Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Two Dreams & Other Tales by Gregory Treakle is a collection of five original and individual short stories, each covering themes of familial bonds, resilience, and reconciliation. In Passing Through, Byron's wrongful conviction shapes his journey to confront past injustices and rebuild his life. Two Dreams follows Noah's inheritance of his father's restaurant, and his new role, which requires him to overcome personal and professional challenges while honoring his father's legacy. Grandaddy & Me explores Kevin's evolving relationship with his grandfather after tragedy strikes, leading to mutual understanding and reconciliation. Three Days at Sunset depicts Luke's childhood memories while grieving heavy family sacrifices in military service. Last, My Father's Promise chronicles Jimmy's reconciliation with his mother and acceptance of his father's fate despite unanswered questions.

In Gregory Treakle's short story collection, Two Dreams & Other Tales, each narrative comes to life through a first-person perspective, which immediately offers a direct and intimate connection with the characters. Treakle packs a great deal of emotion into these bite-sized tales, which is a testament to his skill as a storyteller. The standout story for me is Grandaddy & Me, which, as someone who lost a parent unexpectedly at a young age like the protagonist Kevin, touched me in a very special way. Through Kevin's journey, Treakle shows us grief and the resilience of the human spirit, even in the young, and the impact that the path they end up on as a result shapes the choices they make as adults. With its relatable themes and accessible writing, Treakle's simply written but substantively strong anthology will undoubtedly appeal to a wide and diverse audience of readers. Very highly recommended.