(Stefanie Freele)

Warning: not to be read in a single night, weekend, or even over a week. Even though the bites can be easily swallowed, don’t be tempted. Make it last.

Most likely, I’m not the first to comment this: Ben Loory’s stories remind me a wee of Russell Edson’s poetry. Dare I say this? The matter-of-fact entries in present tense, (“The octopus is spooning sugar into his tea when there is a knock on the door.” ) the outlandish assertions, (Abruptly, the boy realizes he can fly.”) and the objects or animals given voice, (“Well, says the moose, I’m not saying that I’m afraid of them, understand. But they’re always out in the woods looking at me.) are techniques these two authors share.

However, despite some familiarities in style, the world needs more curious-surreal-slipstream-magical-realism-original-clever-paranormal-odd-strange-funny-peculiar-weird-left-field-irregular-atypical-distinctive prose, therefore the planet is better for the arrival of Stories for Nighttime and Some for the Day.

These are short pieces to appreciate—each has a zany tang and should be mulled-over. After reading, humankind will look different, a little more secretive, a little more singular. The animals, too.