What’s In a Name by Sally Cronin

What’s in a name? Everything. As someone who has gone through the entire official argy-bargy to get my name legally changed, I appreciate the power behind the monikers we bear. Sally Cronin obviously shares this sensibility because this short story collection focuses on the unique power our names have to shape our lives.

Sometimes even a small change can be significant, as the first story, titled “Anne,” demonstrates so well. Just a small shift–to Annie–had great meaning to the woman who bore it. It shaped her entire sense of self, and went on to have meaning in her extended family as well.

Each tale has a given name as a significant factor. The names we bear become the basis of our own stories, as well as the foundation for the tales in this book.

Besides “Anne,” my favorites were “Celia,” “David,” and “George.” But give this book a read, and…