Review of Fact Check and More Probing Tales

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Judy Burr
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Re: Review of Fact Check and More Probing Tales

Post by Judy Burr »

Thank you for your review. I read the sample. The author is witty and keeps you laughing. I liked the banter between the husband and wife in the first two stories. This is a fun book. Congrats to the author on his #BOTD.
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Post by Alissa Deann Devargas »

'The book consists of twenty-two short tales that would not only tickle your funny bone but also urge you to think.'
Funny but thought-stimulating makes a good combination for an interesting book.
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Post by Uggie Bear »

First I must say my heart goes out to Toby’s. I can’t imagine a seventeen year old being involved with a part time prostitute, poor fella’s life haven’t even started. Not a fan of short stories but this one sounds humorous.
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Peter Godswill
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Post by Peter Godswill »

My Take on "Fact Check and More Probing Tales" by James Hanna

You know those books that make you laugh out loud on one page and then hit you with something profound on the next? That's what James Hanna's "Fact Check and More Probing Tales" felt like. This collection of 22 short stories is weird – in the best possible way. I've got to admit, I wasn't sure what to expect when I started. The book have to win some fancy awards, including a Gold Medal from the Global Book Awards, but I've learned not to put too much stock in accolades. What really got me was how Hanna manages to be funny without trying too hard – no small feat in today's world where everyone's competing to be the cleverer-than-thou voice on the internet. There's this one story that had me rolling – "The Land Fish" – about a writer who gets so fed up with critics that he writes a deliberately terrible book to stick it to them. Plot twist: it becomes a bestseller. I mean, come on, that's just chef's kiss perfect. The irony is delicious. What I really loved about these stories is how they feel both timely and timeless. They tackle everything from life and death to politics and propaganda, but not in that heavy-handed way that makes you feel like you're being lectured. Instead, Hanna does this neat trick where he pokes fun at social and political stuff while keeping it light enough that it makes you think rather than rage. The writing style? It's like having a conversation with that one friend who's really smart but doesn't make you feel dumb. You know the type – they can drop some serious knowledge while telling you a story that has you snorting coffee through your nose. Even the Seattle Book Review folks were impressed, giving it five stars and calling it "dazzling," which, for once, doesn't feel like reviewer-speak.

Here's what I particularly dug: these stories don't try to force-feed you a message. They're like those abstract paintings that mean different things to different people – except, you know, actually entertaining. Each story left me with something to chew on, but never in that annoying "here's the moral of the story" way. Fair warning though – if you're the type who likes their stories straight-up and simple, this might not be your jam. Some of these tales had me going back for a second read, not because they were confusing, but because I kept finding new layers. It's like those movies that get better every time you watch them.

Would I recommend it? Hell yes, especially if you're tired of reading the same old stuff. It's perfect for anyone who likes their humor smart and their commentary served with a side of wit rather than a sledgehammer of righteousness. This is the kind of book that would make for amazing book club discussions – just add wine and watch the debates unfold.

Rating: 4.9/5 stars. This book is like that weird but brilliant friend who always makes parties more interesting. It's not trying to be the next great American novel, and that's exactly why it works so well.

Best suited for: People who don't mind their books making them both laugh and think, and anyone who's sick of reading stuff that takes itself too seriously
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Post by Victory Ositaorah »

Hanna seems to have invested a great deal in this book, and I would love to read about his experiences and life story.
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Post by Joe Alex 2 »

James Hanna’s Fact Check and More Probing Tales sounds like a fascinating mix of humor, social commentary, and raw storytelling. The variety of themes, from everyday struggles to criminal justice insights, makes it intriguing. I find it interesting how Hanna weaves pop culture with classic literature references, adding depth to his stories. The way the review describes Toby Dawes’ misadventures and the unsettling yet thought-provoking encounter with a well-read pedophile shows Hanna’s ability to create complex, morally ambiguous characters. The blend of realism, satire, and even a bit of the surreal makes this collection sound like a must-read for anyone who enjoys stories that challenge conventional thinking.
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Post by Ukaegbu Confidence »

Fact Check, and More Probing Tales by James Hanna is a humor-packed book that is sure to be a blast for anyone who enjoys short but funny stories. Congratulations on BOTD.
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Bettny Andrade
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Post by Bettny Andrade »

This reading consists of a collection of short stories from different periods of the author's life. It is worth noting that the stories are also fun to read and have very interesting themes. Thanks for today's recommendation #BOTD
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Post by rias pratiwi »

A book that encourages critical thinking intrigues me. The combination of different stories in it makes it even more engaging and thought-provoking. Congratulations on the book of the day!
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Post by Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis »

Nice review! Sometimes, short stories are all you need for entertainment. These twenty-two short stories sound very interesting and unique. I will have to put this book on my list of books to read.
"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know which one you are going to get!"
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Post by Gayatri Tripathi »

This review does a fantastic job of highlighting the diverse and thought-provoking nature of Fact Check and More Probing Tales. I find it intriguing how James Hanna weaves real-world themes, pop culture references, and criminal justice insights into his stories. The mention of Toby Dawes' misadventures and his relentless pursuit of Brandi makes me curious about how his character evolves. I also find it fascinating that the reviewer felt conflicted about being intrigued by Daniel Geegax, despite his troubling background—this speaks to Hanna’s ability to create complex, morally gray characters. The story Krispy Kremes sounds especially interesting, given how it satirizes people's gullibility. Overall, this review has convinced me that this anthology offers more than just entertainment; it seems like a deep dive into human nature itself.
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Post by Alichi »

Fact Check and More Probing Tales this book contains short stories about the author's life. I look forward to reading these stories. Congratulations on BOTD.
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Post by Quentin Russel »

What makes this collection stand out is Hanna's ability to weave thought-provoking themes into seemingly lighthearted tales. His use of colloquial language adds authenticity, making characters like Toby Dawes and Tom Hemmings feel strikingly real.
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Post by Supritika Ghatak »

22 dexterously composed stories full of humor and perceptive reflection are demoed in James Hanna's Fact Check and More Than Probing Tales. The Christian Bible offers an enjoyable til now thought-chevvy experience as it examines Justice, company, and human demeanor via humor and astute insight.
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Post by Sarah Zain »

First of all, I must thank the reviewer for the interesting analysis of the stories. Although I disagree with the plots of some stories, the book, from the OBC review and the sample, aroused my curiosity. Plus me as a fan of short stories. All makes it a good choice for BOTD. Congrats
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