50/50 Friday is a meme hosted by Carrie @The Butterfly Reads and I and focuses on the opposite sides of books (best/worst, differing opinions, etc). Every week will have a new topic and several advance topics will be listed in the tab labeled 50/50 Friday!
Today’s Topic: Favorite/Least Favorite Short Story
I’m going to be limiting this to standalone short stories (meaning no novellas or short story collections that together form one large story like I, Robot) although that does mean that I’ll have a smaller pool to pull from.
Favorite:
The Mystery of the Spanish Chest by Agatha Christie
Part of The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding collection of Poirot and Marple short stories
Released: 10/24/1960
Rating: 5 stars
Blurb:
“Agatha Christie’s seasonal Poirot and Marple short story collection, reissued with a striking new cover designed to appeal to the latest generation of Agatha Christie fans and book lovers.
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding (a.k.a The Theft of the Royal Ruby)
The Mystery of the Spanish Chest
The Under Dog
Four and Twenty Blackbirds
The Dream
Greenshaw’s Folly “
The Adventure of the Christmas Pudding (a.k.a The Theft of the Royal Ruby)
The Mystery of the Spanish Chest
The Under Dog
Four and Twenty Blackbirds
The Dream
Greenshaw’s Folly “
The Spanish Chest mystery in this collection was definitely my favorite. It had all the hallmarks of an excellent Christie mystery: impossible circumstances, intriguing cast of characters, and a beautifully painted backdrop. Normally, I’m not a fan of short stories because I just like a little more development and complexity but this short story was well done.
Least Favorite:
Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang
Standalone to date (inspiration for the movie Arrival)
Released: 1998
Rating: 3 stars
Review: To come!
Blurb:
“Dr. Louise Banks is enlisted by the military to communicate with a race of aliens, after they initiate first contact with humanity. The story revolves around Banks, woven through with remembrances of her daughter.
This short story is the basis for the 2016 feature film Arrival.”
This short story is the basis for the 2016 feature film Arrival.”
Don’t get me wrong, I loved the movie Arrival but I just didn’t like the style of this short story. The incidents of prolepsis (glimpses into the future) that are so seamlessly incorporated into the movie were just chunks in the story. That and the ending irritated me to bits. But more on that in my review.
Have you read either of these? What did you think of them? What are you favorite and least favorite short stories? Make a post and link up down below!
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Next Week’s Topic: Favorite/Least Favorite Harry Potter Novel
Blue Eye Books 
Can't beat Agatha Christie!! I like her novels.
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It’s rare that the movie is better than the book but it sounds like it was with this one.
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I have a confession and I really hope you don't hate me after this… I'm so ashamed to admit this but I've not read a single Agatha Christie book. I know…. I know! How could I? Both my future mothers in law love her and even my own mum has read a few of her books. I need to read one of her books soon. I know I'll love them.
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I've not read either of those two!I think my favourite would be To Build A Fire by Jack London. I listened to it on audio and the atmosphere was so intense and desperate by the end.
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I haven't read Christie yet, but I need to, and Story of Your Life should be on my TBR because I loved Arrival. I think my favorite short story is either The Most Dangerous Game or The Tell-Tale Heart. Both of those have the spookiness that I require. ;)~Litha Nelle
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I don't read short stories too often or collections too often but it is something I am trying to do a bit more. I have read something by Agatha Christie before and I really loved it so I might give this short story a try! Thanks xMy recent post: http://oliviascatastrophe.com/2018/04/fantasy-themed-book-haul/
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Right?? She's so talented. Thanks for stopping by, Lisa!
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Haha I could never hate you but it's definitely something to be remedied! You at least have to read one book of hers in your life 🙂 I look forward to hearing your opinion, Carrie!
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I haven't heard of To Build a Fire before but I love really well-developed atmospheres so I'll definitely have to check it out. Thanks for the rec and stopping by, Stephanie!
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You must! She's amazing. Ooo The Tell-Tale Heart is amazing, I can't believe I didn't think of that! It's one of my favorite Poe stories 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Litha!
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Me as well. I don't know why but I just find it hard to enjoy short stories. I look forward to your thoughts on it! Thanks for stopping by, Olivia!
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Yeah it definitely was. I just found the movie a lot clearer. Thanks for stopping by, Jenny!
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