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Mississippi Review: Ski-Doo
by Pia Z. Ehrhardt

Pia Z. Ehrhardt’s short story Ski-Doo leaves much to be desired. How often does a father marry and bear children with his daughter’s best friend and no one has a problem with that?

Image from the movie "American Beauty" produce in 1999.

Don’t get me wrong the story is interesting mid-way through, but from the beginning it seems a bit dull and follows the usual plot line of a young girl trying to impress daddy, but thwarted by the pretty, outgoing best friend. For some reason American Beauty comes to mind here, except that plot had a climax.

Ok, maybe I’m being a bit harsh.

After finishing the story, I did go away with something. I can’t put words to what it was, but I felt a sense of closure. I also enjoyed the writing style that seems to really develop in the middle of the story. I would; however, instruct the writer into showing more than telling. For example:

“The class had begun to chant for me to get up, so I took the stage and juggled. I was a terrible actress. I couldn’t pretend I wasn’t jealous. I half-heartedly tossed two eggs up and down, worrying the whole time about how I looked. Not knowing how to end my routine, I threw the eggs at Claire, who didn’t pretend-duck. I left the theater and didn’t go back.”

I would much rather see the look the narrator gives Claire or see the unenthused juggling act. So instead of,

“I half-heartedly tossed two eggs up and down, worrying the whole time about how I looked.”

It would read,

“Two limp eggs spin slowly around my head as I look past the class to avoid prying eyes.”

Nevertheless, the story contains simplistic beauty anyone can enjoy for a quick read.

About the Reviewer
Katie Cummings has been writing and editing for several years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Southern Oregon University in 2005 with an emphasis in creative writing. She has worked as editor of the West Wind Review and actively runs a creative writing group online.

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