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What if?
These are dark stories that will make you wonder, think, and hopefully appreciate life if it ever gets back to normal again. Welcome to unusual worlds, thought provoking stories, and one poem that will make you wonder about life and relationships in general. What if the world was in a different place? What if your life was not your own? Think about this as you read each story, and decide how you would react to living in some of these different worlds. What If?... My sister Marcia always said to be original and try new things and new ventures. She is the reason I write and created my YA series, my non-fiction books, and why I heard her voice in my head saying, “Give it a shot.”
- GenresScience Fiction
46 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 8, 2020
About the author
Fran Lewis
47 books132 followersBiography: Fran Lewis
Born in the South Bronx, I grew up with people from many ethnic backgrounds. I learned to play and work with children in my school that came from other countries and different places.
I was always over weight as a child and got picked on a lot by the other children in my class and even my teachers. I found it hard to do many of the sporting activities that my sister and cousins could do. I learned at an early age that kids can be mean and I promised myself that I would never retaliate or do mean things to other kids in return.
When I decided to write my short stories I realized that I had a lot to say about my youth and in both of my books I tell about a ten year old girl named Bertha who learns to deal with real life issues kids face today at home and in school. I write reviews for other sites and I wrote three children’s books and currently writing one on Alzheimer’s Disease.
As an educator I the New York City Public Schools for over 36 years, I realized just how unique and precious our children are. I was the reading and writing staff developer in my school and the dean. I loved the children and had the respect of my fellow teachers and parents.
Teaching children to read was really very rewarding and introducing them to writing and creating their own stories was exciting for the students. I am a member of WhosWho of America’s Executives and Professionals as well as a member of WhosWho of America’s Teachers. I am the author of three children’s books and my fourth entitled Memories Are Precious: Alzheimer’s Journey: Ruth’s Story will be out next month. I am currently writing my fourth Bertha Book and a second on cognitive ways to keep your brain alert. The tentative title is Sharp as a Tack or Scrambled Eggs: Which Describes Your Brain. This book will deal with how we should help those who are seniors keep their minds and bodies active as well as ways to help delay dementia and Alzheimer’s.
I review books for Manic Readers, I justfinished.com and BookPleasures.com. I review books for authors upon request and would love to get paid for doing my reviews. There are publicists that send me books to review and that get paid for my reviews. I wrote five books that are self-published and I am going to complete one book children’s book and one based on a true story.
I host two radio shows on Red River Radio. The first is a book discussion where I interview or ask authors questions about their writing and books along with a book club panel to ask additional questions. I am going to host a show for children’s and Ya authors starting in August. I have been interviewed many times. I will be interviewed on D’s Roundtable on August 19th at and page Page Readers on Sept. 27th at three. My book discussion show is the third Wed. of every month at one eastern and my children’s author’s show will be four times a year. I am also going to interview Dr. Kenneth Weene on Sept. 21st at four. I had to reschedule the interview due to personal reasons. We will discuss the inside scoop about insane asylums and his career working in one plus his book Memoirs from an Asylum.
I hope this gives you a picture of what I do. Fran
I am a reading and writing staff developer and I worked with children with reading and writing disabilities.
https://profiles.google.com/gabina49
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 15, 2020
Ending the Nightmare
I live in Seattle. As I write this, there is an air quality alert in effect. Our air is rated unhealthy to very unhealthy. It is filled with the smoke of wildfires that have burned millions of acres in the Western states. I love the outdoors, but I have been advised to stay indoors with windows closed. And still, my eyes and skin itch, I have headaches, and my chest feels tight.
It is in this frame of mind that I read Fran Lewis’s book “What if?”
“What if?” is a series of stories I could absolutely relate to. I am Fern in “Confined,” when she says, “The walls are closing in around me. I am suffocating and cannot catch my breath. I can no longer see the trees, the sunshine, or anything.” If I could, I would do exactly what Fern did, namely board up my windows, cement the windowsills, the sides, and even my door to keep this unhealthy air from reaching me.
As the Seattle fog acts like a lid and holds the smoke trapped over our region, Fran Lewis’s dystopian short stories read more like current reality than fiction. Her stories are frightening, powerful, eerie, artful, and—yes—cunning. She tricks us into believing that we’re reading about someone else’s life, but in the end, you’ll know that she described yours.
I was most affected by the last line in the final story, “The Supermarket,” where the author asks her readers a profound question. Pondering that question might be the time when we will all find the courage to come out from behind our locked doors to end this nightmare.
