Reblogged from Smargasbord:

Time for another selection of books that I am sure will make perfect gifts for your family and friends. The first short story collection is one that I can recommend as I read and reviewed last year. Donkey Boy & other Stories by Mary Smith is wonderful. You can read more about Mary on her Blog and follow her on Twitter @marysmithwriter

About the collection

Shot through with flashes of humour the stories here will entertain, amuse, and make you think. Mary Smith’s debut collection of short stories is a real treat, introducing the reader to a diverse range of characters in a wide range of locations. A donkey boy in Pakistan dreams of buying luxuries for his mother; a mouth artist in rural Scotland longs to leave the circus; a visually impaired man has a problem with his socks; and a woman tries to come to terms with a frightening gift – or curse.

One of the reviews for the collection

This is a fascinating collection of short stories, set in various places with a wealth of diverse characters, all wonderfully rounded. The author has a talent for setting the scene and giving a sense of place with few well-chosen words.

Continue reading at Smorgasbord