Author: J. Malcolm Garcia
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The Shortlist: April 4, 2025
Fiction by Kate Arnold, J. Malcolm Garcia, Samantha Xiao Cody, EJ Kavounas, Sarah Perrin, Pete Prokesch, Emily Rinkema, and Jeff Friedman
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Fourth Step by J. Malcolm Garcia
Fourth Step is about generational trauma. Garcia’s narrator is a recovering alcoholic who wants to make things right with his equally messy mother. The way Garcia writes dialogue – no line breaks to create momentum, followed by short paragraphs for impact – is extremely effective. I need to see you. Where? she said. You call…