Twenty-Six Pack is a collection of poignant and sometimes humorous stories about urbanites trapped in webs of soured lifestyles and stale romances.

Much of the focus of the stories revolves around drug and alcohol misuse, and the consequences of individuals going into relationships with immature or voided expectations. All of these subjects Mr. Gager approaches with a keen insight into the American lower-class experience; but there is humor, brisk and dry, and tidbits of the erotica, too, along with these otherwise disturbing issues.

"Nuts To Soup" is by far my favorite of the entire collection. Funny and spicy, it very soundly demonstrates how a writer can be inspired into a burst of creativity by the most unlikely of incidents. Here is the best example of that hope-against-the-odds theme which weaves through the collection.

A tightly written book, Mr. Gager's skill shows througout these spare narratives. I can see him easily extending his talent into even more diverse endeavors. A very interesting read, I recommend this book to all who enjoy a humorous and uncringing look at dysfunctional lifestyles.

reviewed by Maria Osborne Perry


Twenty-Six Pack
Published by Dead End Street publications
ISBN 1-929429-85-1
Available at Booksurge.com