Covering a wide range of topics, many based on observations, others purely imaginary, and some a creative mix of the real and unreal, Shorts: Poems and Short Stories is Charles Lopez Bruns’ third book. Available in paperback from many online retailers, it includes his poem on the colorful history of Long Branch, New Jersey, “The Friendly City: No Vacancy,” as well as other works inspired by his years at the Jersey Shore and New York City hometown. The nearly 140-page book contains 40 original poems and four previously unpublished short stories.
“an inviting and heartfelt collection that captures the beauty, humor, complexity and contradictions of everyday American life … The poems are rich with place and memory … The short stories anchor the collection with narrative depth … Bruns writes with sincerity and accessibility … Shorts is a celebration of lived experience.” — OpenAI’s ChatGPT chatbot review
“a compelling and diverse collection that deftly captures the pulse of American life through dual lenses: evocative poetry and insightful short fiction … a vibrant scrapbook of observations and reflections … Bruns’ writing is accessible yet poignant … a rewarding read for those who appreciate writing that finds the extraordinary in the everyday” — Google’s Gemini chatbot review
“a vivid tapestry of literary expression, weaving together poetry and short fiction with impressive skill and heart … The emotional range displayed—tenderness, humor, melancholy—makes Shorts an accessible and memorable read … a collection that invites readers to pause, ponder, and enjoy the artistry of well-crafted words.” — Microsoft’s Copilot chatbot review
To order Shorts: Poems and Short Stories, click on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Books-A-Million, or Strand. It can also be ordered from The Book House in Pier Village and many independent bookstores now!
About the author
Born to Cuban immigrants who settled in New York City before the Revolution, Charles began working as a journalist while a teenager and launched his corporate communication career during college before marrying and raising a family. But he never stopped thinking about who he is and what he isn’t or writing in his second language. Or wearing shorts.
For more information about the author, visit the Charles Anthony Communication website or see his LinkedIn profile.
For personalized copies, author talks, book signing events, media inquiries, permission requests and other questions, write to: CharlesAnthonyComm@gmail.com
Shorts: Poems and Short Stories
ISBN: 978-1-7377980-3-3
Library of Congress Control Number: 2025921171
Charles Lopez Bruns 