- “With its focus on human nature, the book would make a great choice for a book club.” —Lone Star Literary Life
- “A lush tangle of small-town life branches out in this engrossing collection of short stories.” –Kirkus Reviews
- “The Acorn Stories delivers insight into a fictional small town, illustrating the ups and downs of life.” –Novels Alive
- “A vivid West Texas story-cycle that blends sharp comedy with hard truths, rewarding readers who like recurring-cast, small-town literary fiction built from interlocking short stories.” –True Voice Review
- “Duane Simolke’s stories invite the reader to linger — to notice the quiet in between the noise. A lovely reminder that depth lives in the details.” –Iwan Ross, author of Keepers of the Lighthouse
- “If you enjoy stories of new beginnings, stories with humor, and realistic characters then this is absolutely the book for you.” –Scribble’s Worth Book Reviews
- “Each story left me delighted and satisfied, yet still yearning for more.” –Robert Karl, author of The Goldies: 50th High School Reunion
- “The central theme is the human condition and the shared experiences, emotions, and challenges of the town's residents, with topics that range from light and funny to dramatic and thought-provoking.” –Tenkara Smart, author of His Name is Junsaku
- “I swung from sad to happy, angry to laughing out loud.” –Tweetables
- “Simolke shares life’s beautiful and humorous moments side by side with the devastating and painful ones, and the contrast is palpable.” –The RedHead Notes
- “For those who are searching for a book which is written so well that you are able to enjoy a respite from reality and enter into a fictional world…this is the book for you!” –Author and book blogger Leonard Tillerman
- “Duane Simolke presents an enthralling collection of slice-of-life stories set in a fictional Texas town.” –Readers' Favorite
- “Duane Simolke is one of our great American writers just ready to be recognized as such. He has the talent and the imagination and the humanity and the perspective to make each of our lives richer. Bravo!” –Grady Harp, Amazon Hall of Fame Reviewer
- “I found this book to be a perfect vacation companion.” –A. Chandler
- “These highly believable settings and naturally developed characters could be anywhere in the nation.” —TMDGReviews
- “I love the numerous small wins of the characters and the unexpected turns of luck.” –Billy O.
- “You’ll want to read every story to the very end of the book to grasp the concept of the interweaving relationships of these characters that at first glance appear to have no connection.” –RLWood.Rocks Book Reviews
- “Having spent quite a bit of time in Texas, I could see each character matching someone I know or have met in my time there.” –Noel D
- “Amazing and hard to put down.” –Kimmie Sue’s Book Review and More
- “Snapshots of the lives of people and their life-changing encounters that will leave lasting impressions on you.” –Michelle Williams
- “Readers who enjoy immersive first person stories about small town life and the human condition will love this book.” –Purple
- “The author demonstrates a healthy understanding of human nature.” –John H. Mangold
- “A talented, insightful author.” –E. Conley, Betty's Books
- “The town is Acorn, Texas, and it is a representation of all of the tiny places, or wide places in the road that dot America.” –jonboy
- “If you liked WINESBURG, OHIO . . . rejoice.” –Watchword
- “By the time you have finished reading these tales of the people who inhabit the fictitious town of Acorn, Texas, population 21,001, you will have met some endearing as well as irritating characters, from the Mayor to the local would-be gigolo; from the busy-bodies to the business owners; from those who grew up in Acorn and have tried to escape the small town to those who have moved to Acorn to escape from the real world.” –Ronald L. Donaghe, author of Uncle Sean
- “A well-crafted collection of short stories.” –L. L. Lee, author of Taxing Tallula
- “It was a real pleasure to read about the fictional town of Acorn, Texas.” –Mark Kendrick, author of Desert Sons
- “Simolke makes good use of his vivid imagination in creating credible dialogue and satirical images.” –Huda Orfali, author of Blue Fire
- “There are people that you like, some that you can't wait to see if they get theirs.” –Joe Wright, StoneWall Society
- “Each of Simolke's stories lets us look into the lives of some of the most interesting characters I have ever read about.” –Amos Lassen, Literary Pride
- “When you finish, when you put the book aside, Acorn will still be with you.” –E. Carter Jones, author of Absence of Faith
- “I highly recommend this book!” –Richard Carlson, author of Jeremy Grabowski's Crazy Summer in Stormville!
- “…reminds us that nobody is perfect and that everyone is just trying to get by in life either it be by hurting others or by trying to change their life for the better.” —The Abstract
Book Trailer: Comedy and Drama with a Texas Twist
Book Trailer: Revised Video of Flip, Turn
Book Trailer: Small-Town Humor. Big-Time Drama
