiles, and the shivers pass as everything seems fresh and new... Until night falls once more. Handy's Pawn and Thrift sits several blocks down from Arcane Delights. Like any thrift store, its wares range from the mundane to the bizarre. By daylight, it seems just another slice of small town Americana. But in its window hangs a sign which reads: We Have Things You Need. And when a lonely traveling salesman comes looking for something he desperately wants, after normal visiting hours, after night has fallen, he will face a harsh truth among the shelves of Handy’s Pawn and Thrift: the things we want are rarely the things we need. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing
10
19 Chapters
Things Slip Through
Things Slip Through
When a child mysteriously disappears from a small town and even his mother seems indifferent, it’s time for the new sheriff to step in. Meet Chris Baker, the new sheriff of the quiet Adirondack town of Clifton Heights. As one inexplicable case after another forces him to confront the townsfolk in The Skylark Diner, it’s the furtive Gavin Patchett that hands Chris a collection of not-so-fictional short stories that tumbles him into a world of monsters, ageless demons, and vengeful citizens. As Chris reads through the stories the veil starts to lift, and he soon questions what is real and what’s not, and whether he really wants to know. Nothing will ever be the same again. ©️ Crystal Lake Publishing
Not enough ratings
25 Chapters
All Things Lovely
All Things Lovely
Autumn Shade only wants one thing: to get away and live her own life. Tired of being forced by her father to take on the business, and follow in his steps, she leaves. She wanted to show her father that she was capable of making her own decisions and not screwing up. But just when she successfully leaves, she's caught up in another whirlwind which threatens to deem everything she'd known a lie.Justin Black and his friends see Autumn and they find that she was perfect for what they were planning, given that it was her father they wanted to take revenge on.Autumn learns a shocking truth about a scandal involving a murder and her father, and persistently denies it. But apparently they have proof.All Autumn wants to do is the right thing. If her father is innocent she gets to say 'I told you so' and if he's really a cheating murderer then she does what's right and gets out of this mess once and for all.But as usual, things get complicated. Actually, feelings get complicated, because the longer she stayed, the closer the broken boy held her.© 2020 by Everleigh Winters
10
65 Chapters
Small Town Wives Club
Small Town Wives Club
Welcome to the enchanting small town of Fellside, where the richest families in the country come to live their “quiet” lives. When Anna and her Father arrive in the small town, no one would have predicted the dramas that were yet to unfold. From family rivalries to calculated takedowns, who knew the diamond encrusted road to love would hide so many dark secrets? Follow the story of Anna’s parents love and how it affects the relationships she forms in later life.
Not enough ratings
4 Chapters
Where Wild Things Roam
Where Wild Things Roam
"Darby.” My name comes out as a low snarl and I struggle to think. “I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage, Alpha.”"That's how I like you.” This almost purrs. He shifts his weight to the thigh between mine, brushing against my clit and I tremble as agonizing pleasure spirals through me. His nostrils flare with his next breath and the purr is a low sensual growl. “The better to see to every pleasurable need you have.”Big bad devilishly sexy wolf. Oh shit.
10
54 Chapters

Where Can I Buy 'Small Things Like These' Online?

3 Answers2025-06-26 15:15:30

If you're looking to grab a copy of 'Small Things Like These', I'd recommend starting with major retailers like Amazon or Barnes & Noble. They usually have both paperback and e-book versions available, often with quick shipping. For those who prefer supporting independent bookstores, platforms like Bookshop.org connect you with local shops while offering online convenience. The Kindle Store and Apple Books are solid options if you want the digital version instantly. I’ve noticed prices can vary, so it’s worth checking a few sites before purchasing. Some sellers even offer signed editions or special covers if you dig a little deeper into listings.

Why Is 'Small Things Like These' Considered A Must-Read?

3 Answers2025-06-26 04:03:07

I just finished 'Small Things Like These' and it hit me like a ton of bricks. This isn't your typical holiday story - it's a quiet powerhouse that exposes the dark underbelly of 1980s Ireland through the eyes of a coal merchant. What makes it special is how Claire Keegan writes with surgical precision, carving out this moral dilemma that keeps gnawing at you. The protagonist Bill Furlong's ordinary life collides with the Magdalene Laundries scandal in a way that feels painfully real. It's short enough to read in one sitting but lingers for weeks afterward. The way Keegan builds tension through seemingly small details - a nervous nun's hands, the weight of a coal sack - creates this slow-burning outrage that culminates in one of the most powerful endings I've ever read. For anyone who loves literary fiction that punches above its weight, this is essential reading.

Who Wrote 'Small Things Like These' And When Was It Published?

3 Answers2025-06-26 00:32:22

I recently read 'Small Things Like These' and was blown away by its emotional depth. The novel was written by Claire Keegan, an Irish writer known for her precise, haunting prose. It came out in October 2021, right when the world needed stories about quiet courage. Keegan packs so much into this slim book—it’s set in 1980s Ireland and tackles the Magdalene Laundries scandal with heartbreaking subtlety. What’s wild is how she makes a coal merchant’s small acts of kindness feel epic. If you enjoy literary fiction that lingers, check out Keegan’s earlier work like 'Foster' or 'Antarctica'. She’s masterful at showing big truths through small moments.

What Is The Main Conflict In 'Small Things Like These'?

