Songs To Dream By is a collection of short stories that blend philosophy, humor, introspection, childlike whimsy, minimalism, and speculative fiction. In this debut collection from Adam Moderow, there is something for everyone. A stuffed animal wanders across the desert to find the child that depends on it. A man wakes up in a morgue to a wizard interrogating him about his own murder. A hall monitor investigates the new music teacher, math in green ink, what the librarian knows, and what it all has to do with the sudden spike in detentions. These stories and more come together to explore the variability of identity based on context, the company we keep, and the goals we set for ourselves. Who are we when we have direction and drive? Who are we when the rules we thought we knew disappear? Who are we when the waking world becomes as fluid as a dream?
-Amazon Review
“…really fun, sometimes philosophical but always heartfelt collection of short stories that veer towards sci-fi/speculative fiction, but really run the gamut of genres.
Think Black Mirror but with less existential dread. Not none, just less.”
-Richard Pulfer, co-creator of the webcomic "Blue Yonder"
"Songs to Dream By" perfectly encapsulates the author's eclectic versatility. Some stories are haunting and others are playful, but every single tale in this collection lingers long after you've closed the book."
- Good Reads Review
"Adam's voice is that of a storyteller: his writing is unique with an undeniable air of curiosity. Frankly, his curiosity is contagious. These stories will linger and have you wondering 'what if?' and mulling over the possibilities.”
-Becky Connors, Freeport High School English instructor
“A winning combination of sensitive realism and disturbing supernaturalism.”
- Laura Watson, Reference Librarian at Highland Community College
"Each offering from Adam Moderow’s short story collection, Songs to Dream By, carries us from somewhere vaguely familiar into a realm of surprises. As Moderow weaves varied tales, some dark and some whimsical, the reader follows the threads in wonder. Echoes of the past and signs of imagined futures invite us along, if we’re paying attention.”