I live in Seattle. As I write this, there is an air quality alert in effect. Our air is rated unhealthy to very unhealthy. It is filled with the smoke of wildfires that have burned millions of acres in the Western states. I love the outdoors, but I have been advised to stay indoors with windows closed. And still, my eyes and skin itch, I have headaches, and my chest feels tight.
It is in this frame of mind that I read Fran Lewis’s book “What if?”
“What if?” is a series of stories I could absolutely relate to. I am Fern in “Confined,” when she says, “The walls are closing in around me. I am suffocating and cannot catch my breath. I can no longer see the trees, the sunshine, or anything.” If I could, I would do exactly what Fern did, namely board up my windows, cement the windowsills, the sides, and even my door to keep this unhealthy air from reaching me.
As the Seattle fog acts like a lid and holds the smoke trapped over our region, Fran Lewis’s dystopian short stories read more like current reality than fiction. Her stories are frightening, powerful, eerie, artful, and—yes—cunning. She tricks us into believing that we’re reading about someone else’s life, but in the end, you’ll know that she described yours.
I was most affected by the last line in the final story, “The Supermarket,” where the author asks her readers a profound question. Pondering that question might be the time when we will all find the courage to come out from behind our locked doors to end this nightmare.
September 13, 2020
Review to follow
October 26, 2020
This short story compilation is for readers who love conversational Philosophy. These 7 stories all pose scenarios that may be set in future timelines but they represent current, real-world events and issues.
In One Race: One World the reader is posed with a possible future where all people are the same ‘mixed-race’. Hatred and bigotry are eliminated. But so is individualism and uniqueness. Everyone talks and acts the same, which should lead to harmony. But does it?
Confined! could be a story about 2020! Fern has confined herself to her home during a time of virus. In times like this, what is the proper balance between confinement, loneliness, safety and assistance?
In Journey to Nowhere a stable, responsible father and husband loses his family because he has become too boring and stagnant. While he is mired in indecision about his future, he receives a new pair of glasses from his doctor. Will they help him see more clearly what options he has for his future? Or will the glasses determine his future for him?
All of these 7 stories have a variety of ideas being offered to the reader. Depending on personal interest, the focus or take-away of each story may vary.
What if? is a quick read and perfect for those readers that like to have new thoughts and ideas to sit and contemplate on.
Thank you to Fran Lewis and Partners In Crime Tours for providing What If? for review!
In One Race: One World the reader is posed with a possible future where all people are the same ‘mixed-race’. Hatred and bigotry are eliminated. But so is individualism and uniqueness. Everyone talks and acts the same, which should lead to harmony. But does it?
Confined! could be a story about 2020! Fern has confined herself to her home during a time of virus. In times like this, what is the proper balance between confinement, loneliness, safety and assistance?
In Journey to Nowhere a stable, responsible father and husband loses his family because he has become too boring and stagnant. While he is mired in indecision about his future, he receives a new pair of glasses from his doctor. Will they help him see more clearly what options he has for his future? Or will the glasses determine his future for him?
All of these 7 stories have a variety of ideas being offered to the reader. Depending on personal interest, the focus or take-away of each story may vary.
What if? is a quick read and perfect for those readers that like to have new thoughts and ideas to sit and contemplate on.
Thank you to Fran Lewis and Partners In Crime Tours for providing What If? for review!
October 1, 2020
What If? is a collection of short stories set in the future, all dealing with 'what if' scenarios. What if humanity was all the same? What if an underground pharmacy was discovered and forced to peddle drugs? What if a pair of glasses could show you different futures? Those are just a few of the themes feature within the pages of this book.
In the first story, everyone has the same skin color. Everyone looks and acts the same. There is no uniqueness. No differences. Nothing. Until two children come along...
In another story, a woman facing a pandemic has a complete meltdown and boards up her entire house, trying to stay safe, only to discover maybe being stuck indoors all the time is a bad thing.
In yet another story, a man receives a pair of glasses and discovers his life, no matter the year, has a strange and unnerving future ahead.
Each story poses a question: do the characters make the right choices? Are their lives better or worse now because of those decisions?
While some of the stories were a bit slow and odd, others were intriguing and had a Twilight Zone feel, while also feeling relevant to today's world.
If you're looking for something different in terms of short stories, give What If? a chance and see what you think.
3.5 stars from me.
In the first story, everyone has the same skin color. Everyone looks and acts the same. There is no uniqueness. No differences. Nothing. Until two children come along...
In another story, a woman facing a pandemic has a complete meltdown and boards up her entire house, trying to stay safe, only to discover maybe being stuck indoors all the time is a bad thing.
In yet another story, a man receives a pair of glasses and discovers his life, no matter the year, has a strange and unnerving future ahead.
