Stories... Ah, stories. Whose ears don't immediately prick up with attention when there is the prospect of a story? Why is that do you think?

Is it because we wish to hear about someone else, about their woes or happiness as some kind of voyeur?

Is it because stories tell us something about ourselves, and because it is only a story, what we learn about ourselves is more palatable than if we were told directly?

Is it because of the way a story can change our mood in an instant as we join with the hero in grappling with the dragon, or ride off into the sunset with the love of our life?

Is it because stories allow us to live out the unfulfilled portions of our lives as we piggy back on the escapades of the protagonists?

It's all of these and many more.

Some of the stories had me laughing out loud and drawing curious looks from those around me on the train. Others engaged my mind and wouldn't let go until I had ferreted out their meaning for me. Then with a sigh of understanding, I could move on, much the richer for having read them.

This book is such a collection of stories that will give you insight into yourself and your relationship with the world around you. There is much more here than just the words on the pages. Well worth the read, and well worth the thinking that will inevitably flow from the reading.