Small Town Michigan Tales

A Collection of Short Stories by Joseph E. Pluta

This collection of twenty-four short stories focuses on diverse experiences in small Michigan communities during the second half of the twentieth century. It addresses such topics as racial conflict and harmony, white collar crime, college life, family dynamics, tragedy, aspirations of young athletes, growing up, personal rejection, dishonesty in academia, unusual mentors, less than ethical policemen, class conflict, and career triumphs of a twice unhappily married woman. Michigan's Polish, Finnish, Irish, Hispanic, and Asian cultures are highlighted. The stories present the human side of life in American small towns from the relative ease of physical entry into these communities to the psychological difficulty of exit.

Joseph E. Pluta

Joseph Pluta grew up in New Buffalo, Michigan where, as a child, adolescent, and young adult, he experienced first hand the warmth and occasional coldness of small town life in the state. He still enjoys travelling throughout Michigan and Canada. A college professor for over forty years, the author of fourteen previous books, and a published poet, Joe currently resides in Austin, Texas.