Anytime I see Zachary Shatzer has a new book out, it’s an instant buy for me. Even if, as in this case, I have no idea what it’s about, his name alone is enough to get me to pick it up.

As it turns out, Mayor of Turtle Town is a collection of humorous short stories and essays. Some of them read like Dave Barry-style observational humor articles, others are more distinctly fictional. All of them contain the familiar wit and wisdom any reader of Shatzer would expect.

A few highlights:

• “Dad Writes a Book” is a story about a good-hearted but creatively-challenged man who attempts to write a novel with help from his family.  The process will be familiar to many of us in the writing community, as will the payoff at the end.
• “Characters” is a list of characters all meant to be in a single story, although how all of them would fit together is, by the author’s own admission, a bit of puzzle. Regardless, I would certainly read that a story if it were ever written! As it is, it’s quite entertaining.
• “My Dad’s Tank” may be the most emotionally powerful story Shatter has ever written. It’s still funny in its way, but really bittersweet as well. Probably my favorite story in the whole collection.
• “The Hottest Trend of 2034” is absolutely brilliant. I can’t tell you why. It just is.

There is much more to enjoy, but I don’t want to give it all away. Mayor of Turtle Town is a fine introduction to the wonderful, wacky world of Shatzer for those who have yet to enjoy his work. And for longtime fans such as myself, it’s another delightful addition to the collection.