Screwing the Pooch

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The best thing about this collection of short stories is the author’s outstanding skill at character development. Screwing the Pooch features stories built around themes such as coming of age, romance, truth and humility, alcoholism, rape, murder, horror and redemption. In virtually all of the stories, the author employs characters that leap off the page, along with compelling narrative, vivid use of sensory scene setting, and rich metaphors, successfully drawing us into his worlds. A couple of his stories required extensive backstory, which the author was able to skillfully disperse, yet not detract from the story flow. Ask any writer, this is not easily done. Well, by now you’ve probably guessed that I’m recommending this collection of short stories. Pick up a copy of Screwing the Pooch. You won’t be sorry.

- Jan Evan Whitford, AllBookReviews

Screwing the Pooch is a unique book. I had to look up the definition of screwing the pooch. It means to make a catastrophic error or failure. The connecting thread in these short stories are catastrophic errors. Naturally I enjoyed some of the stories better than others. I think Hank Straker, SA was probably my favorite, running a close second was BearClaw at the CoffeeCaker. Readers may find some of the other stories a little difficult to find appealing. Rot Like Me makes a good Halloween story but was my least favorite. The Puppy Murders was heart wrenching. Milton’s Pickle was rather sad in a startling way. Screwing the Pooch is different; it isn’t your normal everyday read. I’m trying to decide what the genre this book fits in. Author J.B. Bergstad offers readers a bit of everything, love, romance, suspense, thrills, and definitely chills. This eclectic read has something for everyone.

- Debra Gaynor, ReadersFavorite

For those of us not familiar with the slang term and title of this book, Screwing the Pooch, here are a few definitions: 1) to do something the wrong way, 2) to make a catastrophic error, and 3) to goldbrick–all negative behaviors, and it is this negative or dark side of life that these short stories have in common. All but one are about murder or death. J. B. Bergstad is a gifted storyteller with a unique talent for saying a lot in a little space. His character-driven stories come to life quickly, richly and tightly. He doesn’t miss a beat and is an artist at his craft. If you enjoyed short stories by Stephen King or Ambrose Bierce, you will enjoy Screwing the Pooch.

- Kaye Trout, Midwest Book Reviews

Despite what the cover art may suggest, Screwing the Pooch by J.B. Bergstad is not a comedy. Instead, Pooch is a series of seven excellent character-driven short stories, all of which are packed surprisingly full of rich emotion including love, anger, pathos, and revenge. The stories are varied in element and style - but the common thread amongst most of the stories seems to be that of vengeance, deliverance, or new beginnings. My favorite story was "BearClaw at The CoffeeCaker." In it, a former athlete loses everything he thinks is important, only to find that his life may have only just begun. I've read plenty of short story collections and this is among the best. Read these stories one at a time when you have time to escape into another world and truly appreciate them. J.B. Bergstad is an excellent short-story writer and I recommend this work highly - and definitely look forward to reading his next collection as well!

- Kelly Davis, Bookideas