Flash Fiction Stories for the Musically Inclined by Theodore Jerome Cohen is a collection of 32 short stories. Some are only one page long, others are several pages, but they all have two things in common—they are related to music and they are at least somewhat based on fact. One unique aspect is that the stories are inspired by photographs; the photos are included in the book. The musical genres range across many categories, from classical to country and many more. The author calls his book “faction,” which is an accurate description—it’s fiction based on facts. Some of the stories are humorous; others are serious. There are also endnotes that further delve into the background of most of the stories.

I enjoyed reading this book. Author Theodore Jerome Cohen is creative, humorous (where appropriate), and insightful. His stories are both educational and entertaining. Although I knew some of the historical facts that Cohen’s stories are based on, I learned many more. If you’re a Buddy Holly fan, as I am, be sure to read the endnote for his story. It’s fascinating information, although of course tragic. I especially liked the included photographs. Many tell a story in and of themselves. For example, a photo of an early phonograph shows how far technology has advanced in a relatively short time. Whether you’re interested in music or not, you’ll like Flash Fiction Stories for the Musically Inclined. Because all the stories are short it’s a good book to put on a nightstand to read a story, or several stories, at bedtime.

Flash Fiction Stories for the Musically Inclined by Theodore Jerome Cohen is a collection of 33 stories, all written around musical artists who have played different musical instruments at some time in their life. Elvis being the artist on the cover has probably drawn many people to this book. I love Elvis and anything written about him, yet you will find many other exceptionally good stories here too. Along with Elvis, Cohen shares several stories about Frank Sinatra that most people probably don't know. He tells a sad story of George Harrison, and he shares about many others he has known through the years. Cohen throws several stories about himself in the mix as well.

This book is such a diversion from what I usually read. I thoroughly enjoyed each unique story and I truly appreciated reading them. Hearing the Frank Sinatra stories was a pleasure. How I loved the sweet story about Frank Sinatra and the Thanksgiving dinner at Patsy's restaurant in mid-town Manhattan. And I had no idea that West Side Story almost didn't make it. Theodore Jerome Cohen shares his own violin story, and at the end of his story, he shares a surprising twist that you don't want to miss. Reading about Cohen's barber also brought a smile to my face, as well as a bit of sadness about what his life must have really been like.

Flash Fiction Stories for the Musically Inclined has stories for everyone, with Elvis, Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, as well as others I didn't recognize such as harmonica player Sonny Boy Williamson. There are many types of music and instruments, from the blues, jazz and rock-n-roll, to country and a little classical, with instruments such as the fiddle, violin, accordian, guitar and more. If you enjoy reading about people with a musical background, I encourage you to check out this book. And if something about this book intrigues you, check it out. You will love it.