Each story poses a question: do the characters make the right choices? Are their lives better or worse now because of those decisions?
While some of the stories were a bit slow and odd, others were intriguing and had a Twilight Zone feel, while also feeling relevant to today's world.
If you're looking for something different in terms of short stories, give What If? a chance and see what you think.
3.5 stars from me.
August 27, 2020
What if? - Review by Martha A. Cheves
What if? - There were no more planes or trains. All you needed to do was think about being somewhere and you were there. There was only one race where your face may look a little different but your skin colors were the same. Would the world be a better place?
What if? - You came to the edge of town and saw a sign that read "You are leaving the town of MUNDANE AND NO EXCITEMENT." As you walk out of town you come across a crossroad. One sign informs you that its road leads to the town of "NOWHERE - Keep Wandering." The second road reads to the town of "Decisions.", The third to the town of "Surprises" and the fourth to a sign that tells you to "Just Walk in This Direction and You Will find Out..." Which road will you take?
Through her short stories, Author Fran Lewis has given us a few situations to test our minds as we see where the stories lead to and end up. Did the characters make the right decision? Better yet, do we agree with their decisions? What if?
What if? - There were no more planes or trains. All you needed to do was think about being somewhere and you were there. There was only one race where your face may look a little different but your skin colors were the same. Would the world be a better place?
What if? - You came to the edge of town and saw a sign that read "You are leaving the town of MUNDANE AND NO EXCITEMENT." As you walk out of town you come across a crossroad. One sign informs you that its road leads to the town of "NOWHERE - Keep Wandering." The second road reads to the town of "Decisions.", The third to the town of "Surprises" and the fourth to a sign that tells you to "Just Walk in This Direction and You Will find Out..." Which road will you take?
Through her short stories, Author Fran Lewis has given us a few situations to test our minds as we see where the stories lead to and end up. Did the characters make the right decision? Better yet, do we agree with their decisions? What if?
October 9, 2020
I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.
What If? has six dark stories and a poem that will make you think. I liked them, but I particularly two that rang true during the times that we are in:
“Confined!” is about Fern who self-isolates due to fear of the virus. See what can happen when someone isolates both their mind and body.
“One Race: On World – The Year 2050”: the government makes everyone multicolored, everyone works, everyone is paid the same amount no matter their job, and no one can have their own opinions (sounds a lot like 1984). Then, new neighbors move in…
“The Match” is a poem that’s disturbing. The other three stories are pretty good; they’re interesting and thought-provoking. What If? is a good book to read for when you don’t have much time (the stories are just 6 to 16 pages each) but want something that will make you think.
What If? has six dark stories and a poem that will make you think. I liked them, but I particularly two that rang true during the times that we are in:
“Confined!” is about Fern who self-isolates due to fear of the virus. See what can happen when someone isolates both their mind and body.
“One Race: On World – The Year 2050”: the government makes everyone multicolored, everyone works, everyone is paid the same amount no matter their job, and no one can have their own opinions (sounds a lot like 1984). Then, new neighbors move in…
“The Match” is a poem that’s disturbing. The other three stories are pretty good; they’re interesting and thought-provoking. What If? is a good book to read for when you don’t have much time (the stories are just 6 to 16 pages each) but want something that will make you think.
October 2, 2020
With the pandemic that never seems to be leaving us anytime soon, Fran Lewis has created worlds that might make you pause for thought. Dark stories told by the characters as they experienced their journeys into worlds that you might not want to live in... worlds that might make you happy to live in the one you’re in.
What an interesting collection of short stories! Fran Lewis gives just enough information in each short to allow the reader to truly imagine that they were the main character, that they were living in these strange worlds. Once placed in the story, the reader has no other choice to ask, "what if?" 🤔 My favorites were "One Race: One World" and "The Supermarket." Some of these stories did not have resolutions, so keep that in mind if you need closure to a story.
What an interesting collection of short stories! Fran Lewis gives just enough information in each short to allow the reader to truly imagine that they were the main character, that they were living in these strange worlds. Once placed in the story, the reader has no other choice to ask, "what if?" 🤔 My favorites were "One Race: One World" and "The Supermarket." Some of these stories did not have resolutions, so keep that in mind if you need closure to a story.
October 20, 2020
My review:
I read the book in one sitting. This short book has six stories in it and one poem that made this reader sit back and go "whoa." Each was as thought provoking as the next and played into fears that the common person might have, especially this year of 2020.
The particular story "Confined" is the one that everyone could relate to right now with the whole virus thing going on. All of the stories though, make me question every decision I make as it will you too when you ask...what if?
