Flash Fiction Stories in Honor of Juneteenth is the sixteenth book in the Flash Fiction Anthologies Series by Theodore Jerome Cohen, who also uses the pen name Alyssa Devine in some of his stories. As you can guess from the title, this collection of 16 stories intends to celebrate a specific event in American history, the creation of Juneteenth. Following the usual pattern of the series, each story of Flash Fiction Stories in Honor of Juneteenth takes inspiration from a photograph and is often very short, less than a page long, although there are some longer exceptions. In what can be considered a journey made of both words and images, Cohen and Devine have created a wonderful universe to celebrate Juneteenth.

I am a fan of Cohen/Devine's short stories because every book I have read has been a pleasant surprise. In this case, what fascinated me was the idea of ​​using Juneteenth's commemoration as a guiding thread and celebrating the emancipation of African Americans with several amazing stories. Flash Fiction Stories in Honor of Juneteenth has the usual humor that characterizes Cohen/Devine's prose, but this time, more than in other collections, it gave me food for thought. My personal preference goes to the stories about Ellington and Mack Robinson, elder brother of legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson; there is always something special in the stories featuring real-life characters. I recommend reading Flash Fiction Stories in Honor of Juneteenth to anyone who enjoys good reading, and I especially recommend it during the days closest to the celebration. It is a great way to spend that particular moment.

Beginning with the latest development in the celebration of Juneteenth - the fact that President Biden established June 19 as a federal holiday, on June 17, 2021 – the history and present-day realities are presented well. This holiday recognizes the day when over 250,000 enslaved Black people in Texas were finally freed, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. In sixteen short stories, the author develops a snapshot of what Black people have endured over the past one hundred and fifty years. Some stories depict horrible scenes of lynching and cruelty; other vignettes illustrate the endurance, joys, and friendships found among the people. Author Theodore Jerome Cohen/Alyssa Devine has compiled a compelling book in Flash Fiction Stories In Honor of Juneteenth.

While this book is a quick read, it is one that will induce many poignant, thought-provoking moments for every reader. Underneath most incidents, layers of bigotry and injustice are revealed. The stories cover a wide range of topics – from cruelty to slaves, to lynchings, to music, to how to live a long life. The photographs accompanying each scenario are simply amazing as each one captures the mood that prevails in the text. The writing craftsmanship of this author is extraordinary as each story paints a vivid picture within a few paragraphs. His skills are truly unmatched. Flash Fiction Stories In Honor of Juneteenth, penned by Theodore Jerome Cohen, is a fascinating compilation of his work. For anyone who wants to develop a stronger understanding of the Black experience, this book is a must-read!