Fresh Ink: An Anthology

 Contributed by Eli, gr. 12, Oct. 2018

I enjoyed the stories in this anthology, but I think that if they were longer I would have been more interested, as they’re all open-ended and only provide a brief glimpse into the characters’ lives. Most of the stories are realistic fiction, although one is set in an alternate version of New York and another involves a superhero. Some of the stories are more lighthearted and conclude on a happier note; others are dark, emotional, and deal with topics like discrimination or violence.

 

While I appreciated the themes of each story, I occasionally found the writing a little too simplistic. I’ve read books by a couple of the featured authors, and their stories in this collection reflected less figurative and descriptive language than their novels. The anthology might not appeal to people who prefer books with unusual vocabulary or metaphors.

 

If you’re looking for teenage protagonists who encounter real-world issues (complex family dynamics, awkward crushes, etc.) but aren’t sure where to start, I would recommend this anthology because it gives you perspectives from a variety of characters. However, several of the stories contain strong language and discussion of death, so if those things make you uncomfortable this may not be the book for you.