In Sunlight or Shadow by Lawrence Block

Before I started reading this book, I knew the name Edward Hopper but didn't recall any of his paintings.  This anthology is based on what story the author saw in the picture.  Before you are through reading this group of stories, you'll feel like you really know those paintings.

Mr. Block sent me a copy of this book to read for review (thank you).  This will be published December 6th.  You can pre-order a copy now.

In creative writing in high school we could pick a picture posted on the wall and write a short story about it.  I enjoyed that.  Even if another student or two picked my picture, our stories were never the same.  You see a picture uniquely.  Someone else has another vision when they look at it.  And here's a whole book of insights for you to read!

Most of these paintings are rather plain.  There are several nudes.  The stories are ironic, haunting and unusual.

My favorites are (in the order I read them):

Nighthawks by Michael Connelly
The Projectionist by Joe Lansdale
Office at Night by Warren Moore
Night Windows by Jonathan Santlofer
Autumn at the Automat by Lawrence Block

All of those stories make you stop and contemplate the story before going to the next.  I don't think you'll easily forget this batch of stories.  Cons, ghosts, murder and more are here to keep you reading.  Give it a try.  You won't be bored.