This was a weird but good read. I love the uniqueness of this author. ( )

I've read a few of Appel's short story collections. This grouping was not as good as others but it was still enjoyable and very smart writing. Thank you to the author who supplied me with a copy. Please forgive my delayed review. ( )

As always, I enjoyed another book by Jacob M. Appel. My favorite stories were: Rods and Cones and Ad Valorem. I also enjoyed Scouting for the Reaper, The Extinction of Fairy Tales, Hazardous Cargoes, Creve Coeur and The Vermin Episode. I didn't care for Choose Your Own Genetics.

Mr. Appel is a an extremely talented writer. Here are two examples, each one from my top two favorite stories. From Rods and Cones: "So everyone has secrets. Badges of shame they carry around under heavy clothing."

From Ad Valorem: "The older Starlings had died, one after the other, within weeks of each other. "His-and-hers" aneurysms, just like matching monogrammed towels. " ( )

From the forceful and inventive cover, Jacob Appel builds powerful love stories with a strong base in material objects.

"Genetics" sets an early pattern of outlier kids narrating and keeping secrets. Smooth and quietly revealing dialogue
takes readers on through "Creve Coeur" and "Scouting," all three stories encompassing the strength of broad-shouldered fathers who
stonily stay in love vs jealous and often demanding mothers.

"Ad Valorem" slowed things down, with "Rods and Cones" proving that a modern author can write a fine animal tale
without abuse or the animal dying!

"Extinction" offers an imaginative take on race and friendship while having readers racing toward a happy (?) ending.

"Hazardous Cargo" offers up a delightfully improbable "father/daughter" travelogue.

Jacob Appel's book concludes with a brilliant and memorable tale, "The Vermin Episode," ( )

Scouting For The Reaper (2014) by Jacob M. Appel. I’ve read a few other books by this same author and have found those to be very interesting, funny, unusual and captivating. SCOUTING is no different. This collection of eight tales kept me wanting more.
Who would have thought that transporting a collection of penguins and a stowaway would be so much fun. Blind rabbits are not usually a thing I want to read about but Dr. Appel (Yes, this talented writer is a Doctor by trade) has made the situation so interesting I couldn’t stop myself. Be it genetics or Girl Scouts selling tombstones, these stories offer a rich collection of well defined characters interacting within the bounds of the most unusual of situations.
Recommended for all ages and sensibilities, Scouting For The Reaper is a winner.
You might also want to try his other books. Each new effort seems to be better than the last. ( )