A loveable cast of characters makes its way through worlds of magic realism and reality with humor, pathos, and a sense of great fun. In this debut collection of short stories, Charles Maxwell’s characters are impeccably rendered, and, for the most part, entirely human. From a precocious class of grade school students who launch their increasingly frustrated teacher into space to a Maine coon cat who springs into action to save its owner’s life, these stories will capture your interest and tickle your imagination. With a 5-star review from Readers’ Favorite, Mr. Chiardi & Other Stories is a quick and entertaining read. Funny and intriguing, the book is the work of a highly imaginative and inventive writer. His stories are cleverly creative with entirely original plots and colorful characters. Each tale is unique and amusing, a wildly enjoyable collection of short fiction guaranteed to surprise and delight. Mr. Chiardi & Other stories is the perfect way to blast away the humdrum of daily life with quick trips into the quirky lives of characters who will stay with you long after you put down the book. In the meantime, laugh, enjoy, and have a great time. Unlike reality, this book is full of happy endings.