LocalLit book review: ‘Stories of a Sheltered Suburbanite’ by Colleen H. Robbins of Joliet

The first time I laughed out loud reading Colleen H Robbin's “Stories of a Sheltered Suburbanite" was at the end of "Too Many Children."

But mostly, I empathized with Robbins through most of the readings, as I've had, not identical experiences, but some that are very similar.

I'm guilty of the same error in "The Plastic Turkey" and I'm actually fearing "Zombie Bites" right now as my cat Faith just scratched up the back of my hand pretty badly, insisting she wanted to be petted while I'm typing this and finally climbing up onto my hand and sliding right back off.

If you've ever served in the military or if you are a parent of one who's served, you'll relate to "Sandbox Warrior" and "Jimmy Next Door." "Loose Lips" was my favorite. Perhaps because I'm a journalist.

Here is its Amazon description: “A woman with ‘Too Many Kids.’ A child watching the hero next door. A toy saving lives on the battlefront. Not everything is as it seems, particularly to the sheltered.

“’Stories of a Sheltered Suburbanite’ contains the short stories, poems and humorous vignettes of Colleen H. Robbins, with a particular focus on military and suburban life.”

The short stories, essays and poems are readable and relatable. Maybe every reader won't relate to every selection.

But I'd be surprised if every reader didn't relate to at least one.

Of course, my personal favorite is "The Grand Adventure." But perhaps I'm biased.

Read the story and decide for yourself.

Buy "'Stories of a Sheltered Suburbanite" on Amazon. Totally worth the $10 price tag.

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