“Lisa Johnson Mitchell has the remarkable ability to craft entire characters –all their beauty and all their flaws –in a single, perfect sentence. These sentences then come together to make stories that are heartbreaking, tragic, sometimes absurd, and often hopeful. In the end, this sharp collection presents a brutally honest snapshot of both the anxieties and optimism of modern American life.”
–Samantha Mabry, National Book Award-nominated author of All the Wind in the World and Tigers, Not Daughters
“The heroes and heroines in Lisa Johnson Mitchell’s debut story collection, So as Not to Die Alone, reach for connection even through their own jadedness and the static around them. Mitchell is a comic acrobat, her details startling yet perfect, her language playful and inventive, whether ships are sinking or somehow making their way back to the surface. A thoroughly rewarding debut.”
–Steve Adams, Pushcart Award-winning author of Remember This.
“Lisa Johnson Mitchell‘s collection is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged journey that delves deep into the complexities of human experience. Through a diverse cast of characters, Mitchell expertly explores themes of sexual fluidity, loss, shattered dreams, addiction, and teen pregnancy with raw honesty and vulnerability. Each story is a masterful blend of pain and hope, leaving a lasting impact on the reader—a must-read for anyone looking for a powerful and moving literary experience. Lucia Berlin and Flannery O’Connor fans will relish this collection, stamped with a profound understanding of human nature. Mitchell’s writing is reminiscent of these literary greats and is sure to leave readers feeling deeply moved.”
–Blake Kimzey, author of Families Among Us
“The ten stories in So As Not to Die Alone, Lisa Johnson Mitchell’s debut collection, introduce us to intricately chiseled worlds where women feel unseen, children are tasked with caring for ailing and aged parents, and romances bud and take center stage. But in Mitchell’s inventive hands, these stories go places you’d never expect, pivoting into a territory of the heart on whose emotional bedrock we can all find sure footing. Often humorous, always heart-wrenching, these flash and short stories introduce a singular, bold voice that will have you laughing out loud even as you wipe away tears. Mitchell knows how to write sizzlingly hot dialogue and exquisite sentences (consider this one-two punch: “After therapy, he claimed to forgive Sheila, but she could see his lingering resentment like an aura.”). And while her characters aren’t afraid to wear their hearts on their sleeves, let it be known they suffer no fools. You’ll admire them, just as you’ll admire this new, gorgeous collection.”
–DS Levy, Award-winning author of A Binary Heart.
Paul (verified owner) –
A visual metaphor for this collection of stories might be a garden that contains a plethora of beautiful objects: a small waterfall, elegantly arranged stones, small areas of exquisitely cared-for lawn, an intimate bench for two.
These stories, like those objects, are very different in nature and yet contribute artfully to the whole. Some are terse, written in a style where Lisa Johnson Mitchell deftly sketches uncomfortable conflicts through innuendo. As a reader, you find yourself effortlessly imagining the scene, and even as you appreciate the smoothness and care of her craft, you can feel the tension she has planted in the narrative. Others are more extensive in their detail and development.
Among stories of desperation (a grown man and his handicapped mother looking for a meal) there are also moments of comedy (offering crudités in a Texas beauty salon) , and savvy depictions of our often ridiculous search for love… or at least connection.
I think one tribute to her skill is that the stories are intense enough that I only read 2 or 3 at one sitting before needing to stop and think them through… and then I took up the book with pleasure shortly thereafter.
Eric (verified owner) –
This collection from Lisa Johnson Mitchell rides over a range of styles and topics like a cowboy in her native state of Texas.
The adjective that first came to me upon reading was “deft.” She sketches scenarios, characters, and sometimes devastating conflicts with a light touch, which only makes the serious moments leap out all the more boldly. A slightly whacky yoga instructor, a persnickety single older man who falls for the blind gal upstairs, a man returning to his high school reunion only to wrestle with emotions and mascots, and (my personal favorite) a wheelchair toothless grandma who infiltrates a bat mitzvah with a scheme in mind–all these characters inhabit different realms in the worlds she creates. These worlds are sometimes drawn with the merest suggestions and innuendos, and at other times are plain to see. Taken as a whole, this collection successfully populates different realms in the world, with uncomfortable juxtapositions right and left… and what makes for more enticing reading than that?
Eric –
This collection from Lisa Johnson Mitchell rides over a range of styles and topics like a cowboy in her native state of Texas.
The adjective that first came to me upon reading was “deft.” She sketches scenarios, characters, and sometimes devastating conflicts with a light touch, which only makes the serious moments leap out all the more boldly. A slightly whacky yoga instructor, a persnickety single older man who falls for the blind gal upstairs, a man returning to his high school reunion only to wrestle with emotions and mascots, and (my personal favorite) a wheelchair-boundtoothless grandma who infiltrates a bat mitzvah with a scheme in mind–all these characters inhabit different realms in the worlds she creates. These worlds are sometimes drawn with the merest suggestions and innuendos, and at other times are plain to see. Taken as a whole, this collection successfully populates different realms in the world, with uncomfortable juxtapositions right and left… and what makes for more enticing reading than that?
Jennifer –
This collection of short stories is brilliant! Lisa Johnson Mitchell understands people and portrays them masterfully in her characters. She uses humor throughout; her words are carefully chosen, and every sentence is brimming with delicious detail. My favorite? Wonderland, which I read Wonderland aloud to my husband. “Fondueligans’ signature dish was ‘The Hooligan Fondueligan’ and … were served to customers by ‘hooligans’ played by those who were studying theather…” and we laughed and cried.
Lauren Hooper (verified owner) –
Lisa Mitchell is a seasoned writer that does an amazing job with witty quips and descriptions of real life situations many of us can relate to. Great detail with her characters and scenarios in her short stories. Makes putting it down hard to do!
Beth B. (verified owner) –
Lisa tells stories with such a humorous, yet heartfelt voice. Her choice of words and quirky scenarios makes for an entertaining read. Each story is just a few pages long, so I enjoyed reading one or two a night before bed. You’ll laugh in some cases and your heart will ache a little in others. Highly recommend.
Yasmin Morais (verified owner) –
So As Not To Die Alone is an amazing collection. Lisa Johnson Mitchell has created memorable characters, plots and scenes that stay with you long after you’ve finished the stories. From Mamaw, Glenn, Dan, Sheila and all the other relatable characters, you feel empathy, enjoy the humor and are cheering them on. Lisa is a masterful storyteller, and no wonder some of these stories have achieved awards. There are so many favorites in the collection that I can’t pick one. I can’t wait to read more stories that Lisa will write. Great read – five stars indeed!