This short story collection, lovingly created in the tradition of early 20th century magazines like Argosy and The Blue Book, showcases author Van Reid's skills at bringing to life far flung places (the "zig-zag" of the title), people and events. The tone of the stories - a seaman's tall tale, a serious and suspenseful western, a policeman's unexpected adventure, to name but a few - vary widely, but have in common a profound love of humanity in all its forms and a subtle, wry wit. With a beautifully descriptive writing style and memorably sharp observations on human nature, this volume makes a fine addition to the library of those readers already a fan of Reid's Moosepath League novels.
Published in 2010, The American Zig-Zag was followed by one more volume (due to be reviewed here). The book is liberally illustrated (and I should mention in all fairness that I illustrated the western tale, "Mrs. Pynchon's Prerogatives"), and includes many amusing asides, diversions and off-trail observations. The volume concludes with a gorgeously written beginning of a serialized story, stirring the appetite of those readers who will want to pursue more Zig-Zag and the writings of Van Reid.
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