Book Review: Tradeoffs: Stories by David Galef

One of the delightful things about being an author is getting to know other writers throughout the community. I met David Galef at a publisher’s retreat in Chicago last spring. He is a creative writing professor who has penned a number of books, ranging from children’s literature and poetry to adult fiction, translation, and more.

I am lucky to have a story included with his work in the anthology, 20 over 60, twenty stories by authors over sixty, a recent release. He is also the editor of The Vestal Review, “the longest running flash fiction magazine on the planet,” and considered an expert at flash fiction.

A Different Kind of Short Story Collection

David’s current collection of short and extra-short fiction, Tradeoffs: Stories, Published by Cornerstone Press, 2026, highlights his ability to narrowly focus on a plot while satisfying in the best of ways. Galef’s mastery shows in how he manipulates readers to invest heavily in his characters. I felt for the woman who suffers from an overwhelming fear that drives her to go places but keeps her longer than intended in Shelter. Each character demonstrates nuances to carry universal appeal or traits. Many of the stories made me laugh or pulled at my heartstrings.

Something for Everyone

Tradeoffs’ stories range from a few paragraphs to several pages in length making it a great book to tuck into your pocketbook or backpack to read a little at a time. Amusing in general, some stories are satirical, and others bring to light real dilemmas and how complicated life can be. You’ll read about marital problems, childhood struggles, and artistic difficulties along with a stunt gone terribly wrong, but you’ll smile anyway.

What Is a Trade-Off?

The eponymous title story, Tradeoffs, is just that. For everything we do, another something is lost or traded. The “somethings” are small, like playing with jacks or a magic 8-ball, or enormous and life-defining, like losing one’s virginity. Where do we get trapped? Choices are made, some with clear consideration and others are impromptu. These stories offer a retrospective eye.

In many cases, the trades are not upgrades and, in fact, they showcase how one situation leads to or creates the next throughout our lives. An equal swap can instigate a poor decision and onto another questionable one and result in major damage or benefit. As one reads, Galef brings a twist of the unexpected, or his tone changes to signal acceptance.

At what point does our past stop informing our future choices or does a poor option make us think more carefully and seek a better outcome in the future? Or don’t we ever learn from our mishaps? And lastly, do we have any control at all? This book made me think conceptually about life itself.

Character Profiles

Galef’s ability to touch the inner workings of his characters shines through. There is Iggy who grows up in a circus family and lives a mundane and satisfying life as an adult. Another boy whose childhood stardom is launched after climbing into the bonobo pit at the zoo and the experience defines the rest of his life in unexpected and tragic ways. And there is poor Steven whose power over his surroundings keeps his life unruffled, until one too many things are affected.

The variety of characters and their backgrounds showcase how Galef has studied people’s habits and quirks. How else could he describe infinite ways a group of senior citizens refers to a train’s malfunction or concoct an office meeting for a merger and acquisition with Death itself?

Recommendation

Get the book for a gift, to read yourself, or share it with your partner. You’ll be amused, intrigued, and definitely entertained. David Galef has a way to make you feel every which way in as few words as possible.

As a writer, I rarely work on flash fiction or micro-fiction but Galef’s work compels me to try.

Join the Conversation:

Have you ever tried to write a complete story on one page? If you have, I’d love to hear about it. Either comment below to inspire others or email me at nancy@nancyjfagan.com.