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Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Capers and Switcheroos by Chip Cater is a collection of original short stories that lean into pivotal moments and shifting environments in the lives of those within them and range in length, tone, and tenor. In Chestnut Street, childhood unfolds amid war games, odd home repairs, and full sensory memories, grasping the rough-and-tumble spirit of a New Jersey neighborhood. Red M&M’s follows a young man in 1978 who sparks unexpected media attention through an office prank, ultimately choosing love and creative pursuits over corporate predictability. In Something Noticed, a couple’s visit to Vietnam reveals the lasting environmental impacts of war, contrasting with the natural richness of their current home. The stories mix humor, memories, and irony to portray the impact of decisions, cultural contrasts, and the subtle details that define meaning in everyday life.
Chip Cater’s Capers and Switcheroos offers a delightful blend of wit, nostalgia, and sharp observations on the human experience. The writing is simple and straightforward, using wonderful descriptions and clever storylines to drive the tales. One standout in the collection is Switcheroo, which is a subtle but relatable commentary on corporate culture. Set on an Aruba work trip, complete with a rude colleague, a seat swap, and a wine mishap, it goes a long way in leaning into the quirks of office dynamics and the unexpected twists in professional relationships. Cater’s ability to pull together several different outlooks, with variances between what he has created, and to allow each story to stand on its own, is brilliant. The writing style is so important when the work's word count is pared down, but this is an example of how a skilled writer can still pack a big punch in the short story format.
