Tales of Accidental Genius by Simon Van Booy

Tales of Accidental Genius, Simon Van Booy’s latest collection of short stories, unveils the beauty and sadness in the lives of everyday people. Each story opens in isolation, hinging upon the actions of the titular geniuses. But genius has nothing to do with intelligence; it lives at the crossroads between resourcefulness and compassion.
None of the characters in Tales of Accidental Genius are at their best. Van Booy plunges the reader into their lives, communicating the melancholy and minute details holding their attention. While each character’s story arc may first appear inconsequential, the emotional weight of each is enough to draw tears.
In “The Goldfish,” for example, an old man is concerned for the wellbeing of his beloved pet fish, Piper. Multiple phone calls and visits to find someone who can help Piper yield no fruit until a young pet shop worker finally lends a hand. The worker not only solves the problem but also gives the old man hope in his otherwise monotonous and solitary life.