- An engaging concept with moments of brilliance, but repetitive openings and inconsistent copyediting hinder the collection’s impact despite its potential.
Universally Adored and Other One Dollar Stories
Elizabeth Bruce’s Universally Adored & Other One Dollar Stories is an ambitious collection of 33 short tales tied together by a singular premise: the humble one-dollar bill. Through a kaleidoscope of characters and settings, Bruce explores themes of desperation, generosity, connection, and redemption, showcasing her ability to craft vivid, empathetic snapshots of the human experience. The range of tones – from poignant tragedy to wry humor – adds variety, and fans of working-class realism or Southern-inspired storytelling will appreciate the gritty authenticity and textured detail.
While the collection’s concept is engaging, it occasionally feels repetitive, as nearly all the stories begin with the phrase “One dollar” or a similar variation within the first sentence. A more rigorous copyediting process could have improved the book’s overall impact, addressing minor grammatical errors, refining paragraphing, and perhaps culling or expanding certain stories to allow the strongest narratives to shine. The brevity of many stories often leaves compelling premises underexplored, making some pieces feel like missed opportunities for greater depth or resolution. The thematic grouping of stories – though thoughtful – feels nonessential, as the collection’s premise alone provides a strong unifying thread.
Despite its imaginative premise and flashes of brilliance, Universally Adored & Other One Dollar Stories struggles with consistency. While a few standout stories deliver emotional resonance and depth, others feel underdeveloped or redundant, diluting the overall impact of the collection. Readers seeking a polished and cohesive experience may find the flaws hard to overlook, but those drawn to raw, thought-provoking tales will find moments worth savoring.
Bruce’s educational book, "CentroNía’s Theatrical Journey Playbook: Introducing Science to Early Learners through Guided Pretend Play", won or placed in four contests. A DC-based native of Texas, she has received numerous fellowships from the DC Commission on the Arts & Humanities, HumanitiesDC, and the McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation. Elizabeth has studied with Richard Bausch, the late Lee K. Abbott, Janet Peery, John McNally, and Liam Callanan. A co-founder of DC’s Sanctuary Theatre, she also co-hosts "Creativists in Dialogue: A Podcast Embracing the Creative Life", including its “Theatre in Community” and “Innovators, Artists & Solutions” series.
