Love in the Time of Cholesterol

The mid-twentieth century was a pivotal time in American history. Through the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, our nation saw creeping changes that led to social upheaval. In his new short story collection, Love in the Time of Cholesterol, James Stark looks back on these decades and how their events still affect people today.

Each story presents unique characters and scenarios, but all look at the widely varying manifestations of love. At his wife’s urging, a man explores the physical and emotional side effects of taking the “little blue pill.” A wife seeks an emotional connection with her husband through togetherness activities, but when she gives up and starts her own hobbies, she discovers his secrets. A traumatized Vietnam veteran finally seeks anger-management therapy. A naïve American filmmaker gets into trouble while exploring behind the Iron Curtain. When a student’s curiosity forces a college professor to open up about his Vietnam War experience, long-suppressed memories lead to self-discovery.

These and other introspective tales make for a thought-provoking look back at challenging, meaningful times and their lingering effects on people and relationships.

James Stark is a veteran of the Vietnam War and a retired university professor. An avid traveler, he spent considerable time in Eastern Bloc nations during the Cold War. Stark and his wife have two grown children and live in Seattle. His second collection of short stories, Love in the Time of Cholesterol, looks back on the 1950s, '60s, and '70s with nostalgic but honest eyes.