3 Answers2025-06-26 09:52:35

The main conflict in 'Small Things Like These' revolves around Bill Furlong, a coal merchant who stumbles upon a dark secret while delivering coal to a local convent. The story is set in 1980s Ireland, where the Catholic Church wielded immense power. Furlong discovers evidence of the Magdalene Laundries—institutions where 'fallen women' were essentially imprisoned and forced into labor. His moral dilemma forms the core conflict: stay silent to protect his family and business, or speak out against the Church's abuses despite the personal and social consequences. It's a quiet but devastating exploration of complicity versus courage in the face of institutional evil.

Is 'Small Things Like These' Based On A True Story?

3 Answers2025-06-26 19:57:19

As someone who devours historical fiction, I can confirm 'Small Things Like These' isn't directly based on one specific true story, but it's steeped in brutal reality. Claire Keegan channels Ireland's Magdalene Laundries scandal—those church-run institutions where "fallen women" were essentially enslaved. The novel's power comes from how it zooms in on ordinary lives touched by this systemic cruelty. While Bill Furlong is fictional, his moral dilemma mirrors countless real people who chose silence over confronting the Church's abuses. Keegan's sparse prose makes the historical weight even heavier; she doesn't need to name-check actual laundries when every detail—the frozen potatoes, the whispered warnings—rings terrifyingly authentic. For similar gut-punch historical fiction, try 'The Wonder' by Emma Donoghue.

How Does 'Small Things Like These' Explore Irish History?

3 Answers2025-06-26 14:36:27

As someone who's read 'Small Things Like These' multiple times, I'm struck by how it uses quiet moments to reveal Ireland's painful past. The story unfolds around Christmas in a small town, where the festive cheer barely masks the lingering shadows of the Magdalene Laundries. Through Bill Furlong's ordinary life as a coal merchant, we see how these institutions were an open secret—everyone knew, yet no one acted. The novel doesn't hammer you with historical facts; instead, it shows how complicity was woven into daily life. When Bill discovers a girl locked in a coal shed, his moral dilemma mirrors Ireland's collective struggle to confront its legacy. The restrained prose makes the horror hit harder—like realizing your cozy hometown was built on unspoken suffering. For those wanting to dive deeper, I'd suggest watching 'The Magdalene Sisters' alongside reading.

Where Can I Buy 'Small Great Things'?

5 Answers2025-06-23 16:39:39

I’ve seen 'Small Great Things' pop up in so many places! If you’re into physical copies, big retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble always have it in stock—both hardcover and paperback. Local bookstores often carry it too, especially since it’s a popular pick for book clubs. For digital readers, Kindle and Apple Books have instant downloads, and audiobook lovers can grab it on Audible. Libraries are another great option if you prefer borrowing.

Secondhand shops or online marketplaces like AbeBooks sometimes offer cheaper used copies. If you’re outside the U.S., check Book Depository for free shipping worldwide. The book’s themes on race and justice make it a frequent flyer in stores, so you’ll likely spot it even in airport bookshops. Pro tip: If you’re buying online, compare prices—editions vary, and sales happen often.

Who Are The Main Characters In 'Small Great Things'?

5 Answers2025-06-23 11:54:30

The main characters in 'Small Great Things' are deeply compelling and drive the story's emotional core. Ruth Jefferson, a Black labor and delivery nurse with decades of experience, finds herself at the center of a racial firestorm when she is barred from caring for a white supremacist couple's newborn. Her strength and resilience make her a standout protagonist.

Then there's Turk Bauer, the baby's father, a violent extremist whose hatred fuels much of the conflict. His wife, Brittany, is more conflicted but still complicit in their toxic ideology. Kennedy McQuarrie, Ruth's white public defender, starts off naive about racial bias but evolves through the case. These characters clash in ways that expose systemic racism, privilege, and the messy intersections of justice and personal growth. The novel's power comes from how their lives intertwine under extreme pressure.

What Is The Main Conflict In 'Small Great Things'?

5 Answers2025-06-23 12:44:22

The main conflict in 'Small Great Things' revolves around racial tension and systemic injustice in modern America. Ruth Jefferson, a Black labor and delivery nurse with decades of experience, is barred from caring for a newborn because the baby's parents are white supremacists. When the infant goes into cardiac distress and Ruth hesitates to intervene due to the parents' explicit orders, she is blamed for the tragedy and faces a criminal trial. The novel exposes how deeply racism is embedded in institutions—hospitals, courts, even public perception—forcing Ruth to navigate a legal system stacked against her while confronting her own internalized biases.

The story also contrasts Ruth's struggle with the perspective of Turk Bauer, the baby's father, whose hate-fueled worldview fuels the conflict. Their collision isn't just personal; it mirrors societal fractures where privilege and prejudice dictate outcomes. Jodi Picoult layers the narrative with ethical dilemmas: Is Ruth's hesitation negligence or self-preservation? Can justice prevail in a system riddled with implicit bias? The courtroom drama becomes a microcosm of larger battles about accountability, empathy, and whether change is possible.

What Awards Has 'Small Great Things' Won?

5 Answers2025-06-23 00:41:33

I’ve been following 'Small Great Things' since its release, and it’s no surprise it’s racked up accolades. The novel was a finalist for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, which honors works that promote peace and social justice—fitting given its themes of racial inequality. It also snagged the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Fiction in 2016, voted by readers worldwide.

The book’s impact goes beyond trophies; it sparked conversations about systemic racism, making it a staple in book clubs and classrooms. While it didn’t win a Pulitzer or National Book Award, its cultural resonance is undeniable. Jodi Picoult’s meticulous research and unflinching storytelling earned praise from critics and activists alike. The fact that it’s still discussed years later proves its staying power.

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