First Times: Stories Selected by Marthe Jocelyn

“First times” can be life-changing experiences. Marthe Jocelyn has selected fourteen unforgettable stories, written by several of the best authors in North America, which explore human nature and take the reader on a transforming journey. From innocent firsts, such as first blue jeans, first boyfriend, first job, first step into adulthood, to the more complex first disillusionment, first inappropriate love, first family breakup, first breach of trust, to the shocking first dead body and first night alone, the stories in First Times — in all their diversity — embrace and captivate with their power.

Contributors include Martha Slaughter, Curtis Parkinson, Susan Juby, Alan Cumyn, Susan Adach, Ted Staunton, Richard Scrimger, Gillian Chan, Bill Habeeb, Nancy Hartry, Bill Richardson, Tim Wynne-Jones, Marthe Jocelyn, and Sarah Ellis.

“First times” can be life-changing experiences. Marthe Jocelyn has selected fourteen unforgettable stories, written by several of the best authors in North America, which explore human nature and take the reader on a transforming journey. From innocent firsts, such as first blue jeans, first boyfriend, first job, first step into adulthood, to the more complex first disillusionment, first inappropriate love, first family breakup, first breach of trust, to the shocking first dead body and first night alone, the stories in First Times — in all their diversity — embrace and captivate with their power.

Contributors include Martha Slaughter, Curtis Parkinson, Susan Juby, Alan Cumyn, Susan Adach, Ted Staunton, Richard Scrimger, Gillian Chan, Bill Habeeb, Nancy Hartry, Bill Richardson, Tim Wynne-Jones, Marthe Jocelyn, and Sarah Ellis.

Children's Literature

This title includes fourteen short stories by various authors. In the story entitled "Fore!" by Nancy Hartry, a naive teenager named Alexander gets his first summer job at a golf course. A club member befriends Alexander and gives him generous tips in exchange for "favors." Alexander's employment is cut short after he is arrested for money laundering. Another selection entitled "Solitary Night" by Susan Adach is about a sixteen-year-old girl named Dixie and her first night at home alone. A friendly stranger knocks on the door and explains that he is an undercover officer who needs her help to catch a peeping Tom. Dixie heads up to her bedroom, turns on the light, and starts to undress. In the morning Dixie spots an object in the backyard that makes her realize who the peeping Tom really is. Young adults will enjoy reading the wide variety of well-written short stories in this anthology. These stories range from lighthearted to serious. Personal growth and insight are the byproducts of each character's experiences. A "Meet the Authors" section is included at the end of this book. Reviewer: Mary Jo Edwards

Marthe Jocelyn is an award-winning author and illustrator who worked for many years as a toy designer before turning her hand to writing. She has written six novels, including the critically acclaimed works of historical fiction, Mable Riley and Earthly Astonishments. Jocelyn has also written a nonfiction account of the Foundling Hospital in London, England, entitled, A Home for Foundlings. She has created eight picture books, one of which, Hannah’s Collections, was shortlisted for a Governor General’s Literary Award for Illustration. Jocelyn has also edited two collections of short stories. Marthe Jocelyn divides her time between New York and Stratford, Ontario.


From the Hardcover edition.