4 stars
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
~Michelle
I read the book in one sitting. This short book has six stories in it and one poem that made this reader sit back and go "whoa." Each was as thought provoking as the next and played into fears that the common person might have, especially this year of 2020.
The particular story "Confined" is the one that everyone could relate to right now with the whole virus thing going on. All of the stories though, make me question every decision I make as it will you too when you ask...what if?
4 stars
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours.
~Michelle
October 24, 2020
This is an interesting collection of short stories and a poem. Each presented a possible version of life that made me pause and think about how I would exist in such a situation. A couple reflected the current virus condition. One story left me puzzled at the end, wondering what the point was I missed. Lewis' writing style is straight forward. The stories are not complicated but do introduce interesting explorations of culture, power and choices.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this book through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 14, 2020
The writing here was highly unique.I was hooked shortly after starting to read this and couldn't put it down. It took me a few days to finish, which isn't abnormal as I read as I have time, but I wanted to read every moment and finish ASAP.
Highlight for me were the dynamic characters. There were many aspects that added to the plot and it wasn't too predictable; not too graphic.
I felt that the first half flowed a little sluggishly as we are meeting the characters and the world. However from the midpoint on, the book took off, with suspense up until the satisfying conclusion.
Highlight for me were the dynamic characters. There were many aspects that added to the plot and it wasn't too predictable; not too graphic.
I felt that the first half flowed a little sluggishly as we are meeting the characters and the world. However from the midpoint on, the book took off, with suspense up until the satisfying conclusion.
October 15, 2020
It’s a collection that has a great variety of reads. I loved that they were short, yet packed a punch. I think they were unique and dark. The cover does a great job of depicting the eerie feel of the words Fran Lewis has written.
I liked how a lot of these had validity in the fact that they are possible. I think that always makes them feel more real and make me think more… when something in a book like this could actually happen.
It’s a great fluid writing style in each addition. They are easy to follow and easy to start/stop.
I liked how a lot of these had validity in the fact that they are possible. I think that always makes them feel more real and make me think more… when something in a book like this could actually happen.
It’s a great fluid writing style in each addition. They are easy to follow and easy to start/stop.
July 22, 2020
Fran Lewis's collection of stories and a poem reflects the title of the small volume. Most take place in dystopian settings in which readers are often asked what should be done in dire situations. The stories are straightforward and to the point. The collection fits in nicely with Ms. Lewis's previous works that also delve into the dark side of people's lives. The stories are somewhat reminiscent of Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone" episodes that often sought answers from viewers.
October 4, 2020
Provocatively Gripping
In each brilliantly-written short story, the subject matter prods and awakens one's own sense of moral compass. What If delivers a futuristic approach while incorporating contemporary issues. Detailing the emotions and phobias experienced by several characters stirred a familiarity within me. My fave -- Confined! with a terrific warning for the body and mind. It was enjoyable to read.
In each brilliantly-written short story, the subject matter prods and awakens one's own sense of moral compass. What If delivers a futuristic approach while incorporating contemporary issues. Detailing the emotions and phobias experienced by several characters stirred a familiarity within me. My fave -- Confined! with a terrific warning for the body and mind. It was enjoyable to read.
October 8, 2020
An aptly named book. These stories will definitely get you thinking about things you may not have thought about before. Is that a good thing? Always!
Fran Lewis does a fantastic job of brining us dark and dreary, thought-provoking, could they be real? type stories.
They are each alike in the writing style, yet different enough to give us different little tastes.
It’s a wonderfully put together collection. I enjoyed being able to start and stop.
Fran Lewis does a fantastic job of brining us dark and dreary, thought-provoking, could they be real? type stories.
They are each alike in the writing style, yet different enough to give us different little tastes.
It’s a wonderfully put together collection. I enjoyed being able to start and stop.
October 5, 2020
This book is a total different type of story. It's fiction and sci-fi but really makes the reader think on a deeper level.
Some of the reads were a bit disjointed at times but overall really good reads.
These are pretty quick reads, they are dark and involved in their own way. I enjoyed them quite a bit. They are darker sci-fi, so be ready fo r that.
Some of the reads were a bit disjointed at times but overall really good reads.
These are pretty quick reads, they are dark and involved in their own way. I enjoyed them quite a bit. They are darker sci-fi, so be ready fo r that.
September 21, 2020
A collection of compelling short stories that has a very Twilight Zone feeling. Some of the stories are definitely more intriguing than others, and I shot through the whole thing in about 30 minutes. I could see where some of them are based in reality or a not too distant future.
Thanks to PICT for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to PICT for an ARC. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews