I have a bad attitude toward books of short stories. That’s what MANHATTAN ROAD TRIP is. So I surprised myself by reading it cover to cover. Robin Meloy Goldsby pulls it off really well.

Short stories in some books are all connected and make up a greater story. MANHATTAN ROAD TRIP does not do that, but the stories do have things in common. Each is about one type of musician or another. And if you pay attention, you may find that each is related in other ways as well.

The book begins with a story about a concert pianist lamenting her middle age and all that has changed as a result. If you aren't impressed with this story, as I wasn't, keep reading, anyhow.

That story is immediately followed by a story about a Lady Gaga-like character. Her name is Baby. Get it? Baby says googoo gaga?

Other stories are about other types of musicians who play other types of instruments, even one who uses his hands as musical instruments (which I think is stretching it a bit). One musician, whose instrument is her lovely voice, who gave up following her own career in favor of her husband's, ends up killing her husband on church steps. (I'm not spoiling anything for you. The story lets you know right away.)

I am not a musical person. But it doesn’t take one to enjoy these stories. I did.