Reviewed by Viga BolandIt was a nice change to tackle a collection of short stories like those written by W. Royce Adams in Scar Songs: Stories. Once I finished reading these nine tales featuring male protagonists, each one of whom engaged me psychologically and moved me emotionally, I found myself debating whether it’s harder for an author to write a novel or short story. My conclusion? Short stories…and here’s why. With no time for wasting words, or detailed descriptions and backstories to slow down the pace, W. Royce Adams gets us quickly inside his protagonists’ heads, hearts, and souls. If that sounds easy, it isn’t. Take the last story in this collection: Adams expertly captures exactly what is happening in an old professor’s head as he tries to stay focussed on the lesson he’s teaching. His mind wanders between analyzing his students’ appearances to undressing his female students while barely hearing answers to the questions he just asked.In another story, one to which I immediately related, a son cannot bear to look upon the now-painted but lifeless face of his mother in the open casket. Why? He needs and prefers to remember his mother when they sailed together in his boat. She had a special place for him in her heart that his father didn’t. Then, there's the story about a husband struggling with his children’s request that he visit his ex-wife on her deathbed. He cannot find forgiveness for her failure to be honest with him about her past. Their marriage was a sham. But, now, in hindsight, was the fault all hers? Through story after story, W. Royce Adams invites us to examine ourselves through his characters. Regardless of our genders, backgrounds, and experiences, we can all relate to the universal themes Adams explores. Without wasting words, he somehow compresses his characters while epitomizing their true essence. This is excellent short story writing and recommended reading.